^SS 


BIOLOGY  LIBRARY 


LOCKED 
CASE 


I.  J.  Maynard,  Bird  Lover, 
lies  at  84  at  Ne\vton,Mass. 

jrnitli«.l..ni.|        Was        Prolific 
IVritcr;  Studied  \ "oral  Organs 

NKWTON.  Mass..  Oct.  15  \JP)- — Charles 
Maynard.  ornithologist,  died  at  his 
est  Newton  home  today.  He  was 
fhty-four  years  old.  He  was  Inter- 
:ed  In  nature  studies  for  many  years, 
d  the  discovery  of  the  vocal  organs  of 
e  American  bittern,  was  attributed  to 
m. 


Wnrkeil  en  Mother's  Farm 
Charles   Johnson   Maynard   was   born 
Newton.  Mass..  on  May  6.  1845. 
d  while  receiving  his  education  In  the 
bile     schools     he     worked     on     his 
Dther's  farm,  where  he  attained  an  In- 
nctlve   familiarity   with   all   forms  of 
ture.     He  was  a  facile  writer,  one  of 
best     known     works.     "Records    of 
alks  and  Talks  With  Nature."  taking 
ilumes  to  complete.    Prom  1910 
1919   he  was   Instructor  in  economic 
rd  study   at   the    Massachusetts   Agri- 
It  urn]  College  at  Amhurst. 
[n   1975  he  was  elected  vice-president 
the   Nuttall    Ornithological   Club,   of 
He  was  the  originator 
'The   NutUll    Bulletin."   un    ornillio- 
CHl  Journal,  and  was  a  charter  mem- 
r  of  the  Newton  Natural   History  So- 
ty.    of    which    he    was    president    la 

Mr.  MaynarU  made  notable  Investlga- 
Into  thr  viK'al  organ*  of  birds,  the 
•if  lux  fcludx-H.  "Vocal  Organs  of 
Iking  bnu.*  and  of  Other  Species." 
Ing  puijli.sln-U  in  1918  and  going  Into 
second  edition  In  1922. 

writings     Include     "Naturalists' 
"Birds  of  Eastern  North  Amer- 
Biitterflles     of     New     England." 
f  North  American  Birds."  "Con- 
ns to  Science"   (three  volumesi. 
hama    Fruit    Finch."     "Manual    of 
orth    American    Butterflies."    Sparrows 
rl    Flnrhes   of    New    England."    "War- 
ier" of  New  England."  "Manual  of  Tax- 
"Methods     In     Moss     Study." 
[field  Directory  to  the  Birds  of  Eastrrn 
lorth    Amerlra"    and    an   atlas    accom- 

j  the  directory. 
I  A  daughter  survives. 

. 


PLATFf. 


MYIODIOCTESPUSILLUS. 

Black-capped  Warbler.  Adult. 


THE    BIRDS 


OF 


EASTERN  NORTH  AMERICA; 


WITH 


ORIGINAL  DESCRIPTIONS 

OF   ALL   THE   SPECIES  WHICH   OCCUR 

EAST  OF  THE  MISSISSIPPI    RIVER, 

BETWEEN   THE 

Arctic  Circle  and  the  Gulf  of  Mexico, 

• 
WITH  FULL  NOTES  UPON  THEIR  HABITS,  ETC., 

BY 

C.  J.  MAYNARD; 

1  1 
CONTAINING 

THIRTY-TWO    PLATES    DRAWN    ON    STONE   BY  THE    AUTHOR. 


KXTC7TSEX3 


NEWTONVILLE,    MASS: 

C.   J.   MAYNARD   &   CO. 
1881. 


L  c,%\ 


BIOLOGY 
LIBRARY 


BIOLOGY  I  ."3RARY 


PREFACE. 


During  the  winter  of  1871,  when  the  author  was  in  Southern  Florida,  he  decided  to 
write  a  work  upon  the  birds  which  occurred  in  that  state.  Arrangements  for  publishing 
such  a  book  were  made  with  the  Naturalists'  Agency  at  Salem  during  the  following  sum- 
mer and  a  prospectus  containing  several  pages  taken  from  the  body  of  the  work,  accompa- 
nied by  an  uncolored  plate,  was  prepared;  but,  owing  to  the  absence  of  the  author  who 
was  again  in  Florida,  these  advance  sheets  did  not  appear  until  April,  1872,  and  in  October 
of  that  year,  the  first  part  of  THE  BIRDS  OF  FLORIDA  was  issued.  During  the  following 
year,  Part  II  was  published.  In  January,  1874,  the  author  assumed  the  financial  responsi- 
bility of  publishing  the  work  and  brought  out  Part  III.  Owing  to  several  causes,  the 
publication  of  the  book  was  then  discontinued  until  May,  1878,  when  a  new  issue  was 
commenced  by  the  publishers  of  the  present  work  but  with  a  change  of  title  which  then 
read  THE  BIRDS  OF  FLORIDA  WITH  THE  WATER  AND  GAME  BIRDS  OF  EASTERN  NORTH  AMERICA, 
and  six  additional  numbers  were  brought  out  ending  with  Part  IX  which  appeared  in 
March,  1870.  It  was  then  decided  to  abandon  the  publication  of  the  work. 

In  June,  1879,  the  publication  of  THE  BIRDS  OF  EASTERN  NORTH  AMERICA  was  com- 
menced. This  work  is  remodeled  on  the  old  "Birds  of  Florida"  but,  as  it  includes  all  the 
birds  which  occur  between  the  Arctic  Circle  and  Gulf  the  of  Mexico,  east  of  the  Mississippi 
River,  its  scope  is  very  much  enlarged.  An  entirely  new  edition  of  plates  has  been  pre- 
pared for  this  book,  all  of  which  have  been  drawn  on  stone  by  the  author.  Some  few 
changes  have  been  made  in  the  text  but,  as  it  has  not  been  thought  expedient  to  repage 
the  hook,  the  reader  will  find  that  the  first  128  pages  treat,  with  some  few  exceptions, 
solely  of  the  birds  which  occur  in  Florida,  but  descriptions  of  the  few  which .  have  been 
omitted  are  to  be  found  in  the  appendix.  Some  species  which  are  only  stragglers  in  the 
region  of  which  I  write  which  are  not  given  in  their  proper  places,  are  also  described  in 
that  portion  of  the  work;  therefore  it  will  be  well  for  the  reader  to  consult  the  index  when 
he  wishes  to  find  the  account  of  any  particular  species. 

Although  the  classification  given  is  based  upon  one  now  used  by  nearly  all  systematic 
ornithologists,  I  have  made  some  changes,  in  doing  which  I  have  been  mainly  guided  by 
my  anatomical  researches.  Nearly  all  of  the  characters  used  are  illustrated  by  drawings 
which  are  explained,  either  in  the  text  or  under  their  proper  headings  in  the  list  of  plates. 
All  the  figures  given,  unless  so  stated,  are  life-sized. 

In  giving  the  common  names  of  birds,  I  have  endeavored  to  use  the  one  by  which  the 
species  is  generally  distinguished  but  an  extended  list  of  local  and  popular  names  by  which 
each  species  is  known,  is  given  in  a  table  near  the  end  of  the  volume. 

The  scientific  names  are  those  in  current  usage  but  I  have  purposely  omitted  some  spe- 
cific appellations  which  Dr.  Elliott  Coues  and  others  have  shown  to  be  now  necessary  in  order 


M1S2558 


IV  PREFACE. 

to  avoid  confusion,  especially  to  young  students,  but  such  names  maybe  found  in  the  index. 
I  have  also  considered  it  advisable  not  to  occupy  space  by  inserting  lists  of  synonyms;  there- 
fore, only  one  appellation  is  usually  given,  followed  by  the  name  of  the  person  who  first 
described  the  species  or  who  first  placed  it  in  the  genus  in  which  it  now  stands,  excepting 
in  some  cases,  where  I  differ  from  recent  authors  regarding  the  specific  rank  of  certain 
forms. 

A  few  words  of  explanation  concerning  my  use  of  the  name  of  Pipilo  hucopis  for  a 
species  which  had  already  been  described  by  Dr  Elliott  Coues  as  Pipilo  Alleni,  may  be 
necessary.  In  the  winter  of  18G8, 1  discovered  the  White-eyed  Towhee,  as  related  on  page 
114,  and  took  many  specimens.  Arriving  in  Jacksonville  later  in  the  season,  I  met  my 
friend,  Mr.  J.  A.  Allen,  who  had  been  collecting  in  Florida,  and  on  conversing  with  him, 
was  surprised  to  learn  that  he  had  not  noted  any  of  the  Towhees  which  I  had  found  so 
common.  A  short  time  after,  however,  I  called  his  attention  to  some  living  specimens 
which  were  exposed  for  sale  in  a  cage  in  the  city  market.  After  examining  them,  we 
walked  down  Bay  street  and  going  a  short  distance,  met  Mr.  George  A.  Boardman  who 
was  at  that  time  unacquainted  with  the  bird  in  question;  I  therefore  informed  him  where 
he  might  see  a  living  specimen  of  my  new  Towhee.  Up  to  that  time,  be  it  noted,  no  one, 
excepting  myself,  had  ever  observed  that  there  was  a  Towhee  in  Florida"  having  white 
eyes.  Upon  my  return  home,  I  sent  some  specimens  to  the  Smithsonian  Institution  at 
Washington  at  the  request  of  Prof.  Baird,  but  upon  condition  that  they  should  not  be  de- 
scribed until  I  had  decided  respecting  their  specific  rank.  The  Museum  of  Comparative 
Zoology  purchased  the  greater  portion  of  my  Florida  collection  but,  as  I  was  well  acquaint- 
ed with  .Mr.  Allen's  views  concerning  birds,  I  had  no  fear  of  his  describing  the  bird  as  new 
and  he  did  not  do  so  in  his  "Winter  Birds  of  East  Florida"  which  appeared  shortly  after. 
When  I  decided  to  publish  my  work  on  the  Birds  of  Florida,  I  wrote  Prof.  Baird  and  other 
friends,  from  Florida,  stating  that  I  had  decided  that  the  Pipilo  was  new  and  that  I  should 
describe  it  upon  my  return.  In  fact,  my  name  was  in  manuscript  when  Dr.  Coues'  Pipi- 
'lo  Alleni  appeared  in  a  foot-note  in  the  "American  Naturalist"  for  August,  1871,  accompa- 
nied by  a  short,  comparative  description  in  Latin  made,  as  he  has  since  informed  me,  without 
seeing  a  specimen  of  the  bird  but  based  upon  Mr.  Allen's  account  as  it  appeared  in  the 
"Winter  Birds  of  East  Florida"  which  Dr.  Coues  was  then  reviewing.  Dr.  Coues  was  at 
the  time,  however,  unaware  that  I  was  about  to  describe  the  bird.  Influenced  by  the  cir- 
cumstances, I  concluded  not  to  discard  my  name  and  so  published  it  in  the  prospectus 
then  issued  and  have  since  used  it  in  the  body  of  the  work. 

The  Ammodromus  melanoleucus  was  described  by  Mr.  Robert  Ridgway  as  a  variety, 
nigrescens,  a  short  time  previous  to  my  describing  it  as  a  species  in  "Rod  and  Gun",  the 
sixteenth  of  January,  1875,  but,  as  I  then  stated  and  now  think,  I  am  not  obliged  to  use  a 
name  which  has  been  given  to  a  variety  when  I  raise  that  variety  to  a  specific  rank. 

C.  J.  M. 

NEWTONVILLE,  MASS.,  1879. 


BIUDS 

OF 

EASTERN  NORTH  AMERICA 


SUB-CLASS  I.    LAND  BIRDS. 

TlBIA  AND  FIBULA,  FREE;  NOT  INCLOSED  WITHIN  TUB  SKIN  OF  THE  BODY.  FEET,  NEVER 
WHOLLY  PALMATE. 

Tins  sub-class  embraces  all  birds  that  live  upon  the  land,  comprising  by  far  tho  great- 
er number  of  species.  Among  them  are  found  the  most  unique  and  widely  diversified 
forms.  The  wingless,  ill-formed  Apteryx,  the  majestic,  high-soaring  Eagle,  the  disgust- 
ing Vulture,  the  beautiful-plumaged  Paradise  Birds,  the  tiny,  graceful  Humming  Birds, 
the  gigantic  Ostrich;  in  short,  all  the  countless  feathered  tribes  whose  presence  enlivens 
and  beautifies  woodland,  plain,  and  shore,  can  claim  relationship  under  this  head. 

ORDER  I.   INSESSORES.   PERCHING  BIRDS. 

Base  of  hind  toe,  on  a  level  with  the  anterior  toes.  Tibia,  usually  feathered  to  the  tarsal 
joint. 

Tho  sternum  has  two  moderate  marginal  indentations  which  equal  in  depth,  at  least, 
one  fourth  the  length  of  the  top  of  the  keel.  The  keel  is  also  moderate,  although  exceed- 
ing in  height,  at  least,  one  half  the  width  of  the  sternum,  but  it  is  never  as  high  as  the 
sternum  is  l>n>ad.  Under  this  order  are  classed  all  birds  that  find  their  homes  in  trees  and 
shrubs,  although  many  move  with  ease  upon  the  ground. 

SECTION  I.    OSCINES.    SINGING  BIEDS. 

Inferior  larynx,  provided  with  a  peculiar,  muscular  apparatus  for  singing.  The  sterno- 
trachealis  has  its  origin  below  the  broncho-trachealis. 

On  account  of  the  complicated  larynx,  usually  provided  with  five  pairs  of  muscles,  the 
species  embraced  in  this  order  are  capable  of  producing  a  variety  of  modulated  and  harmo- 
nious notes.  It  is  to  them  that  we  owe  those  songs,  full  of  liquid  melody,  which  add  so 
much  to  the  beauty  of  our  sylvan  retreats. 

FAMILY  I.     TURDID^E.     THE  THRUSHES. 

Marginal  indentations  of  sternum,  exceeding  in  depth  the  hcir/ht  of  the  keel.     Width  of  sternum,  not  more  than  half  the 
length  of  the  keel.     Hind  toe,  less  than  twice  the  lenyth  of  the  anterior  toes. 


2  TURDUS  M1GRATORIUS. 

Generally  birds  of  plain  colors,  but  what  they  lack  in  this  respect  is  made  up  in  vocal  powers,  for  among  them  are  some 
of  the  finest  singers  in  the  world.  The  stomach  is  quite  muscular.  The  provcntriculus  is  not  large  and  is  provided  with 
simple  glands  which  are  arranged  in  a  zonular  band.  The  pancreas  is  quite  large  and  the  spleen  is  a  cylindrical  body, 
usually  curved.  The  coeca  are  present  but  very  small. 

GENUS  I.  TURDUS.  THE  THRUSHES  PROPER. 

GEN.  Cn.  Bill,  shorter  than  the  head,  conical,  with  the  tip  slightly  curved  and  notched,  either  yellow  in  color  or  brown, 
lighter  at  the  base  of  the  lower  mandible.  Anterior  face  of  tarsus,  in  adult  specimens,  fused  into  a  continuous  plate. 

Members  of  this  genus  are  spotted  below,  at  least  in  some  stage  of  plumage,  but  a  few  species  exhibit  this  character 
only  when  very  young. 

TURDUS  MIGRATORIUS. 

Robin.    Migratory  Thrush. 

Turdus  miyratorius  LINN.,  Syst.  Nat.  12  ed.;  1766,  292. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  Wings,  rather  long  and  pointed.  Tail,  slightly  rounded.  Marginal  indenta- 
tions, equal  in  depth  to  the  width  of  the  sternum.  Tongue,  not  very  wide,  slightly  cleft  at  the  extremity,  and  delicately 
fringed  with  cilia  for  about  one  half  of  the  terminal  length. 

COLOR.  Adult  male  in  spring.  Back,  rump,  outer  edges  of  primaries,  secondaries,  and  tertiaries,  ashy-gray;  other 
portions  of  wings  above,  dark-brown.  Top  and  sides  of  head,  upper  portions  of  throat  and  tail,  black;  the  latter,  streaked 
with  white.  Interscapular  region,  ashy,  spotted  with  black.  Spots  above  and  below  the  eye  and  just  in  front  of  the  upper 
portion  of  it,  chin,  abdomen,  and  under  tail  coverts,  pure  white;  the  latter,  streaked  with  ashy.  Under  parts  of  wings  and 
tail,  glaucous,  with  the  primaries  tinged  with  pale  buff.  Remainder  of  lower  portion,  including  under  wing  coverts,  rich 
golden-brown.  Bill,  yellow. 

Adult  female  in  spring.  Similar  to  the  above  but  generally  paler  which  is  especially  noticeable  in  the  colors  below  which 
are  inclined  to  be  yellowish-rufous. 

Adult  in  winter.  The  plumage  differs  from  that  in  spring  in  having  the  feathers  of  the  under  portion  of  the  body,  as 
well  as  the  secondaries  and  tertiaries,  tipped  with  white.  The  upper  surface  is  tinged  with  brown.  This  is  especially  no- 
ticeable in  Robins  taken  in  Southern  Florida  during  January. 

Young.  Similar  to  the  winter  male,  but  has  two  white  bars  on  the  wings  composed  of  drop-shaped  marks  on  the  tips 
of  the  two  rows  of  wing  coverts.  During  winter,  birds  in  this  stage  are  strongly  tinged  with  brown,  both  on  the  under  and 
upper  surfaces  of  the  body.  The  bill  is  also  browner. 

Nestlings.  Pale  yellow  beneath,  barred  and  spotted  throughout  with  black.  The  feathers  of  the  upper  surface  are 
darker  and  tipped  with  drop-shaped  marks  of  white.  The  upper  row  of  lesser  wing  coverts  is  streaked  with  brownish-yellow. 
Throat  and  chin,  pure  white,  with  a  brown  maxillary  line.  Iris  and  feet,  brown  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

The  above  description  will  serve  +o  distinguish  this  species  from  all  others.  As  will  be  seen  by  dimensions  given  below, 
specimens  taken  in  Southern  Florida,  although  smaller  in  size,  have  a  longer  tail  than  those  from  New  England.  The  bill  is 
also  longer  in  proportion  to  the  size  of  the  bird.  This  merely  illustrates  a  now  well-known  law  of  nature.  It  is  a  widely 
distributed  bird,  being  found  throughout  the  entire  extent  of  North  America. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  twenty-seven  specimens  from  New  England.  Length,  9'69;  stretch,  15'31;  wing,  4'84;  tail, 
3'37;  bill,  '80;  tarsus,  1-35.  Longest  specimen,  10'75;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  1(V50;  longest  wing,  5'40:  tail,4'20;  bill,  1-00; 
tarsus,  T36.  Shortest  specimen,  9-15;  smallest  extentofwing,  15-00;  shortest  wing,  4'25;  tail,  3'76;  bill,  '70:  tarsus,  rio. 

Average  measurements  of  seventeen  specimens  from  Southern  Florida.  Length,  9'06;  stretch,  15'03;  wing,  4'87;  tail, 
3'90;  bill,  '71;  tarsus,  1-06.  Longest  specimen,  lO'OO;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  16'25;  longest  wing,  5-20;  tail,  4-10;  bill, 
•85;  tarsus,  T75.  Shortest  specimen,  9'15;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  14'80;  shortest  wing,  4'10;  tail,  3'40;  bill,  -50;  tarsus, 
1-00. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  generally  placed  in  trees  or  bushes,  composed  of  mud  mixed  with  grass,  and  the  compound  when  dried  forms  a 
kind  of  cement.  They  are  almost  always  smoothly  lined  with  fine,  dead  grasses,  and  are  placed  on  a  foundation  of  coarse 
grass.  Tlie  nests  are  regular  in  form  and  well  proportioned  to  the  size  of  the  bird.  Nests  built  in  damp  localities  contain 
less  mud  than  those  found  in  drier  places.  Dimensions,  external  diameter,  H'OO,  internal,  4'50.  External  depth,  4'50,  in- 
ternal, 3'00. 

E/jys,  four  or  five  in  number,  oval  in  form,  greenish-blue  in  color,  of  varying  shades  but  generally  very  dark,  and  un- 
spotted. Dimensions  from  1'OSx  '80  to  !•  26  x  '85. 


3 


HABITS. 


We  l:ui<le<l  at  Key  West  in  November,  1870,  only  a  week  or  two  after  the  fearful  hurricanes 
which,  during  the  latter  part  of  October,  had  raged  along  the  coast,  doing  an  immense  amount 
of  damage.  The  Florida  Reefs,  from  Tortngas  to  Cape  Canaveral,  were  strewn  with  wrecks, 
and  many  of  the  smaller  keys  were  swept  by  the  water,  which  rose  to  a  great  height.  Even  the 
little  city  of  Key  West  suffered  much  from  the  effects  of  the  gale.  The  long  fringed  leaves  of 
the  cocoa-nut  palms  were  twisted  and  torn  in  such  a  manner  that  the  beauty  of  many  of  these 
statelv  trees,  which  had  been  the  pride  of  the  city,  was  sadly  marred.  Orchards,  in  which 
lately  flourished  the  orange,  citron,  pomegranate,  and  other  tropical  trees  and  shrubs  were 
visited  by  the  destroying  typhoon,  and  the  ripening  fruit  dashed  to  the  ground.  Gardens, 
before  lovely  with  flowers  of  varied  hpes,  where  the  night  blooming  cereus  gave  out  its  fragrance 
when  the  Southern  cross  shone  down,  were  disfigured,  and  iu  many  cases  ruined.  In  fact,  the 
whole  island  was  but  a  wreck  of  what  it  was  before  this  scourge  came  upon  it. 

Nor  was  this  all  ;  after  a  few  weeks  of  extreme  drought,  rains  fell  accompanied  by  intense 
heat,  and  the  danger  of  yellow  fever  was  imminent.  Everybody  was  longing  for  cooler  weather, 
but  in  vain  ;  still  the  heat  continued  until  even  the  birds,  which  were  quite  abundant  upon  our 
arrival,  left  the  island.  But  as  all  such  tedious  seasons  must  have  an  end,  so  relief  came  to  the 
inhabitants  of  Key  West  in  the  form  of  a  cool,  dry  "norther."  We  had  some  heavy  showers, 
during  which  rain  fell,  as  only  tropical  rains  can  fall,  and  deluged  the  island.  After  this  the 
wind  blew  fresh  from  the  snow  fields  of  the  Northland,  driving  the  pestilential  vapors  before  it, 
suiftlv  and  surely,  until  the  Key  was  cleansed.  Indeed  it  blew  so  long  and  so  cold,  and  the 
thermometer  fell  so  low,  that  the  "oldest  inhabitant"  could  not  bring  to  mind  a  like  instance. 
The  fishes  and  crabs  along  the  shore  were  surprised  in  shoal  water  by  this  unusual  occurrence, 
and,  although  the  weather  was  not  actually  freezing  (the  thermometer  only  stood  at  40°),  died 
in  immense  numbers  and  were  washed  on  shore. 

In  the  very  midst  of  this  chilly  weather  I  awoke  one  morning  to  hear  the  cheery  notes  of  the 
Robin.  I  went  out  among  the  shrubbery  and  found  that  there  were  thousands,  the  whole  island 
beiiii;  filled  with  them,  and  their  energetic  call  notes  resounded  on  all  sides.  So  suddenly  had 
thev  appeared  that  it  seemed  as  if  they  had  been  born  from  the  breath  of  the  North  Wind. 
Their  advent  seemed  unusual,  for  our  venerable  friend  opened  his  eyes  and  declared  that  they 
had  not  favored  the  Key  with  a  visit  for  years,  and  that  their  coining  promised  more  cool  weather. 
I  was  glad  to  see  their  red  breasts  again,  even  if  they  did  look  out  of  place  among  the  strange 
foliaged  trees,  and  to  hear  their  brusque  notes  once  more.  They  were  restless,  however,  and 
constantly  flitted  from  place  to  place,  as  if  discontented  with  the  locality.  During  the  day  great 
flocks  rose  up  from  the  Key,  and,  after  ascending  high  in  air,  steered  southward  towards  Cuba. 
This  was  Christmas  time,  and  they  continued  to  visit  the  Key  for  some  days,  but  by  the  first  of 
January  they  all  disappeared  as  suddenly  as  they  came. 

On  the  9th  of  October,  I  found  them  abundant  at  Miami,  on  the  southern  portion  of  the 
main  land  of  Florida.  They  appeared  in  large  flocks,  at  intervals,  until  March,  but  were  restless, 
over  moving,  as  is  their  nature.  So  I  have  always  found  them,  out  of  the  breeding  season, 
whether  on  the  mountains  of  Maine,  among  the  villages  and  gardens  of  Massachusetts,  or  in 
the  trackless  piny  woods  of  Florida.  Rightly  did  the  Swedish  naturalist  name  them  the 
Migratory  Thrush,  for  they  possess  a  true  nomadic  spirit.  The  want  of  food  appears  to  be 
the  motive  of  these  excursions.  During  this  season  the  Robins  are  very  shy  ;  even  in  the  wilds 
of  Florida  thev  could  be  approached  only  with  difficulty,  and  generally  kept  in  the  woods. 

The  birds  seem  to  move  in  waves  over  these  immense  woodland  plains,  and  the  Robins  would 
be  accompanied  by  flocks  of  Warblers,  Woodpeckers,  Bluebirds  and  Jays.  I  have  observed  this 
elsewhere  to  some  extent,  but  in  Florida  it  is  quite  striking.  I  have  walked  for  hours  in  the 


4  TURD  US  HIGIiATOEWS. 

pine  barrens  without  seeing  a  single  bird,  or  hearing  a  note,  when  suddenly  a  chirp,  perhaps  of 
a  Robin.,  met  the  ear,  then  other  notes  sounded  out,  and  in  a  few  moments  I  would  be  surrounded 
by  hundreds  of  birds,  composed  of  a  dozen  species.  These  companies  would  vary  in  width  from 
a  few  rods  to  a  mile.  They  were  always  in  motion,  and  generally  moved  from  north  to  south. 
This  always  occurred  in  autumn  and  winter;  in  spring  the  birds  migrate  northward  more 
scatteringly. 

They  must  have  a  motive  for  congregating  in  this  manner,  aside  from  sociability,  for  it  must 
be  detrimental  to  them  individually,  as  each  bird  would  have  a  smaller  opportunity  of  procuring 
food  than  if  it  had  moved  alone,  especially  if  it  were  weaker  than  its  fellows.  Mutual  protection 
against  natural  enemies  may  be  one  reason.  As  the  smaller  species  invariably  move  only  when 
the  larger  do,  and  appear  to  be  guided  by  them,  perhaps  the  louder  voices  of  the  Blue  Jays  and 
Woodpeckers  tend  to  keep  the  Warblers  from  straggling  and  becoming  lost  in  the  woods, 
when  they  would  be  in  danger  from  Hawks,  that  would  not  dare  to  attack  them  if  under  the 
protection  of  the  stronger  species. 

Although  the  Robins  are  shy  in  autumn  and  winter,  they  become  tamer  during  the  breeding 
season,  and  may  be  seen  hopping  about  the  greens  of  our  villages  with  the  utmost  unconcern  ; 
indeed  they  even  visit  the  public  parks  of  the  great  cities  and  alight  on  the  grass  plats  and 
gardens  within  a  few  feet  of  the  pedestrians.  They  build  their  nests  in  all  sorts  of  localities  and 
in  the  most  peculiar  situations.  Sometimes  a  pine  in  the  deep  woods  is  selected,  or  a  cedar  on 
a  breezy  hill-top  ;  again,  a  pair  will  build  in  the  apple  tree  that  overhangs  the  farmhouse,  and 
the  worthy  husbandman  will  tell  you  that  the  same  birds  have  bred  in  the  same  locality  for 
years. 

They  seem  to  have  a  fondness  for  the  same  place,  and  will  often  use  the  decaying  nest  of  the 
previous  season  as  a  foundation  for  the  new  structure.  I  knew  a  pair  to  build  for  several 
successive  years  on  a  bracket  over  a  window  of  a  dwelling  house  ;  here  they  piled  mixed  mud 
and  grass,  summer  after  summer,  until  they  had  accumulated  a  heap  of  rubbish  a  foot  in  height. 
Another  couple  had  strangely  taken  a  fancy  to  the  window  bracket  of  a  house  which  stood  but  a. 
few  rods  away,  and  which  was  built  exactly  like  the  first. 

The  birds  seem  to  possess  a  liking  for  building  about  houses,  and  I  have  seen  several  nests 
in  similar  situations  to  that  described  above.  I  once  found  one  built  on  the  top  of  a  slatted 
hen  pen,  in  a  situation  exposed  to  wind  and  rain.  Nor  do  they  always  choose  the  outside  of 
buildings,  but  often  more  sensibly  enter  deserted  edifices  and  there  construct  their  nests.  Upon 
visiting  an  ancient  house  at  Hog  Island,  Mass.,  in  which  Rufus  Choate  was  born,  I  found  no 
less  than  four  placed  inside  upon  the  broad  window  sills,  the  birds  having  found  entrance 
through  some  broken  panes  of  glass.  Whether  the  progeny  reared  in  so  auspicious  a  spot  went 
forth  among  their  kind,  and,  following  the  example  of  the  great  man,  whose  birthplace  was  theirs, 
astonished  bird  courts  with  their  superior  eloquence,  I  am  unable  to  say. 

Individuals  of  this  species  sometimes  find  a  natural  shelter.  I  found  a  nest  containing  four 
eggs  in  a  hole  in  an  old  apple  tree  ;  the  aperture  was  about  six  inches  deep  and  four  in  diameter, 
and  the  nest  was  neatly  placed  in  the  bottom,  after  the  manner  of  that  of  the  Bluebird. 

Probably  no  bird  is  more  assiduous  in  guarding  its  nest  than  this  species.  Upon  the  slightest 
appearance  of  clanger  it  sounds  its  querulous,  loud  alarm-note,  calling  the  attention  not  only 
of  its  feathered  friends,  but  of  man  (for  nearly  every  one  has  a  liking  for  the  Robin),  and  in  this 
way  it  procures  the  assistance  of  powerful  allies.  It  is  ever  on  the  alert,  and  woe  betide  the 
unfortunate  urchin  who  has  been  bitten  with  the  mania  for  egg  collecting,  if  in  his  meanderings 
over  forbidden  ground  in  search  of  rare  nests,  he  chances  to  be  seen  by  a  Robin  who  has  a  nest 
in  the  vicinity.  No  matter  if  Robins'  eggs  are  not  what  he  wants,  it  is  all  the  same  to  the 
anxious  bird,  and  her  cries  ring  out  just  as  loudly  as  if  his  pilfering  hand  was  on  her  own  blue 
eggs.  This,  of  course,  attracts  the  attention  of  the  owner  of  the  forbidden  land,  who  is  on  the 


iioiu.\.  5 

lookout  for  amateur  odlogists,  and  the  disappointed  youngster  is  forced  to  take  to  his  heels  or 
pay  the  penalty  of  the  law. 

Many  a  zealous  student  of  ornithology  has  been  brought  to  grief  by  the  noisy  outbreak 
of  this  bird.  Perhaps  he  is  quietly  passing  a  farmhouse,  gun  in  hand,  bound  for  a  favorite 
collecting  ground  in  search  of  some  wm-o/'/x.  Near  the  premises  he  chances  to  brush  against  a 
bush  in  which  a  favorite  Robin  has  a  nest;  she  instantly  springs  off  with  the  usual  loud  cries 
of  distress.  Up  goes  the  window,  and  out  pops  the  head  of  the  worthy  dame,  to  see  what  is 
troubling  her  pet.  Her  eye  falls  on  the  man  with  the  gun,  and  she  instantly  ti.xes  upon  him 
as  the  offender,  and  with  a  tongue  sharpened  by  constant  exercise,  she  belabors  him  without 
mercy,  threatening  him  with  all  sorts  of  dire  calamities  because  of  his  propensity  to  shoot 
Robins.  Attempted  explanations  only  call  forth  a  fresh  attack,  and  he  is  obliged  to  beat  an 
inglorious  retreat. 

The  food  of  these  birds  consists  in  a  great  measure  of  insects,  especially  during  that  part 
of  the  year  when  they  are  rearing  their  young.  As  much  has  been  said  upon  this  subject, 
expressing  contrary  opinions,  I  offer  the  result  of  my  observations.  Out  of  seven  Robins 
dissected  in  April,  the  stomachs  of  but  three  contained  vegetable  food  to  the  exclusion  of 
insects ;  all  the  others  were  filled  with  grubs,  beetles,  other  insects  and,  earthworms.  The 
stomachs  of  the  three  of  which  I  have  spoken  contained  dried  barberries.  These  birds  were  shot 
in  early  April,  when  the  ground  was  partially  frozen.  The  stomachs  of  birds  shot  in  June  all 
contained  wire  worms  or  beetles  ;  in  only  one  instance!  was  there  any  addition  to  this  food,  then 
I  found  a  few  currants.  In  July  I  found  the  same  food,  excepting  the  currants,  and  with  the 
addition  of  grasshoppers.  In  August  and  September  their  stomachs  exhibited  about  an  equal 
proportion  of  insects,  cherries  and  berries.  In  but  two  instances  out  of  seven  did  I  find  that  the 
latter  articles  of  diet  were  taken  to  the  exclusion  of  the  insect  food.  October  and  November 
finds  them  feeding  upon  worthless  berries.  What  few  remain  in  Xew  England  during  winter 
subsist  upon  the  berries  of  the  mountain  ash,  the  savin  and  the  cedar. 

In  spite  of  this  array  of  facts  in  favor  of  their  destroying  insects  injurious  to  the  husbandman, 
ib  cannot  be  denied  that  they  are  very  great  nuisances  to  those  who  raise  -small  fruits;  for 
they  are  persistent  thieves,  and  scarcely  anything  will  prevent  their  ravages  upon  cherries. 
They  will  frequently  alight  upon  a  tree  in  which  a  man  is  seated,  and  after  coolly  selecting  a  ripe 
cherry  fly  away  with  it.  I  do  not  hesitate  to  say,  however,  that  upon  the  whole  the  Robin  is 
beneficial  to  man.  We  know  that  if  it  were  not  for  the  birds  man  could  not  exist  ;  his  insect 
enemies  would  overpower  him;  therefore,  if  we  destroy  one  species  of  beneficial  bird,  we 
destroy  a  portion  of  our  natural  protectors.  On  the  other  hand,  if  the  birds  were  allowed  to 
increase  as  rapidly  as  they  would  if  none  met  with  violent  deaths,  the  world  would  become  filled 
with  them  in  a  few  years,  to  the  exclusion  of  man  and  every  other  living  creature.  From  these 
arguments  we  may  infer  that  it  is  wiser  to  let  nature  take  her  course  without  interference,  as 
she  has  done  since  the  creation,  as  in  the  great  struggle  for  life  one  species  will  prevent  the  too 
rapid  increase  of  another,  which  in  its  turn  will  be  checked  by  a  third,  and  so  on  through  all 
stages  of  animal  life  up  to  man,  the  general  enemy  of  them  all. 

The  Robins  breed  in  Xew  England  from  April  15th  to  July  15th,  commonly  raising  two 
and  even  three  broods  in  a  season.  I  have  never  found  them  breeding  in  Florida,  but  have  been 
informed  that  they  remain  through  the  summer  in  some  localities.  This  species  is  subject  to 
albinism,  and  it  is  not  uncommon  to  see  a  pied  or  white  specimen.  This  is  owing  to  a  diseased 
condition  of  the  feathers  or  to  extreme  old  age,  when  the  bird  seems  to  lose  the  power  of 
moulting;  then  the  feathers  become  nearly  white  ;  I  have  taken  a  specimen  in  this  condition 
that  was  nesting.  They  live  to  a  good  old  age:  a  specimen  taken  when  young  and  kept  in 
confinement  by  my  friend,  Mr.  L.  L.  Thaxter,  lived  over  ten  years.  Early  in  life  it  lost  an  eye 
by  an  attack  from  a  cat,  yet  it  appeared  lively  and  happy  until  its  death,  which  resulted  from  age. 


•6  TURD  US    SWAINSONII. 

The  song  of  the  Robin  consists  of  several  loud  notes  given  with  energy ;  it  can  hardly  be 
called  fine,  yet  it  is  lively  and  agreeable.  Perched  on  the  topmost  bough  of  some  apple  tree, 
in  the  rosy  twilight,  after  a  sunny  day  in  early  spring,  he  pours  out  his  song.  Thus  his  simple 
lay  becomes  associated  with  the  balmy  odor  of  the  piue  woods,  the  budding  trees,  and  growing 
grass  in  the  meadows,  all  pleasant  reminders  of  the  coming  summer. 

TUKDUS    SWAINSONII. 

Olive-backed  Thrush. 

"Turdns  Swainsonii  CAB.  in  Tschudi,  F.  Peruaua,  1844-46,  183."    BAIRD,  Birds  of  North  America,  1858,  21G. 
Tnrdus  Alicia  BAIUD,  Birds  of  North  America,  1858,  217. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  not  very  robust.  Bill,  rather  short  and  stout.  Tongue,  narrowing  towards  the  terminal  half; 
bifid  and  fringed  for  about  one-third  its  length.  Breadth  of  sternum  generally  exceeding  the  depth  of  the  marginal 
indentations. 

COI.OK.  Adult.  Above,  uniform  olivaceous  brown,  varying  somewhat  in  intensity.  Under  parts,  white,  with  the 
chin,  throat,  upper  part  of  breast,  eyelids,  sides  of  head,  and  a  stripe  in  front  of  the  eye,  more  or  less  tinged  with 
rufous.  The  throat  and  breast  are  also  spotted  with  dark  brown  and  olivaceous.  These  spots,  which  vary  in 
number  and  size,  are  darker  on  the  upper,  and  lighter  on  the  lower  part  of  the  breast.  Flanks,  olivaceous.  Under 
tail  coverts  pure  white,  with  the  edges  occasionally  tinged  with  olivaceous.  Under  side  of  tail  and  of  wings, 
olivaceous,  with  a  pale  buff  bar  starting  from  the  inner  edges  of  the  latter  and  extending  across  them.  Iris  and 
feet,  brown.  Bill,  dark  brown,  with  the  base  of  the  lower  mandible  pale  yellow. 

Specimens  vary  much  in  intensity  of  coloration;  sometimes  the  rufous  of  the  head,  neck,  and  breast,  will  be 
nearly  obsolete,  being  represented  only  by  a  pale  buff  tinge;  from  this  stage  I  find,  in  specimens  now  before  me,  a 
gradual  transition  to  a  bright  rufous  infusion  of  these  parts.  The  back,  as  has  been  remarked,  also  varies  In 
Intensity  of  shade,  from  a  dark  olivaceous  to  a  more  reddish  brown.  This  change  of  color  on  the  upper  parts  does 
not  always  accompany  that  of  the  lower.  For  example ;  one  of  the  palest  breasted  birds  which  I  have,  has  the 
most  rufous  back;  while  a  specimen  with  a  very  red  breast  is  much  paler  on  the  upper  surface.  The  line  in  front 
of  the  eye  is  more  strongly  marked  in  some  specimens  than  in  others.  Individuals  also  have  a  decided  reddish  or 
purplish  tinge  on  the  outer  edges  of  the  quills  and  tail  feathers.  Sometimes  the  feathers  on  the  top  of  the  head  have 
darker  centres. 

Young  with  two  bars  on  the  wings  formed  by  the  yellowish  tips  of  the  coverts.  Lesser  wing  coverts  with  light 
central  stripes  to  the  feathers.  The  extreme  ends  of  the  wing  and  tail  feathers  are  sometimes  narrowly  tipped  with 
white.  The  bars  on  the  under  sides  of  the- wings  are  more  extended  and  better  defined  than  in  the  adult. 

Ncstimj  plumage.  The  following  description  is  taken  from  a  young  bird  in  this  plumage,  kindly  loaned  me  by  my 
friend,  William  Brewster,  and  it  is  the  only  one  I  ever  saw  in  this  stage.  General  colors  above  and  below,  similar 
to  the  adult.  The  centre  of  each  feather  on  the  entire  upper  portion,  however,  has  a  stripe  of  rufous,  which  widens 
at  the  extremity.  The  triangular  spots  on  the  wing  coverts  are  much  more  prominent  in  this  stage  than  in  the  last. 
The  spots  on  the  breast  are  somewhat  broader,  on  account  of  the  webs  of  the  feathers  not  being  as  closely  blended 
as  in  the  adult.  The  bar  beneath  the  wing  is  perhaps  wider,  the  colors  being  more  diffused.  The  bill  and  feet 
are  paler. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

This  species  may  be  distinguished  from  all  others  by  the  uniform  olivaceous  color  of  the  back  and  tail.  T. 
fuscescens  is  uniform  on  the  upper  parts,  but  the  color  is  reddish.  The  spots  on  the  breast  of  the  latter  species  are 
also  smaller  and  more  restricted.  Stcainsonii  differs  from  Pallasii,  another  closely  allied  species,  in  having  the  back 
and  tail  uniform ;  the  tail  of  Pallasii  being  much  more  rufous  than  the  back.  The  Olive-backed  Thrush  is  distributed, 
during  the  breeding  season,  throughout  that  section  of  North  America  that  lies  between  latitude  44°  and  the  Arctic 
Ocean.  A  few  winter  in  Florida,  but  the  greater  part  pass  into  South  America. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  of  twenty-eight  specimens.— Length,  7-14;  stretch,  11-84;  wing,  3-79;  tail,  276;  bill, -33;  tarsus,  1-14. 
Longest  specimen,  7-76;  greatest  stretch  of  wings,  13-00;  greatest  length  of  wing,  4-40;  of  tail,  4-00;  of  bill,  ••>-">; 
of  tarsus,  1-30.  Length  of  smallest  specimen,  G-54;  smallest  stretch  of  wings,  10-50;  smallest  length  of  wing,  2-70; 
of  tail,  2-10;  of  bill,  47;  of  tarsus,  -98. 

DESCRIPTION   OF   NESTS   AND   EGGS. 

The  Nat  is  composed  of  weeds,  grasses,  mosses  and  hemlock  twigs  woven  together,  forming  a  neat,  rather 
compact,  well  proportioned  structure,  which  is  lined  with  line  roots  and  soft  mosses.  Dimensions. — External  diameter, 
4-50  inches;  internal,  3  inches;  external  depth,  2  50  inches;  internal,  1-7  ~>  inches. 

The  Eijgs  are  usually  four  in  number,  blue  in  color,  of  varying  shades,  spotted  and  blotched  throughout  with 
pale  violet  and  brown.  Dimensions. — -OOx-Gl  to  -95x-(i5. 


OLIVI:- n. i CKEI>   Tin; {:>•//. 


HABITS. 

While  migrating,  this  Thrush  is  very  generally  found  in  swampy  localities,  where  it  is 
extremely  shy,  keeping  in  the  densest  thickets.  Here  it  maintains  perfect  silence,  except  an 
occasional  soft  chirp  of  alarm.  It  also  spends  the  greater  part  of  its  time  upon  the  ground, 
scratching  among  the  leaves  in  search  of  its  insect  food.  It  is  extremely  difficult  to  procure  a 
specimen,  as  upon  the  approach  of  the  intruder  it  instantly  hides  or  flits  rapidly  through  the 
bushes,  pausing  but  an  instant  here  and  there  to  glance  at  its  enemy.  If  driven  into  a  thicket 
it  will  persistently  remain  concealed  until  approached  quite  nearly,  and  then  rapidly  move  to 
another  place  but  a  t'e\v  rods  away.  If  too  closely  pursued  it  rises  suddenly  to  the  tops  of  the 
bushes,  and  darting  through  the  woods,  with  nearly  the  speed  of  light,  disappears  in  the  distance. 
This  species  passes  through  our  midst  in  great  numbers ;  yet,  on  account  of  its  retiring  habits, 
only  the  experienced  collector  will  consider  it  at  all  common.  Those  who  have  never  seen  it  on 
its  breeding  grounds,  and  who  can  judge  of  its  habits  only  dining  the  migrations,  will  consider 
it  a  silent  and  mysterious  bird. 

But  let  such  an  one  visit  its  Northern  home,  when  the  mild  breezes  of  June  sigh  quietly 
through  those  vast  primeval  forests  that  everywhere  cover  the  land.  Let  him  wander  beneath 
the  dark  shadows  of  the  huge  hemlocks  and  spruces,  the  large  limbs  of  which  form  immense 
arches  high  overhead.  The  air  is  tilled  with  the  balmy  odor  of  their  leaves,  mingled  with  the 
spicy  fragrance  of  the  snowy  flowered  moOWWOOd.  The  ground  is  covered  with  a  soft  carpet 
of  green  moss,  and  all  the  plants  that  grow  in  these  shady  retreats  are  now  in  bloom,  while  the 
gentle  murmur  of  some  mountain  stream  is  heard,  harmonizing  pleasantly  with  the  warbling  of 
the  birds.  Preeminent  among  these  the  echoing  song  of  the  Olive-backed  Thrush  rings  through 
the  wooded  valleys,  enchanting  the  ear  with  its  scarcely  surpassed  melody.  The  song  differs 
entirely  from  that  of  the  Hermit  Thrush,  being  more  continuous  but  not  quite  as  loud.  It 
is,  however,  remarkably  fine,  and  one  can  hardly  believe  that  the  silent  bird  he  has  been 
accustomed  to  see  farther  south  is  capable  of  producing  such  delightful  notes.  Not  only  in  the 
newly  acquired  vocal  powers  does  the  bird  in  summer  differ  from  the  same  species  in  spring  and 
autumn,  but  its  habits  are  different.  It  docs  not  now  skulk  in  the  bushes,  but  perches  upon 
the  branches  of  its  favorite  evergreen  trees,  many  feet  from  the  ground,  and  at  this  elevation 
sings  its  song.  It  has,  however,  the  same  low  soft  chirp  of  alarm,  but  it  uses  it  ofteuer,  boldly 
.-landing  in  plain  sight  while  it  thus  remonstrates  with  the  invader,  as  if  conscious  of  a  prior 
right  to  the  soil.  AVhile  in  this  position  it  usually  moves  its  tail  slowly,  and  tips  its  head 
slightly  while  it  gazes,  with  its  full  round  eye,  upon  the  movements  of  the  invader.  Sometimes, 
however,  it  will  sit  without  noise  or  motion,  after  the  manner  of  the  Robin,  until  one  has  passed 
quite  under  it.  At  such  times  it  is  difficult  to  detect  the  bird,  so  closely  do  its  colors  blend  with 
those  of  the  trunks  and  branches  of  the  trees.  These  Trushes  do  not  spend  their  entire  time  on 
the  trees,  but  are  occasionally  seen  on  the  ground. 

.lust  before  the  season  of  incubation,  the  male  may  be  seen  chasing  the  female  playfully 
through  the  branches  or  amonir  the  bushes,  flitting  from  place  to  place  so  swiftly  that  the  eye 
can  with  difficulty  follow  their  movements.  About  the  last  week  in  May  they  begin  to  build. 
The  locality  selected  is  generally  a  thick  clump  of  low  tir  trees.  The  nest  is  almost  always 
placed  in  the  top  of  one  of  these  trees,  at  a  height  of  from  five  to  six  feet  above  the  ground. 
I  have  seen  several  uncompleted,  but  never  saw  the  bird  building  or  near  them.  Indeed 
it  is  rather  careless  about  guarding  its  nest,  for  although  it  may  contain  eggs,  it  is  difficult  to 
find  the  bird  near.  Upon  the  approach  of  man  she  instantly  leaves  and  conceals  herself.  Even 
when  the  eggs  are  removed,  neither  of  the  birds  appears  or  makes  the  least  remonstrance.  I 
doubt  if  they  would  make  an  effort  to  defend  even  their  young  from  the  depredations  of  man. 
A-;  I  ha\e  found  several  ne-t>  containing  broken  shells  of  fresh  eggs,  I  also  conclude  that  Jays 


8  TUEDUU   PALLASII. 

and  Squirrels  meet  with  very  little  opposition  when  they  feel  inclined  to  make  a  meal  of  freshly 
laid  Thrushes'  eggs.  The  birds  seem  aware  of  their  deficiencies  in  this  respect,  for  the  nest  is 
usually  placed  in  such  a  position  that  it  is  entirely  concealed  from  view,  especially  from  directly 
above  and  below,  points  from  which  it  would  be  likely  to  be  discovered  by  the  pilfering  Jays 
or  squirrels.  It  is  a  singular  fact  that  those  birds  which  carefully  conceal  their  nests,  display 
cowardice  when  their  eggs  or  young  are  molested.  On  the  other  hand,  birds  like  the  Jays, 
Crows,  Hawks,  Robins,  etc.,  that  build  in  conspicuous  places,  all  make  loud  outcries  whenever 
their  breeding  places  are  approached,  and  defend  them  bravely.  It  is  also  observable  that  many 
species  that  place  their  nests  upon  the  ground,  trusting  to  the  protective  color  of  their  plumage 
and  eggs,  invariably  endeavor  to  draw  away  their  enemies'  attention  by  feigning  lameness,  as 
practised  by  the  Knifed  Grouse,  Bay-winged  Bunting,  the  various  species  of  Plover,  etc. 

The  young  Olive-backs  are  fully  fledged  by  the  last  of  July,  and  by  the  20th  of  September 
both  young  and  old  commence  their  southward  flight.  The  majority  leave  before  the  middle  of 
October,  but  I  have  met  with  stragglers  who  seemed  loath  to  leave  their  summer  homes,  although 
the  cold  winds  of  November  had  begun  to  blow,  and  the  autumn  leaves  were  fast  falling  to  the 
ground.  The  food  of  this  species  consists  principally  of  insects,  but  an  occasional  dinner  of  ripe 
berries  does  not  go  amiss  if  it  comes  in  their  way. 

I  give  this  Thrush  as  a  bird  of  Florida  upon  the  authority  of  Mr.  George  Boardman,  who 
has  taken  two  in  the  state  in  February  :  one  at  St.  Augustine,  and  one  at  Green  Cove  Springs. 

TURDUS    PALLASII. 

Hermit   Thrush. 

"Turdus  Pallasii  CABAXIS,  Wiegmann's  Archiv,  1847,  I,  I,  205."     BAIRD,  Birds  of  North  America,  1858,  212. 
Turdus  nanus  AOD.,  Oru.  Biog.  v,  1839,  201. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  not  robust.  Bill,  not  long  but  rather  slender.  Tongue,  bind,  and  fringed  for  about  one-fourth 
its  length.  Breadth  of  sternum,  not  greatly  exceeding  the  depth  of  the  marginal  indentations. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Above,  dark  reddish  brown,  which  becomes  bright  rufous  on  the  rump  and  tail;  the  latter 
sometimes  has  a  decided  purplish  tinge.  Beneath,  white,  with  numerous  triangular  spots  of  brown  on  the  throat 
and  breast.  These  spots  vary  in  shade,  number,  and  size,  being  larger  and  darker  on  the  middle  of  the  breast,  and 
lighter  on  the  lower  part  of  it.  Those  on  the  sides  of  the  throat  near  the  base  of  the  bill  show  a  tendency  to  cluster 
and  form  maxillary  stripes.  A  ring  around  the  eye,  and  the  under  tail  coverts,  pale  bufl'.  A  spot  in  front  of  the  eye 
white,  intermingled  with  dark  feathers.  The  feathers  of  the  crown  have  also  darker  centres.  Sides  of  head,  neck, 
and  flanks  of  the  same  color  as  the  back,  but  some  shades  paler.  Feathers  of  the  ear  coverts,  olivaceous,  with  narrow 
central  lines  of  pale  yellow.  There  is  a  broad  band  of  buff  beneath  the  wings,  commencing  on  the  inner  sides,  and, 
spreading  as  it  advances,  reaches  nearly  to  the  outer  quill  feathers,  extending  over  nearly  three-fourths  of  the  inner 
marginal  length  of  the  primaries.  Iris  and  bill,  dark  brown,  with  the  lower  mandible  of  the  latter  yellow.  Feet,  pale 
brown. 

Young.  Similar,  but  darker  on  the  back,  with  a  tinge  of  rufous  over  the  chin,  throat  and  breast.  The  two  rows 
of  coverts  are  also  tipped  with  yellowish,  forming  bars  across  the  wings.  The  bands  on  the  under  side  of  the  wings 
are  deeper  in  color.  The  outer  sides  of  the  wings  are  decidedly  rufous,  very  nearly  as  dark  as  that  of  the  upper 
portions  of  the  tail.  Feathers  of  the  wings  and  tail,  slightly  tipped  with  yellowish  white. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

This  species  may  be  distinguished  from  T.  Swainsonii  by  the  foxy  tail  and  buff  under  tail  coverts.  It  differs  from 
T.  funcfscens  in  the  darker  and  larger  spots  on  the  breast,  besides  which  fusceseens  is  more  uniform  in  color  on  the 
upper  parts.  I  have  never  met  with  this  species  in  the  nesting  plumage,  but  judge  that  it  differs  from  the  adult  much 
as  in  the  preceding  species.  The  Hermit  Thrush  has  a  distribution  somewhat  similar  to  the  Olive-backed,  but  is,  if 
anything,  more  Southern  during  the  breeding  season.  It  winters  in  great  numbers  in  Florida,  and  the  other  extreme 
southern  states ;  some  also  pass  into  Cuba. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  twenty-eight  specimens. —  Length,  7-01;  stretch,  11-40;  wing,  3-64;  tail,  2-08;  bill, 
•53;  tarsus,  11-8.  Longest  specimen,  7 -CO;  greatest  extent  of  wings,  12-88  j  greatest  length  of  wing,  11-00;  of  tail, 
3-17;  ofbill,-75;  of  tarsus,  1-25.  Length  of  smallest  specimen,  G-<;o;  smallest  extent  of  wings,  10-77;  smallest  length 
of  wing,  3--'7;  of  tail,  2-40;  of  bill,  -40;  of  tarsus,  1-00. 


in: i; MIT  Tin; t  si/. 


DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

.Y<'x/x,  composed  outwardly  of  dried  i;rassi's.  twins.  leaves  and  mosses;  rather  smoothly  lined  with  finer  grasses, 
mosses,  and  Mlirons  roots.  It  is  well  prop  >i-;ii>nr,l  to  the  size  of  the  bird.  Dimensions.—  External  diameter,  5-00 
inrhrs;  internal,  2  .10  inrhrs.  Kxirnial  depth,  3-00  inches;  internal,  2-00  Inches. 

,  rather  elongated  in  form;  pale  green  in  color,  generally  unspotted.     Dimensions,  fronr88.v60  to  •92x-C5. 


HABITS. 

Ths  Hermit  Thrush  nukes  its  appearance  in  Florida  about  the  first  of  December,  and  soon 
scatters  over  the  nniii  land  of  the  slat  '.  It  frequents  the  dense  undergrowth  of  the  hummocks, 
when;  il  tn  iv  I),-  s  TII  s  Tatching  am  >ng  the  dociying  leaves  and  other  <l,'->n-!x  in  search  of  insects. 
It  is  very  unsnspieioua  while  in  these  Southern  wilds;  sometimes  an  individual  would  come  into 
pur  camp,  when  we  chanced  to  pitch  our  tents  near  a  thicket,  and,  perching  upon  a  box  or  barrel, 
ga/.i'  at  us  inquisitively,  occasionally  raising  and  than  lowering  its  tail,  while  it  gave  vent  to  its 
astonishment  by  a  low  chirp.  Tiiey  are  very  numerous;  every  hummock  and  thicket  has  its 
share;  they  even  inhabit  the  bushy  edges  of  the  thick  palmetto  swamps,  the  dark  and  dismal 
recesses  of  which  arc  seldom  visited  by  any  birds,  excepting  the  nocturnal  species.  All  winter 
they  flit  silently  am  >ng  the  luxuriant  vegetation  of  Florida,  revelling  throughout  the  season  amid 
dowers,  in  a  climate  which  cannot  b;>  surpassed.  But  when  the  cool,  refreshing  north  winds 
eease  to  blow,  and  the  burning  heat  of  tha  tropics  comas  over  the  land,  the  Hermit  prompted 
by  instinct,  or  guided  by  reason,  for  who  can  tell  which,  commences  its  steady  march  northward. 
The  old  males  go  first,  followed  by  the  young  males  and  the  females,  so  that  by  the  middle  of 
April  not  one  is  to  be  found  within  the  limits  of  the  state. 

The  earliest  migrants  arrive  in  Massachusetts  the  first  week  in  April  ;  others  continue  to 
come  until  the  first  of  May,  when,  with  the  exception  of  a  few  individuals,  they  have  all  passed 
to  the  great  breeding  grounds  in  the  woods  of  the  North.  While  migrating  in  the  spring  this 
Thrush  is  somewhat  shy  and  retiring,  generally  keeping  in  the  swamps.  At  this  season  it  has 
no  song,  except  ing  the  low  note  of  alarm,  but  in  its  homo  among  the  hemlocks  and  spruces  it  is 
far  different  in  this  respect;  there  it  sings  finely. 

I  well  remember  that  I  first  heard  its  song  at  Hyannis,  in  Southeastern  Massachusetts, 
during  the  last  week  in  June,  when  in  company  with  my  friends,  Messrs.  Win.  Brewster  and 
F.  P.  Atkinson.  We  were  walking  in  a  field,  near  one  of  those  woods,  composed  of  low  scrubby 
trees,  which  cover  a  large  portion  of  this  section  of  the  state,  when  Mr.  Brewster  exclaimed, 
"  Hear  that  Hermit  Thrush  !"  We  listened  for  a  moment  for  a  repetition  of  the  song,  which  his 
quick  ear  had  detected,  and  soon  heard  the  clear,  boll-like  notes,  coming  from  the  far  depths 
of  the  wood,  through  the  still  morning  air.  The  scene  was  peculiar,  and  the  song  thus  became 
associated  with  it,  and  will  not  soon  be  forgotten.  The  bird  sang  well,  but  the  song  lacked 
the  accompanying  loud,  ringinir  echo  heard  to  perfection  in  the  deep,  heavily  wooded  valleys  of 
Northern  New  Kngland. 

Although  it  breeds  sparsely  at  Hyannis  and  in  some  other  sections  of  Massachusetts,  its  true 
home  is  farther  north.  Here,  in  the  dense  shade  of  the  evergreens,  amid  the  giant  trunks  which 
stand  around  like  sentinels,  it  builds  its  nest  upon  the  ground  by  the  side  of  some  moss-grown 
log.  The  situations  chosen  are  generally  upon  some  gently  sloping  hillside,  and  the  nest  is 
placed  in  .such  a  position  as  to  be  hidden,  especially  if  the  brown-backed  mother  bird  be  upon  it. 
She  sits  very  closelv,  as  if  aware  of  this  fact;  generally  not  starting  until  the  intruder  is  about 
to  tread  upon  her,  when  she  will  flit  silently  to  the  cover  of  some  thicket,  and  remain  concealed 
—  for  this  species,  like  the  Olive-backed,  is  not  very  assiduous  in  defending  its  nest,  even  when 
it  contains  young.  Thev  exercise  great  judgment  in  selecting  material  with  which  to  cover  the 
outside  of  the  ne.-t,  so  that  it  may  not  readily  be  di-covcred.  One  which  I  found  built  on  the 
upper  side  of  a  prostrate  mossy  log,  was  sunk  into  the  decaying  wood  so  that  the  top  was  on 


..I    [  i.niMlil. 


10  TURD  US   FUSCESCENS. 

a  level  with  the  surface,  and  was  smoothly  covered  with  green  moss,  similar  to  that  growing 
around  it.  So  neatly  was  this  done,  that,  although  I  noticed  the  log  as  it  lay  in  my  path,  I 
never  should  have  observed  the  nest  if  the  bird  had  not  flown  from  it  as  I  came  up. 

The  eggs  are  generally  laid  the  first  week  in  June,  but  in  the  instance  spoken  of  above, 
although  it  was  found  as  early  as  June  5th,  the  nest  contained  newly  hatched  young.  Mr.  Allen 
and  myself  found  the  young  fully  fledged,  and  flying  about,  at  Hyannis,  on  July  3d,  1869.  A 
nest  was  taken  at  North  Beverly,  June  14th,  by  Mr.  E.  P.  Emerton,  and  another  was  taken  at 
Concord,  the  first  week  of  the  same  month,  by  Mr.  Brewster.  These  instances  go  to  prove  that 
it  does  not  breed  any  earlier  in  Massachusetts  than  in  Northern  Maine. 

The  male  is  very  attentive  to  the  female,  not  only  before  the  time  of  nesting,  when  he  follows 
her  everywhere,  but  during  the  time  of  incubation  he  sits  on  a  branch  above  her,  and  sings  his 
incomparable  song.  During  the  northern  migrations  they  associate,  and  even  while  moving 
south  they  may  be  seen  in  pairs. 

They  enter  Massachusetts  on  their  southern  flight  about  the  first  of  October,  and  although 
some  remain  in  Maine  and  New  Hampshire  as  late  as  the  first  week  in  November,  the  mass  have 
left  the  north  by  the  20th  of  the  former-named  mouth.  They  linger  in  Massachusetts  in  great 
numbers  through  October,  frequenting  the  \\oods  and  thickets  everywhere.  They  arc  not  at  all 
shy,  even  being  so  familiar  as  to  enter  the  villages,  and  flit  through  the  gardens.  Most  of  them 
disappear  by  the  first  of  November,  but  a  few  remain  somewhat  later.  Thus  the  Hermit  comes 
to  us  in  the  fading  glories  of  autumn,  becomes  associated  with  the  falling  leaves  and  ripening 
nuts,  then  leaves  us  with  the  first  icy  blasts  of  winter. 


TURDTTS    FUSCESCENS. 

Wilson's   Thrush.     Tawny  Thrush. 

Turdus  fusc.escens  STEPHENS.    Shaw's  Zoology.     Birds,  x,  i,  1817,  182. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  slender.  Bill,  not  long  and  rather  broad  at  base.  Tongue,  acuminate,  bifid,  and  rather  coarsely 
fringed  for  one-third  of  the  terminal  length.  It  is  bright  yellow  in  color.  Sternum,  of  about  the  same  proportions 
as  that  of  Swainsonii;  indeed,  the  sternums  of  Swainsonii,  Pallusii,  and  fusccitcens,  which  I  have  in  my  collection, 
nre  so  nearly  alike,  in  general  proportions  and  size,  that  it  is  impossible  to  determine  from  what  species  any  particular 
one  came,  without  referring  to  the  label.  On  an  average,  however,  those  from  fusr.escens  are  stoutest  and  broadest, 
those  from  Pallasii  are  the  slenderest,  while  those  from  Swainsonii  are  intermediate ;  but  those  from  T.  miyralorius 
are  not  only  larger,  but  have  deeper  marginal  indentations  in  proportion  to  the  width. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Above,  light  reddish-brown,  becoming  slightly  yellowish  on  the  rump.  Beneath,  pure  white, 
with  a  pale  bud'  tinge  across  the  throat  and  fore  part  of  the  breast ;  the  throat  and  breast  are  also  covered  with  pale, 
triangular  spots,  which  on  the  fore  part  of  the  breast  are  brown,  but  more  olivaceous  on  the  lower  part,  where  they 
become  nearly  obsolete.  On  the  sides  of  the  throat  they  exhibit  a  tendency  to  cluster  and  form  maxillary  lines. 
Flanks  and  tibia;,  pale  olivaceous.  A  broad  band  beneath  the  wing,  which  is  not  well  defined,  is  of  a  pale  buff.  Under 
wing  coverts,  white,  with  an  olivaceous  tinge.  Axillaries,  white,  tinged  with  pale  buff.  King  around  the  eye,  and 
stripes  on  the  feathers  of  ear  coverts,  pale  buff.  Lores,  ashy.  Iris,  brown.  Bill,  dark  brown ;  the  basal  half  of 
lower  mandible,  pale  yellow.  Inside  of  mouth,  bright  yellow. 

Young.  Similar  to  the  adult,  with  the  wing  coverts  edged  with  rufous,  and  tipped  with  lighter,  forming  two 
indistinct  bars.  The  buff  on  the  throat,  and  upper  part  of  breast  is  a  trifle  darker.  I  have  at  present  no  specimen  of 
this  species  in  the  nesting  plumage.  Sexes,  similar  in  all  stages  of  plumage. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

This  bird  is  easily  distinguished  from  all  the  other  smaller  Thrushes  by  the  paler  tints  of  the  spots  on  the  throat 
and  breast,  which  are  also  more  restricted.  The  colors  of  the  back  are  very  uniform  throughout,  with  the  exception 
of  a  slight  ochrey  tinge  upon  the  upper  tail  coverts  and  lower  part  of  the  rump.  This  tint  also  occasionally  appears 
on  the  crown.  This  species  is  perhaps  less  variable  in  color  than  any  other  of  the  Thrushes.  It  is  found  during  the 
breeding  season  from  latitude  42°,  northward,  perhaps  to  the  fur  countries.  Although  a  few  are  found  in  Florida  and 
the  West  Indies,  the  greater  part  winter  in  Central  and  South  America. 


ir//..s"V  "    i in;i  sn.  11 


DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  seventeen  specimens.— Length,  7-ot ;  stretch,  l:!-r,.1;  wing,  3-94;  tall,  2-92;  bill,  -56; 
tarsii-,  1-10.  Longest  -'preimen.  7-7.". :  greatest  stretch  of  wings.  1 1-30;  greatest  length  of  wins,  4'20;  of  tail,  8-55; 
of  bill.  -00;  of  tarsus,  1-L'O.  Shortest  -pi  •(  -mien,  7-()ii;  Mnallest  .stretch  of  wings,  ll-2."i;  smallest  length  of  wing,  3-70; 
of  tail,  2-(iO;  of  bill,  -55;  of  tarsus,  1-08. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

\..-y>.  composed  of  grape-vine  hark,  leaves  ami  wcrils.  lined  with  line  grasses,  leaves  and  fibrous  roots.  It  is 
deeply  hollowed,  but  well  proportioned  to  the  size  of  the  bird.  Dimensions. — External  diameter,  5  inches;  Internal, 
2-50  Inches.  External  depth.  :;  inches;  internal,  2  inches. 

n,  rather  pointed  in  form,  generally  dark  green  in  color.     Dimensions,  from  -90x-GO  to  -93x-"0. 


HABITS. 

While  wandering  through  the  thickly  wooded  vulleys  of  Massachusetts,  after  the  first  of  May, 
the  oars  of  the  pedestrian  will  hi-  saluted  with  a  series  of  continuous,  life-like  notes,  coining  in 
two  or  throe  waves,  and  ending  in  a  prolonged  sound.  This  melody  will  attract  his  attention, 
if  he  is  at  all  inclined  to  notice  such  tilings,  for  it  is  very  singular,  and  he  will  naturally 
wish  to  see  the  author  of  it.  Therefore,  he  makes  his  way  cautiously  towards  the  spot  where 
the  songster  seems  to  be,  but  as  he  draws  near  the  song  ceases  to  be  given,  and  in  its  place 
lie  hears  a  suppressed  whistle.  This  note  is  uttered  at  irregular  intervals,  sometimes  loud, 
sometimes  soft,  and  ever  changing  in  the  direction  from  which  it  conies.  If  the  observer  is  wary, 
he  will  perhaps  catch  a  glimpse  of  a  brown-booked  bird  flitting  quickly  through  the  thick  bushes. 
Hut  unless  he  is  acquainted  with  the  habits  of  Wilson's  Thrush,  for  this  is  the  species  which  he 
is  endeavoring  to  discover,  this  is  all  that  he  will  see;  for  if  it  is  too  closely  pursued,  it  will 
cease  giving  its  alarm-note,  and,  rising  suddenly  to  the  tops  of  the  trees,  will  dart  over  them, 
alighting  a  long  distance  from  the  disturber  of  its  peace. 

If  surprised  in  the  open  woods,  which  it  sometimes  visits,  it  usually  behaves  in  an  entirely 
dillerent  manner.  When  any  one  comes  suddenly  upon  it,  as  it  sits  upon  the  branch  of  a 
tree,  it  will  remain  perfectly  quiet  and  keep  silent,  as  if  conscious  that  its  sober  colors  are  a 
natural  protection.  In  this  habit  it  resembles  the  Robin  and  the  other  small  Thrushes,  and  one 
may  pass  quite  near  it  without  its  Hying.  But  if  the  intruder  pauses  for  a  time  to  observe 
it  quietly,  the  bird  will  appear  puzzled,  and,  after  keeping  its  statue-like  position  for  a  few 
moments,  will  walk  slowly  along  the  limb  on  which  it  is  perched,  uttering  a  low  whistle,  but 
always  attentively  examining  the  object  of  its  dread.  Then,  if  a  single  step  is  made  towards 
it,  the  Thrush  is  off  like  a  flash,  as  if  just  aware  that  it  is  discovered.  Although  it  usually  flies 
very  rapidly,  it  slackens  its  speed  when  crossing  an  open  field  and  moves  with  a  steady  flight. 

I.cfore  the  season  of  incubation,  the  male  is  constant  in  his  attentions  to  the  female.  In  this 
he  resembles  the  Hermit ;  like  that  species  he  may  be  seen  pursuing  her  through  the  woods,  and 
while  she  is  sitting  he  is  never  far  away.  They  generally  build  their  nests  during  the  last  week 
in  May  :  nearly  always  in  the  thick  woods.  It  is  usually  placed  upon  the  ground  by  the  side  of 
a  prostrate  tree  or  log,  or  else  at  the  foot  of  a  clump  of  bushes.  The  situation  chosen  is  almost 
always  upon  a  sloping  hillside',  near  a  swamp,  where  the  trees  grow  thick  and  the  shade  is 
dense.  But  a  short  time  since,  however  (June  21),  I  was  surprised  by  seeing  a  nest  built  on 
an  apple  tree  in  the  orchard  of  the  well  known  apiarist,  Mr.  H.  Alley,  at  Wcnham.  The  nest 
was  placed  on  the  tops  of  some  twigs  and  limbs  after  the  manner  of  the  Cuckoos,  and  at  a 
hciirht  of  ten  feet  from  the  ground.  It  was  constructed  of  much  the  same  material  as  usual, 
and  contained  four  eggs  in  an  advanced  stage  of  incubation.  This  is  the  first,  out  of  many 
instances,  where  I  have  found  the  nest  of  this  bird  in  any  other  situation  than  on  the  ground. 
A-  it  feeds  principally  upon  insects,  it  may  be  possible  that  the  large  number  of  bees  kept  in  the 


12  SEIVRUS   AUfiOCAFlLLUS. 

ovcharrl,  attracted  the  birds  to  the  spot,  and,  as  there  was  DO  locality  near,  where  they  could 
place  their  nest  upon  the  ground  and  remain  undisturbed,  the}'  chose  this  singular  situation. 

Like  the  other  small  Thrushes,  already  described,  it  is  very  timid,  and -seldom  attempts  to 
drive  the  spoiler  from  its  nest ;  indeed,  it  usually  conceals  itself  at  such  times.  On  June  20th 
of  the  present  season,  I  found  a  nest  in  a  small,  thickly  wooded  island  on  the  salt  marsh, 
which  contained  newly  hatched  young.  The  female  was  sitting  at  the  time,  but  she  instantly 
darted  away  into  the  thicket.  I  went  in  search  of  the  bird,  but  only  succeeded  in  catching  a 
glimpse  of  her  as  she  was  flitting  through  the  bushes  more  than  a  hundred  yards  from  the  nest. 
She  made  very-  little  noise,  only  occasionally  giving  a  low  whistle.  The  male  did  not  make  his 
appearance. 

In  the  latter  part  of  July,  this  species  moults,  and  for  this  purpose  retires  to  the  thick  alder 
swamps,  which  border  streams  and  other  bodies  of  fresh  water.  The  male  never  sings  then,  and 
they  seem  to  have  deserted  the  woods,  so  completely  do  they  remain  concealed.  They  do  not 
begin  to  migrate  south  until  the  latter  part  of  September,  after  which  but  few  are  to  be  found. 
As  the  voice  of  the  Tawny  Thrush  is  only  heard  in  early  summer,  this  singular,  half  mysterious 
song  becomes  inseparably  connected  with  the  dark  green  foliage,  seen  in  the  softened  light  of 
the  deep,  deciduous  woods,  and  with  the  peculiar  odors  which  greet  the  senses  in  these  pleasant 
retreats,  when  the  breezes  murmur  through  the  tree  tops,  and  one  feels  a  delicious  quietude  only 
experienced  on  those  bright  June  days  which  appear  perfect  only  in  New  England. 

I  give  this  species  as  a  bird  of  Florida  on  the  authority  of  Mr.  Boardman,  who  took  two 
specimens  at  Green  Cove  Springs  on  February  20th  and 


GENUS   II.     SEIURUS.     THE   SMALLER  THRUSHES. 

GEN,  CH.  Size,  small.  Stennim,  precisely  similar  in  form  to  that  of  the  preceding  genus.  Sill,  more  conical  and 
longer  in  proportion  to  the  size  of  the  bird. 

This  genus  is  so  closely  allied  to  Turdus  that  I  can  find  but  two  constant  characters  by  which  they  can  be 
separated,  viz. :  the  universally  smaller  size,  and  the  more  conical  and  longer  bill  in  proportion  to  the  size  of  the 
bird. 

SEIURUS    AUKOCAPILLUS. 
Oven   Bird.      Golden-crowned   Thrush. 

Sciunts  aurocapillus  SWAISSOX.     Zoological  Journal,  HI,  1827,  171. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cir.  Form,  somewhat  robust.  Tongue,  rather  acuminate,  slightly  bifid  and  (ringed  with  delicate  cilia  for 
about  one-sixth  of  its  terminal  length.  Marginal  indentations  of  sternum  not  exceeding  its  breadth. 

COLOH.  Above,  pale  olive-green;  with  a  broad  central  stripe  of  orange-yellow  on  the  head,  margined  with  black. 
Beneath,  pure  white;  with  numerous  triangular  spots  of  black,  upon  the  breast,  flanks,  and  sides  of  throat;  in  the 
latter  place  they  are  clustered,  forming  maxillary  stripes.  A  ring  around  the  eye,  and  the  sides  of  the  head,  similar 
to  the  back,  but  paler.  Flanks,  olivaceous.  Under  wing  coverts  and  axillaries,  pale  green.  Iris,  brown.  Upper 
mandible,  brown ;  lower,  paler.  Feet,  pale  brown. 

Young.  Similar  to  the  adult ;  but  with  a  dull,  reddish  ttnge  over  the  back.  The  central  stripe  of  the  head  is  also 
obscured  with  dusky.  There  is  a  faint,  greenish  suffusion  over  the  white  of  the  under  parts.  The  wing  coverts  are 
sometimes  tipped  with  pale  yellow,  forming  bars.  The  feet  and  bill  are  darker.  Sexes  alike  in  all  stages  of  plumage. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

This  little  species  will  be  easily  distinguished  from  all  others  by  the  above  description.  As  in  other  Thrushes, 
individuals  vary  much  in  the  number  and  intensity  of  color  of  the  spots  beneath.  A  specimen  taken  at  Miami,  beside 
being  smaller  in  size,  has  the  spots  of  the  breast  much  broader  than  usual.  The  back  is  also  more  dusky.  This 
species  is  found  during  the  breeding  season  throughout  eastern  United  States,  north  to  Hudson's  Bay.  They  winter 
in  the  Southern  States,  West  Indies  and  Central  America. 


OVEN  nii;i>.  13 


DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  seventeen  specimens. —  Length,  G-00;  stretch,  9-73;  wing,  3-01 ;  tall,  2-22;  bill, -49; 
tarsus,  -81.  Longest  specimen,  G-M;  greatest  stretch  of  wings.  10-40;  greatest  length  of  wing,  ;!-35;  of  tail,  3-10; 
of  bill.  •:>.">;  of  tarsus,  -90.  Shortest  sj.i  c -inien,  6-40;  smallest  stretch  of  wings,  9-45 ;  smallest  length  of  wing,  2-25  ; 
of  tail,  2-00;  of  bill,  -45;  of  tarsus,  -7". 

DESCRIPTION   OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

\i-nt.  composed  outwardly  of  dried  leaves  and  grasses,  compactly  interwoven,  and  lined  with  finer  grasses.  This 
material  is  usually  arranged  so  as  to  form  a  hollow  cylinder,  with  a  hole  for  entrance  at  the  side.  Dimensions. — 
External  diameter,  5  inches;  internal,  3  Inches. 

h'ljij*.  lour  or  live  in  number,  pure  white,  spotted  and  blotched  throughout,  but  generally  more  thickly  on  the 
larger  end,  with  pale  brown,  liliic  and  umber.  Form,  rather  round.  Dimensions,  from  -"ox-oO  to  •80x-64. 

HABITS. 

Upon  visiting  Florida  for  the  first  time,  one  is  surprised  to  hear  the  term  "hummock" 
applied  to  certain  pieces  of  woodland,  which  appear  Hat,  and  indeed,  where  in  many  cases  the 
ground  is  somewhat  lower  than  the  surrounding  surface.  This,  to  a  northerner,  to  whom  a 
hummock  means  a  small  hill,  seems  a  misnomer.  After  a  time,  however,  the  traveller  becomes 
accustomed  to  it,  and.  if  he  is  ornithologically  inclined,  will  learn  to  look  upon  the  mass  of 
vegetation  which  it  represents  with  great  interest,  for  in  them  he  will  find  many  valuable 
specimens. 

These  hummocks  are  usually  found  along  the  streams  or  other  bodies  of  water ;  and  as  the 
trees,  of  which  they  arc  composed,  grow  thickly  even  ou  the  edge,  they  appear  like  islands 
rising  abruptly  from  the  surrounding  scrub,  piny  woods  or  savannas.  They  vary  in  size  from 
a  few  square  rods  to  miles  in  extent.  Upon  entering  them,  one  generally  passes  first  through  a 
thicket  of  tangled  briers  and  shrubs,  which  commonly  grow  among  the  trees  on  the  margins  of 
all  hummocks.  Once  through  this  and  the  collector  finds  himself  in  a  dense  wood,  nearly  free 
from  underbrush.  He  will  pause  here,  if  unaccustomed  to  such  scenes,  for  everything  appears 
somewhat  strange.  Beside  him  stands  a  huge  live  oak  with  its  immense  trunk  thickly  covered 
with  parasitical  ferns  and  orchids,  of  a  delicate  green,  while  upon  the  branches  may  be  seen 
large  air  plants,  the  drooping  leaves  of  which  are  surrounded  by  long  streamers  of  Spanish  moss 
that  partly  conceal  them.  Near  by,  a  straight,  smooth-barked  magnolia  raises  its  head  ;  while 
the  sweet  gum,  bay,  black  walnut  and  other  trees  stand  so  thickly  around  that  their  tops  are 
crowded  together.  The  air  is  perfumed  with  the  peculiar  odor  of  the  leaves  of  the  prickly  ash  : 
and,  although  it  is  midwinter,  the  green  fronds  of  the  filicex,  which  grow  under  foot,  together 
with  the  yellow  flowers  of  the,  climbing  jessamine,  that  are  seen  on  cither  hand,  give  one  to 
understand  that  he  is  in  a  semi-tropical  clime. 

Passing  onward  through  this  wonderful  scene  farther  into  the  forest,  he  sees  a  deer  suddenly 
start  up  from  a  bunch  of  saw  palmetto,  which  is  near,  and  bound  quickly  away.  Then  perhaps 
the  startled  pedestrian  catches  a  glimpse  of  the  yellow  eye  and  tawny  hide  of  a  wild  cat,  as 
with  a  loud  snarl  it  rushes  away  to  hide  itself  in  the  deeper  woods;  or  the  low,  ominous  cry 
of  the  puma  is  heard,  as  he  circles  around  the  intruder,  as  if  endeavoring  to  ascertain  who 
dares  disturb  his  peace,  but  ever  careful  to  keep  at  a  respect  I  nl  distance.  All  these  sights  and 
sounds  remind  one  that  he  is  in  a  locality  which  is  seldom  disturbed  by  man. 

Few  bird  notes  are  heard  in  this  shadowy  wilderness,  for  the  songsters  are  generally  silent 
at  this  season;  therefore,  the  collector  is  obliged  to  use  his  eyes  attentively.  While  so  doing 
be  will  perceive  a  small  bird  making  its  way  quietly  about  on  the  ground.  Upon  closer 
examination  he  will  be  surprised  to  find  that  it  is  the  Golden-crowned  Thrush,  seemingly  as 
much  at  home  as  when  in  the  groves  of  the  North.  They  are  quite  numerous  in  Florida  during 
the  winter,  and  are  not  to  be  found  in  pairs  while  here,  but  live  singly,  are  very  shy  and 


14  SEWBUS   NOVEBOKACENSIS. 

retiring,  always  silent,  and  seldom  leave  the  ground,  where  they  may  be  seen  busily  engaged  in 
searching  for  insects,  as  if  their  chief  business  was  to  look  out  for  luxuries.  They  may  be 
found  in  Florida  about  the  first  week  in  November,  and  remain  until  April  15th,  when  they 
leave  for  the  North,  arriving  in  New  England  the  first  week  in  May,  where  they  soon  scatter 
through  the  woods. 

Just  before  the  season  of  incubation  they  have  much  the  same  habits  as  the  other  Thrushes ; 
the  male  is  as  attentive  to  his  female  as  any  of  them,  paying  court  to  her  by  singing  his  loud 
and  well  known  melody.  While  giving  his  song  he  commonly  perches  upon  the  lower  limb 
of  a  tree  and  devotes  himself  entirely  to  the  performance.  When  he  has  finished,  he  stalks 
gravely  along  the  limb  occasionally  moving  his  tail  up  and  down  somewhat  slowly.  His  notes 
may  be  heard  at  irregular  intervals  through  the  day  and  sometimes  in  the  night.  Although  they 
now  spend  considerable  time  among  the  trees  they  may  frequently  be  found  upon  the  ground, 
where  they  are  perfectly  at  home,  running  swiftly  over  the  fallen  leaves,  occasionally  pausing  to 
scratch  among  them  in  search  of  insects.  At  such  times  they  are  full  of  nervous  activity. 

About  the  first  week  in  June  they  commence  the  work  of  reproduction.  The  situation  chosen 
for  this  purpose  is  usually  upon  some  sloping  hillside  in  the  deep  woods;  I  have,  however, 
found  the  nest  among  low  bushes  in  a  swampy  place.  On  account  of  the  singular  oven-shaped 
nest  being  composed  of  dried  leaves  and  covered  with  them,  it  is  very  difficult  to  find,  and  I 
have  often  searched  in  vain  for  it,  when  I  was  certain  that  it  was  within  a  few  yards  of  me. 
When  startled  suddenly  from  her  eggs  the  female  will  counterfeit  lameness,  to  draw  off  the 
attention  of  the  intruder,  and,  unlike  the  other  small  Thrushes,  both  sexes  exhibit  great  solicitude 
whenever  they  are  disturbed  during  the  season  of  incubation,  sounding  their  sharp  alarm  notes, 
but  taking  care  to  keep  at  a  safe  distance ;  yet  they  can  hardly  be  called  shy. 

After  breeding,  this  little  species  retires  to  the  swamps  to  moult,  and  then  keeps  in  such 
close  seclusion  as  to  be  seldom  seen.  About  the  middle  of  September  they  leave  for  the  south. 
The  Golden-crowned  Thrush  has  familiarized  itself  to  us  by  means  of  its  loud,  cheerful  song 
and  has  thus  become  one  of  the  elements  of  beauty  in  our  woodland  retreats. 


SEIURUS    NOVEBORACENSIS. 
Water  Thrush.    Wag  Tail. 

Turdus  (Seiurus}  Noveboracensis  NUTTALL.     Man.  i,  1832,  353. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  slender.  BiH,  not  stoat.  Sternum,  of  the  same  form  as  that  of  the  preceding  species,  excepting 
that  the  keel  is  proportionately  higher.  The  tongue  is  rather  narrow,  and  differs  from  that  of  any  Thrush,  which 
I  have  seen,  In  having  the  extremity  divided  into  numerous  cilia,  about  five  hundredths  of  an  inch  in  length.  The 
sides,  of  one-fourth  of  its  terminal  length,  are  also  fringed  with  shorter  ones. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Above,  uniform  dark  olivaceous-brown.  Superciliary  stripe  extending  back  along  the  sides 
of  the  head,  and  entire  under  parts,  pale  greenish-yellow;  with  the  chin,  throat,  breast  and  sides  covered  with 
triangular  spots  of  the  same  color  as  the  buck.  The  top  of  the  head  is  sometimes  streaked  with  darker. 
Feathers  at  the  base  of  the  upper  mandible  have  a  concealed  spot  of  pale  buff.  The  tints,  above  and  below,  vary 
much  in  intensity.  The  line  over  the  eye  in  some  individuals  is  much  purer  than  in  others.  The  spots  also  vary 
greatly  in  number,  especially  on  the  chin  and  throat;  they  are  always  darker  and  broader  on  the  breast,  but  in  one 
small  specimen  from  Key  West,  they  are  so  much  larger  and  crowded,  as  to  form  a  band. 

Bill,  brown,  lighter  at  base  of  lower  mandible.     Iris  and  feet,  brown. 

Young,  similar  to  the  adult,  but  are  rather  more  reddish  above ;  the  under  parts  are  greener.  There  is  also 
a  faint  indication  of  a  reddish  central  stripe  on  the  head. 

Young  in  the  nesting  plumage,  with  the  feathers  above  more  spotted  with  red. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

This  differs  from  the  closely  allied  species,  6'.  Ludovicianus  by  the  greater  number,  and  darker  color  of  the 
spots  beneath,  and  by  the  under  parts  being  greener.  The  line  over  the  eye  in  Ludovirianus  is  pure  white ;  the  feet 


\V.\TER    TllRrsn.  15 


are  also  very  pale  ;  being  nearly  while.     This  -.pecics  is  found  during  the  breeding  season  throughout  Eastern  United 
States,  north  to  Hudson's   Hay.     It  winter^  in  Southern  Klorida  and  the  West  Indies;   many  also  pass  into  South 

America. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  seven  specimens.—  Length,  5'88;  stretch,  9-33;  wing,  2-91;  tail,  2-02;  bill,  '52; 
tarsus.  -7,s.  (itvatcst  length,  (MO;  greatest  extent  of  wings,  10-03;  greatest  length  of  wing,  IJ.IO;  of  tail,  2-15;  of 
bill  -III;  of  tarsus,  -si;.  Smallest  length.  5-50;  smallest  stretch  of  wings,  8-GO;  smallest  length  of  wing,  2-80; 
of  tail,  1-90;'  of  bill,  -50;  of  tarsus,  -80. 

Di.SI  lilT'llllN   OF  NKST  AND  EGGS. 

,V'.--'.  composed  of  leaves,  mosses,  and  line  grasses  ;  lined  with  flue  mosses  and  roots.  Dimensions.  —  External 
diameter,  5-00  inches;  internal,  :!•:><>  inches.  External  depth,  3-00  inches;  internal,  2'00  inches. 

/.';/!/*,  four  or  live  in  number,  Hob,  colored,  spotted  throughout  wiih  light,  reddish-brown.  Dimensions,  from 
•75X-GO  to  -83x-G5. 

HABITS. 

The  island  of  Key  West  is  about  six  miles  in  length,  and  is  of  an  irregular  form  ;  being 
nearly  divided  in  the  middle  by  a  deep  cove  which  opens  to  the  westward.  A  creek  also  makes 
in  from  the  eastward,  and  forms  an  outlet  to  ti  large,  shallow  basin  of  water,  which  is  called 
"The  Salt  Pond."  An  artiticial  canal  connects  this  sheet  with  the  cove,  so  that  the  key  is 
really  separated  into  two  islands.  The  city  stands  upon  the  southernmost  one,  which,  owing 
to  a  rich  deposit  of  soil,  is  covered  with  a  luxuriant  growth  of  vegetation.  The  northern 
islet  is  entirely  uninhabited,  being  somewhat  barren  ;  even  in  the  interior,  one  sees  but  few 
speeies  of  trees  or  shrubs,  and  these  are  dwarfed  by  the  extreme  heat  which  prevails  at 
certain  seasons,  for  the  vegetable  mould  is  thinly  spread  upon  the  coral  that  forms  the 
foundation  of  all  the  Florida  keys,  but  as  we  approach  the  western  shore  this  scanty  supply 
of  vegetation  vanishes  and  the  surface  of  the  rock  is  exposed.  This  limy  formation  is 
comparatively  soft,  and  the  action  of  the  elements  has  worn  it  into  jagged  points;  while  the 
surface  water,  caused  by  rains,  has  formed  numerous  small  channels,  of  a  foot  or  eighteen 
inches  in  depth,  through  which  it  escapes  into  the  sea.  A  few  hardy  plants  grow  along  the 
borders  of  these  little  tissures,  but  all  else  is  a  rough  plain  of  blackened  rocks,  until  we  como 
to  the  high-water  line.  Here  grows  one  of  the  true  products  of  the  tropics,  —  the  mangrove. 
One  unaccustomed  to  the  habits  of  these  trees  would  be  surprised  to  see  them  existing  in  so 
de.-olate  a  spot,  especially  where  they  are  so  constantly  washed  by  the  salt  waves,  yet  they 
appear  in  a  flourishing  condition,  and  not  only  mark  the  line  along  the  shore,  but  form  many 
little  verdant  islands  far  out  in  the  light  green  waters  of  the  Gulf  of  Mexico.  Their  manner 
of  growth  is  singular;  the  roots  are  not  only  long,  but  flexible,  and  grasp  any  projection  of 
the  Mirl'aee  that  presents  itself,  or  thrust  themselves  into  the  crevices  of  the  rocks  when  they 
come  within  their  reach.  But  this  support  would  be  of  little  avail  in  enabling  the  tree 
to  maintain  an  upright  position  during  the  heavy  winds  which  often  occur  in  this  region. 
.Nature,  however,  has  provided  powerful  braces  in  the  shape  of  aerial  rofits  which  are  thrown 
out  from  various  heights,  and  growing  downward  reach  the  rock  and  fasten  themselves  firmly. 
Shoots  start  up  from  these,  which  in  their  turn  throw  out  others,  and  thus  the  whole  forms 
a  dense  thicket  with  interlacing  branches  and  root-stalks,  through  which  it  is  extremely  difficult 
to  force  a  passage. 

The  mangroves,  which  form  the  narrow  edging  along  the  western  shore,  were  not  high,  yet 
they  were  chosen  as  an  asylum  by  a  large  number  of  birds,  and  consequently  I  frequently  visited 
them  in  search  of  the  rarer  species.  While  so  engaged  I  observed  some  small  birds  running 
about  among  the  roots,  apparently  searching  for  aquatic  insects,  which  were  left  by  the  tide, 
that  flowed  over  the  place  at  high  water.  They  were  extremely  shy  and  it  was  only  with  great 
difficulty  that  I  could  obtain  a  shot  at  one,  which  when  taken  proved  to  be  the  common  Water 
Thrush.  Although  I  saw  them  occasionally  on  other  parts  of  the  key.  among  the  mangroves, 
yet  they  were  particularly  abundant  in  this  place,  and  I  always  found  them  there,  cw-n  after 


16  "MIMUS   POLYGLOTTUS. 

nearly  all  the  other  birds  had  left  the  island.  I  think  they  remained  all  winter,  for  I  saw  them 
as  late  as  the  latter  part  of  December  ;  I  did  not,  however,  meet  with  them  at  Miami  until  March 
15th.  One  was  picked  up  dead  in  Indian  River,  and  brought  to  me,  on  April  1st,  but  they  did 
not  become  common  there  until  the  20th  of  that  month. 

They  pass  Massachusetts  during  the  middle  of  May  when  they  frequent  the  swamps.  I  found 
them  common  iu  June,  at  Lake  Umbagog,  Maine,  in  thick  woods  along  the  edges  of  water 
courses ;  where  they  generally  remain  concealed  beneath  the  mass  of  fallen  trees  and  thick 
underbrush.  Indeed,  they  are  so  shy,  and  so  seldom  leave  these  inaccessible  places,  that  were 
it  not  for  the  song  of  the  males,  one  would  scarcely  believe  that  they  were  at  all  common  there. 
They  breed  in  these  swampy  localities.  The  nest  is  placed  beside  a  decaying,  moss-covered 
log,  or  at  the  foot  of  some  tree,  generally  in  the  everlasting  shadows  of  the  thick  evergreens. 
It  is  seldom  covered  like  that  of  the  Oven  Bird.  While  the  female  is  sitting  the  male  is 
ever  near,  and  the  angler  who  invades  this  wilderness,  so  seldom  trodden  by  man,  in  search 
of  the  speckled  trout,  hears  its  indescribably  sweet  warbling  song,  sounding  all  the  more 
melodious  because  his  curious  eye  fails  to  detect  its  author.  So  all  through  the  long  summer 
days,  amid  the  mountain  valleys,  this  bird  melody  is  mingled  with  the  splash  of  cool  waters, 
and  the  gentle  sighing  of  breezes,  which  come  laden  with  the  fragrance  of  hemlock  and  spruce. 

These  birds  are  remarkable  for  their  love  of  water,  and  are  seldom  seen  far  from  it.  They 
are  exceedingly  active,  and  run  very  rapidly ;  on  this  account  they  resemble  the  Sandpipers, 
especially  when  they  are  feeding  by  the  side  of  a  pool  or  stream.  They  also  have  the  habit 
of  jerking  their  tails  iu  a  nervous  manner.  By  the  1st  of  September  they  commence  their 
southern  flight.  While  passing  Massachusetts  at  this  season  they  may  be  usually  found 
searching  the  bottom  of  recently  dried  up  pools  and  ditches  for  insects,  especially  if  these 
places  are  overhung  with  bushes.  They  are  but  little  tamer  then  than  at  other  times,  and  upon 
the  slightest  alarm  will  instantly  dart  into  the  nearest  thicket. 


GENUS   III.      MIMUS.      THE    MOCKING    BIEDS. 

GEN".  Cir.  Bill,  equal  in  length  to  the  head;  straight,  but  with  the  tips  of  the  upper  mandible  curved,  and  but  slightly 
notched.  The  stcrnvms  differ  from  those  of  the  Thrushes  proper  in  being  broader,  and  in  having  a  lower  keel ;  the  sternum 
being  twice  as  broad  as  the  keel  is  high.  The  marginal  indentations  are  also  shallower;  being  only  as  deep  as  one-third 
the  length  of  the  keel. 

MIMUS    POLYGLOTTUS. 

Mocking  Bird. 
Mimns  polijglottus  BOIE.     Isis,  Oct.  1826,  972. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  slender.  Tail,  long.  Bill,  moderate,  rather  wide  at  base.  Tarsus,  distinctly  scutellate.  Sternum, 
strongly  built.  Tongue,  rather  deeply  cleft,  with  the  forked  portion  ciliated  on  the  ends  and  outer  sides. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Above,  ashy.  Wings,  brown ;  base  of  all  the  primaries,  their  tips  and  edges,  and  tips  of 
secondaries,  wing  coverts,  and  the  entire  spurious  wing,  white ;  the  latter,  however,  has  central  stripes  of  brown. 
The  white  extends  over  more  than  half  the  length  of  the  inner  quill  feathers,  but  is  more  restricted  on  the  outer. 
Tail,  very  dark  brown;  the  outer  feathers,  pure  white;  the  next  two  white  on  the  tip,  and  for  one-half  the  terminal 
length  of  the  inner  web.  The  next  two  are  tipped  with  the  same.  Chin,  white.  King  around  the  eye,  a  faint 
superciliary  line,  and  the  remainder  of  under  parts,  dirty  white,  more  dusky  on  the  flanks,  breast  and  tibia;.  The 
crown  and  ear  coverts  are  sometimes  streaked  with  dusky.  The  under  tail  coverts  are  generally  tinged  with  pale 
buff.  Bill  and  feet  black,  with  the  base  of  the  under  mandible  brown.  Iricles,  pale  yellow. 

Young,  similar,  but  with  the  white  more  restricted,  and  a  reddish  sutl'usion  throughout.  The  flanks  are  streaked 
with  dusky. 

Young,  in  the  nesting  plumage,  has  the  breast  streaked  with  dusky.  The  white  edgings  of  the  scapulars  are  also 
broader. 


i/or/,-/.Y(,    ill  i:  1 1.  17 


OBSERVATIONS. 

There  are  no  othrrs  \vitli  whicli  tins  species  can  be  confounded,  excepting  perhaps  some  of  the  West  India  forms. 
Sperimens  vary  iiincli  in  amount  of  while  on  the  tall;  one,  from  Key  West,  lias  all  the  feathers  of  the  tail  tipped  with 
it.  Spcriiuriis  from  this  place,  evidently  constant  residents  upon  the  Key,  are  generally  of  much  smaller  size  than 
those  from  further  north.  They  are,  however,  not  darker  than  those  taken  about  Jacksonville. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  nMirenii'iits  of  thirty-seven  specimens  from  Florida.— Length,  9-77;  stretch.  13-32;  wins.  4-10;  tail, 

.">•.">;{;  bill,  -7L':  tarsus.  1-lil.  Longest  specimen,  10-20;  greatest  extent  of  wings,  14-25;  greatest  length  of  wing, 
4-GO;  of  tall,  5*66;  of  bill,  -81 ;  of  tarsus,  1-65.  Shortest  specimen,  9-00;  smallest  stretch  of  wings,  12-80;  shortest 
wing.  :i-20;  of  tail.  3-50;  of  bill,  -CO;  of  tarsus,  1-00. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS   AND  EGGS. 

AVx/s.  composed  outwardly  of  twigs  and  weeds;  lined  with  fibrous  roots.  One  which  I  now  have  before  me, 
that,  was  collected  at  Dunn's  Lake,  by  Mr.  Hnrton,  is  composed  outwardly  of  dried  everlasting  (Anttnnariu),  and 
smoothly  lined  with  horse  hair,  fibrous  roots,  and  cotton.  There  Is  also  a  piece  of  blue  cotton  cord  woven  into  the 
si  nil  lure.  It  is  rather  shallow.  Dimensions.— External  diameter,  6  inches;  internal,  3-50  inches.  External  depth, 
2  inches;  internal,  1-50  inches. 

A';;:/*,  usually  live  in  number;  pale  greenish-blue,  spotted  and  blotched  Irregularly  with  umber,  of  varying  shades, 
and  pale  lilac.  These  spots  are  usually  accumulated  more  thickly  at  the  larger  end,  and  sometimes  cover  it 
completely.  Dimensions,  from  -94x-73  to  l-OOx-74. 

HABITS. 

Tin-  Mocking  Bird,  like  the  Robin,  seems  to  have  acquired  a  love  for  the  habitations  of  man. 
This  peculiarity  is  perhaps  due  in  a  measure  to  the  protection  which  such  localities  afford  against 
various  natural  enemies.  Not  only  because  hawks,  wild  cats,  opossums  and  other  animals  are 
apt  to  avoid  the  presence  of  mankind,  but  as  the  country  is  open  about  plantations  it  enables  the 
birds  to  perceive  more  readily  the  approach  of  any  intending  disturber  of  their  peace.  I  think 
it  probable  that  before  the  laud  was  inhabited  they  avoided  the  thickly  wooded  sections,  for  the 
few  that  are  found  in  the  wilds  of  Florida  live  in  little  isolated  hummocks  and  clumps  of  bushes 
that  irrow  in  the  open  pine  barrens.  The  security  afforded  them  by  civilization  must  have 
tended  to  concentrate  them,  or  has  caused  them  to  increase  rapidly,  for  they  are  very  abundant 
in  the  vicinity  of  plantations  and  towns,  and  comparatively  few  are  found  away  from  them.  For 
example,  there  were  hundreds  on  the  inhabited  section  of  Key  West,  while  but  few  were  to  be 
seen  on  the  other  portions  of  the  island,  or  on  keys  which  were  not  settled. 

One  reason  for  their  abundance  at  Key  West  may  have  been  owing  to  the  plentiful  supply 
of  the  edible  fruit  of  a  species  of  prickly  pear  (  Opuntia  ficus  Indicus)  on  which  they  feed.  This 
plant  grows  abundantly  all  over  the  richer  portions  of  the  Key,  but  in  one  section  there  was  a 
space  containing  several  acres,  which  had  been  cleared  from  trees  and  bushes,  which  was  so 
completely  covered  with  them  that  it  was  impossible  for  any  large  animal  to  pass  through  it. 
Some  of  the  cacti  in  this  field  were  of  an  immense  size,  being  over  ten  feet  in  height,  and  nearly 
all  the  flat  leaf-like  stalks  bore  several  of  the  pear-shaped  fruit,  from  which  this  cactus  derives 
its  name.  These  are  ripe  during  the  latter  part  of  November,  when  they  become  bright  scarlet ; 
they  arc  then  very  juicy,  and  of  an  agreeable  acid  flavor.  The  outer  skin  must  be  carefully 
removed,  however,  before  attempting  to  eat  them,  as  it  is  nearly  covered  with  long,  slender  spines 
that  grow  in  bunches,  and  which  readily  enter  the  flesh  when  brought  in  contact  with  it.  They 
are  barbed,  and  therefore  exceedingly  difficult  to  remove  when  once  fixed.  The  Mocking  Birds 
visit  this  place  in  large  numbers,  when  the  fruit  becomes  dead  ripe,  and  avoiding  the  spines  by 
peeking  a  hole  in  the  upper  end,  which  is  free  from  them,  greedily  devour  the  contents.  The  juice 
is  bright  vermilion,  and  not  only  stains  their  bills,  heads,  and  throats,  but  those  which  I  dissected, 
that  had  been  feeding  on  the  pears,  had  the  stomachs  and  intestines  completely  dyed  by  it. 

minis  or  KI.IIHIIIV.  3 


18  MIMUS   POLYGLOTTUS. 

These  birds  are  quite  epicures  in  their  way,  and  not  only  eat  prickly  pears,  but  feed  upon 
oranges,  the  berries  of  the  palmetto,  and  other  small  fruits.  They  also  eat  worms,  beetles,  flies, 
and  the  larvce  of  other  insects.  I  have  found  the  stomach  of  a  single  individual  crammed  with 
nearly  all  these  articles  of  food,  with  the  addition  of  a  tonic  in  the  shape  of  small  pebbles  or 
pieces  of  shells.  On  account  of  this  changeable  diet  it  is  difiicult  to  make  specimens,  taken 
when  adult,  live  in  confinement ;  they  must  be  captured  when  quite  young,  and  thus  become 
accustomed  to  such  food  as  can  be  readily  procured  for  them.  When  they  are  brought  north, 
however,  the  change  of  climate  destroys  a  great  many;  but  they  arc  more  easily  kept  in  the 
south,  and  nearly  every  one  who  has  a  taste  for  pets  possesses  one  or  more.  I  visited  a 
museum  at  Savannah,  Georgia,  in  which  living  animals  were  exhibited ;  and  where  among  other 
attractions  was  an  immense  cage  iu  which  were  many  species  of  small  birds,  including  several 
Mocking  Birds,  one  of  which  behaved  in  a  very  odd  manner.  It  would  fly  violently  at  my  hand 
when  I  placed  it  against  the  bars  of  the  cage,  twittering  angrily,  and  would  not  be  satisfied  until 
I  withdrew  it.  It  paid  no  attention  to  the  keeper,  however,  who  informed  us  that  it  always 
assailed  strangers  in  this  way.  Individuals  in  a  state  of  nature  also  appear  to  have  eccentric 
habits ;  I  knew  one  that  had  taken  a  fancy  to  perch  on  the  top  of  an  old  stub,  and  which 
was  always  found  there  at  certain  times  during  the  day.  If  driven  away  it  would  return  when 
we  had  moved  to  a  little  distance.  Indeed  it  seems  to  be  a  general  habit  with  this  species  to 
perch  on  some  elevated  situation  ;  in  this  they  resemble  the  Shrikes,  and  their  method  of  flight 
is  similar,  being  slow  but  steady. 

The  breeding  season  in  Florida  is  about  the  first  of  April,  but  the  young  were  barely  hatched 
at  Wilmington,  North  Carolina,  in  the  last  week  in  May.  In  Florida  the  nests  are  usually 
placed  in  orange  trees  within  a  few  feet  of  the  ground,  and  often  quite  near  dwellings.  Indeed, 
I  once  found  one  within  five  yards  of  an  inhabited  negro  shanty.  The  birds  would  alight  upon 
the  tree  without  the  slightest  apparent  fear,  although  I  stood  at  the  foot  of  it;  in  fact  I  have 
always  found  this  species  unsuspicious  when  in  the  vicinity  of  habitations,  but  in  the  wilder 
sections  they  are  shy,  and  extremely  difficult  to  approach. 

Contrary  to  the  usual  habits  of  birds  I  have  never  known  these  to  sing  their  full  song 
previous  to  the  season  of  incubation.  In  winter  they  are  generally  silent,  having  only  some 
harsh  alarm  notes ;  but  as  spring  advances  they  commence  a  low  sputtering  song,  as  if  they  had 
not  yet  acquired  sufficient  energy  to  render  it  loud  and  clear.  I  heard  them  singing  in  this 
manner  at  Jacksonville,  while  they  were  building  their  nests,  and  for  a  long  time  was  under  the 
impression  that  the  Mocking  Birds  of  Florida  could  not  sing  as  well  as  those  from  Virginia.  I 
frequently  questioned  the  inhabitants  about  this  peculiarity,  when  they  always  informed  me  that 
the  birds  could  sing  very  finely,  and  were  indignant  when  I  told  them  that  I  had  heard  better 
songs  from  caged  birds  at  the  north.  I  was  not  undeceived  upon  this  point  until  I  visited  Lake 
Harney,  in  the  latter  part  of  May,  1872.  We  had  crossed  the  portage  from  Indian  River,  where 
these  birds  are  not  very  common  during  the  breeding  season,  and  had  arrived  at  Lake  Harney 
after  dark.  We  pitched  our  tents  by  the  side  of  a  palmetto  grove,  and  retiring  slept  soundly  after 
our  fatiguing  journey,  but  were  awakened  in  the  morning  by  what  seemed  a  perfect  concert  of 
bird  voices,  which,  as  they  came  from  one  point,  we  knew  must  be  produced  by  a  single 
individual ;  but  it  was  not  until  I  had  satisfied  myself  by  actual  inspection  that  I  would  believe 
it  to  be  a  Mocking  Bird  ;  and  when  we  perceived  it  was  so  we  paused  in  amazement  to  listen.  The 
clear,  mellow  whistle  of  the  Red  Bird,  the  garrulous  notes  of  the  Jay,  the  continuous  warble  of 
the  Great  Carolina  Wren,  Bob  White's  abrupt  call,  the  low  but  lovely  song  of  the  Pine-wood 
Finch,  followed  by  the  harsh  scream  of  the  Hawk,  were  all  mingled,  without  system,  with  strains 
of  his  own,  and  those  of  many  other  birds,  but  in  such  a  manner,  and  were  given  with  such 
power,  that  the  effect  was  surpassingly  fine.  He  had  even  caught  the  Bobolink's  fragmentary 
attempts,  which  it  first  practices  while  passing  northward,  and  incorporated  this  into  its  lay,  in 


CAT  BIRD.  19 

the  right  place  and  with  charming  exactness.  He  not  only  mimicked  other  birds  but  excelled 
them,  and  after  we  had  heard  him  their  individual  efforts  seemed  quite  tame  and  spiritless.  The 
bird  seemed  unconscious  of  his  merits,  for  he  sat  carelessly  on  a  tree  top,  occasionally  pausing  in 
the  midst  of  it  all  to  arrange  his  feathers,  or  he  would  fly  from  place  to  place  without  interrupting 
his  musical  carol.  There  were  several  in  the  vicinity,  and  they  were  all  in  full  song,  so  there 
was  scarcely  any  time  during  the  day,  though  the  heat  was  excessive,  that  we  did  not  hear  at 
least  one  of  them.  After  these  repeated  cantatas  we  could  no  longer  doubt  the  vocal  superiority 
of  the  Florida  .Mocking  Birds,  for  we  had  never  before  listened  to  such  melody  from  feathered 
throats,  and  it  became  plainly  evident  that  all  other  species  must  yield  the  palm  to  this,  the 
King  of  Song. 

MIMITS    CABOLINENSIS. 

Cat   Bird. 
Mining  carolinensis  GRAY,  Genera,  1844-49. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cir.  Form,  rather  slender.  Bill,  slender,  gently  curved.  Scutella  on  anterior  tarsi  in  adult  specimens 
fused  into  a  continuous  plate.  Sternum,  rather  weaker  than  that  of  the  preceding  species,  in  comparison  to  its  size, 
but  of  the  sunn*  relative  proportions. 

COLOR.  A<Inlt.  Prevailing  color,  dark  plumbeous,  lighter  beneath.  Crown,  nape,  and  upper  part  of  tail,  sooty 
black,  the  outer  edges  of  the  latter  are  edged  with  plumbeous.  Quills  and  secondaries,  very  dark  brown,  also  edged 
with  plumbeous.  Under  tail  coverts,  chestnut.  Bill,  black.  Iris  and  feet,  brown. 

•  ;/,  similar  to  the  adult,  with  the  crown  lighter,  especially  at  the  base  of  bill.     The  under  tail  coverts 
arc  streaked  with  ashy.     Sexes,  similar  in  all  stages. 

•  <'j  in  the.  nesting  plumaije,  every  way  paler,  especially  the  chestnut  of  the  under  tail  coverts.     There  is  also 
a  tinge  of  reddish  on  the  upper  wing  coverts. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Tliis  well  known  species  may  be  readily  distinguished  from  all  others  by  the  above  descriptions.  Specimens 
from  Key  West  are  not  only  smaller  in  size,  but  much  darker  in  color,  the  top  of  the  head  being  entirely  black. 
Found  during  the  breeding  season  throughout  the  United  States;  winters  in  great  numbers  in  Florida,  the  West 
Indies  and  Central  America. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  twenty-five  specimens  from  Florida. —  Length,  8-14;  stretch,  11-82;  wing,  3-59;  tail, 
3-71;  bill,  -74;  tarsus,  1-11.  Longest  specimen,  9-00;  greatest  stretch  of  wings,  11-57;  greatest  length  of  wing, 
3-84;  of  tail,  4-00;  of  bill, -85;  of  tarsus,  1-23.  Shortest  specimen,  8-25 ;  smallest  stretch  of  wings,  10-10;  shortest 
wins.'.  :?-:lu:  tail.  :', -:10;  bill, -60;  tarsus,  1-01. 

Average  measurements  of  nine  specimens  from  New  England.— Length,  8-91 ;  stretch,  11-73;  wing,  3-49;  tail, 
3-82;  bill,  -G3;  tarsus,  1-07.  Longest  specimen,  9-35;  greatest  stretch  of  wings,  12-00;  greatest  length  of  wing, 
3-82;  of  tail,  4-00;  of  bill,  -65;  of  tarsus,  1-10.  Shortest  specimen,  8-45;  smallest  stretch  of  wings,  11-26;  shortest 
winir.  3-30:  tail,  8-CO;  bill, -60;  tarsus,  1-05. 

It  will  be  observed  by  the  measurements  given,  that,  although  Florida  specimens  are  smaller  in  size,  the  wings, 
bills,  and  feet  are  somewhat  larger.  In  this  they  agree  with  all  other  species  which  occur  as  residents  both  north 
and  south. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nest,  composed  of  leaves,  grape-vine  bark,  and  weeds,  lined  with  fine  roots.  Dimensions. —  External  diameter, 
Cinches;  internal,  3-50  inches.  External  depth,  3-50  inches  ;  internal,  2  inches. 

Eygs,  four  or  five  in  number,  rather  pointed,  and  deep  green  in  color.    Dimensions,  from  -90x-GO  to  -95x-75. 

HABITS. 

Nearly  every  one  in  the  eastern  section  of  the  United  States  is  familiar  with  this  species ; 
and  it  is  one,  among  a  few,  that  is  known  by  the  same  name  throughout  that  portion  of  the  country 
in  which  it  occurs.  This  is  owing  solely  to  a  peculiar  alarm  note,  which  bears  a  strong 
n •semblance  to  the  mewing  of  a  cat.  This  sound  is  only  emitted  when  the  bird  perceives  an 
enemy  :  then,  if  it  docs  not  apprehend  much  danger,  the  mew  is  given  quite  plaintively ;  while 
it  hops  quietly  from  bough  to  bough,  and  peers  through  the  bushes  in  an  inquisitive  manner. 


20  MINUS    CAROLINENSIS. 

But,  if  it  thinks  its  eggs  or  young  are  in  peril,  it  loses  its  quiet  demeanor,  and  flits  rapidly 
around  the  disturber;  then,  if  he  approaches  too  near  the  nest,  it  dashes  into  his  very  face, 
uttering  the  alarm  note  in  a  quick  nervous  manner,  occasionally  raising  it  to  a  sudden  scream 
of  rage,  or  now  and  then  giving  an  angry  cackle.  It  persists  in  these  frantic  efforts  to  repel  the 
iuvader  until  he  leaves  the  locality.  This  feline-like  note  is  not  very  agreeable  to  the  ear, 
but  the  song  is  quite  lively  and  pleasant.  It  is  somewhat  hurried,  and  consists  of  a  series  of 
of  rather  inaccurate  imitations  of  the  songs  of  the  Kobin,  Blue  Bird,  and  of  a  few  other  species, 
mingled  harmoniously  with  some  finer  snatches  of  its  own.  While  singing,  the  bird  is  perched 
in  some  elevated  situation,  and,  as  it  renders  some  of  the  more  difficult  parts,  the  wings  are 
fluttered,  the  head  thrown  back,  and  the  bird  gives  undivided  attention  to  its  lay;  but 
during  other  measures  of  the  song  it  often  hops  from  place  to  place,  in  a  careless,  though 
restless  manner. 

It  sings  well  in  confinement,  and  I  knew  of  one,  that  was  kept  by  a  friend,  which 
particularly  excelled  in  this  respect.  It  was  very  tame,  seeming  to  enjoy  the  caresses  of  the 
various  members  of  the  family,  and  lived  a  long  and  contented  life  ;  but  at  last  met  its  fate  in 
a  singular  manner,  for  a  bird.  It  possessed  an  immoderate  liking  for  mince-pie  and  ate  all  that 
was  presented  to  it ;  but  unfortunately  this  unnatural  food  did  not  agree  with  it,  for  if  it  took 
a  large  quantity  it  would  almost  immediately  be  thrown  into  convulsions ;  therefore  it  was 
seldom  indulged  in  this  luxury.  But  one  day  it  escaped  from  its  cage,  when  no  one  was  by, 
and  finding  one  of  its  favorite  pies  upon  a  table,  ate  its  fill.  When  its  owner  entered  the 
room  it  was  insensible,  and  as  all  efforts  to  restore  it  to  consciousness  failed  it  soon  died, 
falling  a  victim  to  its  appetite. 

The  Cat  Bird  is  in  full  song  just  before  the  season  of  incubation  and  continues  to  sing  while 
the  female  is  sitting.  The  time  for  nesting,  in  New  England,  is  about  the  first  week  in  June, 
and  by  the  middle  of  July  the  young  are  fully  fledged.  The  situation  chosen  for  a  summer 
home  is  usually  some  thicket  by  the  side  of  fence  rows,  often  at  no  great  distance  from 
a  dwelling.  The  nest  is  commonly  placed  in  a  barberry  bush,  but  a  few  feet  above  the  ground. 
After  rearing  its  young,  it  retires  to  the  swamps  to  moult.  This  occurs  during  the  latter  part 
of  July,  and  about  the  second  week  in  October  it  takes  its  departure  for  the  South.  I  found  it 
very  abundant  at  Key  West  in  the  first  part  of  November  after  which  the  majority  disappeared. 
At  this  time  it  moved  in  large  flocks,  and  fed,  with  the  preceding  species,  on  the  fruit  of  the 
prickly  pear.  It  did  not,  however,  subsist  wholly  upon  this  food,  but  varied  its  diet  by  eating 
insects.  It  lives  entirely  upon  insectivorous  food  from  the  time  of  its  arrival  in  Xew  England, 
May  1st,  until  July  ;  after  which  it  eats  greedily  of  the  smaller  fruits  ;  but  as  the  beetles,  larvae 
of  the  lepidoptera,  etc.,  destroyed  by  it,  earlier  in  the  season,  are  generally  injurious  to 
vegetation,  we  may  justly  pardon  it  if  it  does  help  itself  liberally  to  our  cherries  and 
strawberries.  This  poor  bird,  however,  has  a  bad  reputation  among  farmers,  owing  partly  to 
its  annoying  note,  and  partly  to  its  supposed  propensity  to  dine  upon  the  eggs  of  other  birds. 
Of  this  latter  charge  it  is  innocent,  and,  moreover,  as  we  have  shown,  does  a  great  deal  of  good 
and  if  it  were  to  be  banished  from  the  land  the  husbandman  would  find  his  crops  far  lighter 
when  the  time  of  harvest  came. 


PL  ATI:  vi. 


13 


BROWX    TIIRVSII.  21 


GENUS   IV.      IIARPOUIIYNCHUS.      THE    CURVE-BILLED   TIIKI  SIIKS. 
OCH.  On.     Hill  I, ,11,1,1-  than  the  head,  with  both  mandibles  more  or  less  curved.     The  sternum  differs  from  that  of 
Minnis  in  hai-iiif/  tin  t  -net  proportionately  longer,  and  the  marginal  indentations  proportionately  deeper. 

HABPOBHYNCHUS    RUPUS. 

Brown  Thrush.     Thrasher. 
Harporhynchus  ru/us  CAIIAMS,  Mus.  Hein.,  1851,  82. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sp.  On.  Size,  large.  Tail,  long  and  somewhat  graduated.  Bill,  but  little  longer  than  the  head,  not  slender; 
both  mandibles  slightly  arched,  and  with  the  upper  considerably  curved  at  the  tip.  Tongue,  rather  straight,  being  but 
little  narrower  at  the  tip  than  in  the  middle;  the  end  is  slightly  rounded;  in  some  specimens  minutely  cleft,  and 
always  fringed  on  the  tip.  Sternum,  quite  stoutly  built. 

Count.  Adult  in  spring.  Above,  uniform  bright  rufous;  darkest  on  the  rump  and  lower  part  of  the  back,  but 
becoming  lighter  on  the  crown,  while  the  forehead  has  a  bleached  appearance.  Beneath,  rather  dirty  white;  with 
the  breast,  sides  of  the  throat,  and  sides  and  flanks,  covered  with  triangular  spots  of  dark  brown,  becoming  rufous 
on  the  sides  of  the  upper  parts  of  the  breast;  they  are  generally  smaller  and  more  numerous  on  these  parts  than  on 
others.  There  is  a  tinge  of  buff  on  the  breast,  flanks,  and  under  tail  coverts.  The  sides  of  the  neck,  the  lores,  and 
oar  coverts  arc  ashy,  streaked  with  dusky.  The  upper  parts  of  the  wings  are  like  the  back,  excepting  the  inner  webs 
of  the  secondaries  and  primaries,  which  are  dusky  ;  this  color  becomes  darker  on  the  outer  quills.  The  two  rows  of 
coverts  are  tipped  with  white,  which  is  narrowly  preceded  by  black,  forming  two  bars.  The  spurious  wings  are 
dusky,  edged  with  white  on  the  lower  sides.  The  under  portions  of  the  wings  are  pinkish,  excepting  the  terminal 
portions  of  the  outer  primaries,  which  are  dusky.  Axillaries  and  under  wing  coverts,  pale  buff;  the  latter  are 
spotted  with  brown.  The  upper  part  of  the  tail  is  like  the  back,  with  two  or  three  of  the  outer  feathers  narrowly 
tipped  with  yellowish-white.  One  specimen,  now  before  me,  has  a  single  small  spot  of  brown  on  the  centre  of  each 
of  the  outer  feathers,  just  above  the  white  of  the  tips.  Bill,  dark  brown ;  lighter  at  the  base  of  the  lower  mandible. 
Feet,  brown.  Irides,  orange  yellow. 

In  autumn  the  colors  above  are  deeper,  and  more  uniform ;  there  is  also  a  more  reddish  suffusion  beneath. 

Ynitnij.  (lifters  from  the  adult  in  being  much  deeper  colored  above,  and  in  having  a  generally  rufous  suffusion 
beneath,  especially  on  the  breast.  The  tertiaries  are  tipped  with  white,  which  is  preceded  by  a  dusky  band.  The 
secondaries  are  also  narrowly  edged  with  whitish.  The  yellowish-white  of  the  tips  of  the  tail  is  not  as  restricted 
and  extends  over  more  feathers. 

•nil  jiluiitnye,  differs  from  the  adult  in  being  paler,  especially  on  the  rump.  The  feathers  of  the  middle  of 
the  back  and  lesser  wing  coverts  show  darker  centres.  The  spots  on  the  back  are  narrower  and  darker.  The  irides 
are  yellowish-white. 

OBSERVATION'S. 

This  species  differs  from  all  others,  in  the  bright  rufous  color  of  the  back;  except,  perhaps,  //.  longirostris, 
which  is  probably  only  a  variety  of  II.  riifim.  It  is  distributed  throughout  the  Eastern  United  States  duriug  the 
breeding  season,  excepting  perhaps  the  more  Northern  portions.  Winters  in  the  Southern  States. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  twelve  specimens.— Length,  11-24;  stretch,  13-28;  wing,  4-02;  tail,  4-86;  bill,  1-00; 
tarsus.  1-39.  Longest  specimen,  11-72;  greatest  extent  of  wings,  14-CO;  greatest  length  of  wing.  4-LTi ;  of  tail,  4-89; 
of  bill,  1-05;  of  tarsus,  1-40.  Shortest  specimen,  10-30;  smallest  extent  of  wings,  13-25;  smallest  length  of  wing, 
3-15;  of  tail,  4-40;  of  bill,  -95;  of  tarsus,  1-10. 

DESCRIPTION   OF   NESTS   AND   EGGS. 

Nests,  composed  outwardly  of  dried  leaves,  weeds,  and  roots ;  lined  with  not  very  fine  roots.  They  are  of 
moderate  depth,  and  well  proportioned  to  the  size  of  the  birds.  Dimensions. — External  diameter,  5  inches;  Internal, 
3  inches.  External  depth,  3  inches;  internal,  1-50  inches. 

Eggs,  tour  or  five  in  number;  pale  blue  in  color,  spotted  and  dotted  everywhere  with  reddish-brown.  These 
spots  cluster  on  the  larger  end,  and  in  some  specimens  they  form  rings  around  it,  of  varying  diameters.  Form, 
generally,  rather  elliptical.  Dimensions,  from  l-OOx-75  to  l-10x-80. 

HABITS. 

At  the  commencement  of  my  first  campaign  in  Florida,  in  December,  1868,  we  had  pitched 
our  tent  in  the  pine  barrens,  about  three  miles  south  of  Jacksonville.  It  was  a  very  pretty  .spot. 
To  the  northward  was  an  immense  plain,  covered  with  a  verdant  carpet,  from  which  rose  the 


26  HEGULUS    8ATRAPA. 


HABITS. 

While  visiting  the  region  about  Lake  Umbagog,  in  Maine,  during  the  first  week  in  June, 
1871,  in  company  with  Messrs.  Deane  &  Brewster,  I  was  very  much  surprised  to  find  this 
little  species  very  common.  It  inhabits  the  thick  woods,  and  although  the  birds  were 
generally  invisible,  we  could  hear  their  peculiar  song  which  consists  of  a  series  of  low,  sharp 
chirps  terminated  by  a  lisping  warble.  They  were  probably  singing  for  the  benefit  of  their 
mates  which  evidently  had  nests  near.  Indeed,  we  shot  two  or  three  females  that  bore 
unmistakable  marks  of  incubating  and  saw  others  which  exhibited  considerable  solicitude 
whenever  we  approached  certain  trees,  hopping  distractedly  about,  sounding  their  querulous 
alarm  notes ;  in  fact,  betraying  by  every  movement  that  their  eggs  were  near.  They  who  have 
visited  those  dark  evergreen  woods,  will  understand  the  extreme  difficulty  of  finding  nests  that 
are  built  in  thick  hemlock  or  spruce  trees ;  for >. the  limbs  are  so  densely  covered  with  foliage 
that  it  is  almost  impossible  to  discern  any  object  among  them.  Add  to  this  the  long  hanging 
moss,  which  clings  to  the  branches  in  great  abundance,  growing  even  on  the  ends  of  the  twigs, 
and  we  have  a  mass  of  vegetation  which  the  little  Golden-crowned  Wren  chooses  for  a  breeding 
place.  The  weather  at  the  time  of  our  visit  was  insufferably  hot,  and  although  the  air  in  the 
woods  was  close,  being  nearly  suffocating,  we  were  obliged  to  force  our  way  over  the  heaps 
of  fallen  trees  and  through  the  swamps,  which  abound  in  the  wilderness  of  Northern  Maine. 
Besides  all  this  we  were  so  tormented  with  the  myriads  of  black  flies  and  mosquitoes,  that 
it  was  almost  impossible  to  remain  quiet  a  moment.  It  was  under  these  circumstances  that  we 
came  upon  the  localities  where  the  Kinglets  were  breeding ;  but  in  defiance  of  all  obstacles  we 
searched  long  and  faithfully  for  the  nests  as  we  were  naturally  anxious  to  obtain  a  specimen, 
knowing  that  it  had  never  been  discovered.  We  even  ascended  several  trees  that  we  were 
confident  contained  it;  but  our  most  careful  scrutinies' proved  fruitless,  and  the  nest  still 
remains  unknown.  It  is  highly  probable  that  the  sagacious  birds  had  artfully  concealed  the 
diminutive  structures  in  the  streamers  of  moss,  after  the  manner  of  the  Blue  Yellow-backed 
Warbler.  We  had  the  satisfaction  of  knowing,  however,  if  it  can  be  called  satisfaction,  that 
we  had  probably  been  nearer  the  uufound  treasures  than  other  ornithologists.  In  summer,  the 
birds  remain  in  pairs,  or  in  small  parties  after  the  young  are  fledged ;  but  in  autumn  they 
gather  in  flocks,  associating  with  the  Warblers  and  other  small  species..  About  the  middle 
of  October  they  begin  to  migrate  southward,  and  arrive  in  Massachusetts  during  the  latter 
part  of  the  above  named  month.  Many  pass  on  further  south,  but  some  remain  all  winter. 
These  may  be  found  everywhere  upon  their  arrival,  but  as  it  becomes  colder,  they  retire  to  the 
woods  and  cedar  groves,  where  they  spend  the  extreme  cold  weather ;  apparently  as  contented 
when  the  thermometer  stands  at  zero  as  in  summer.  One  can  scarcely  conceive  how  such  little 
morsels  of  flesh  and  blood  can  avoid  freezing  to  death  during  some  of  the  intensely  cold  nights 
of  midwinter,  when  many  of  the  larger  species  perish ;  or  how  they  manage  to  maintain 
themselves  through  protracted  snow  storms.  A  large  number  must  die,  and  the  only  wonder 
is  that  any  attempt  to  withstand  a  climate  so  rigorous.  In  mild  days  they  emerge  from  their 
wooded  fastnesses  and  visit  the  orchards  or  farm-yards.  They  are  always  lively  little  birds 
and  as  they  hop  nimbly  from  twig  to  twig,  in  search  of  the  eggs  and  larvre  of  insects,  which 
form  their  only  food  at  this  season,  amuse  themselves  by  frequently  uttering  a  short  lisping 
song.  Although  they  winter  in  large  numbers  in  most  of  the  Southern  States,  I  have  met  with 
them  but  once  in  Florida.  This  was  in  December,  1868,  when  I  took  two  specimens  in  a 
hummock ;  they  were  accompanying  a  large  flock  of  Warblers,  Titmice,  etc.  About  the 
middle  of  April  they  migrate  northward,  and  by  the  10th  of  May  they  have  all  passed 
Massachusetts. 


27 

REQTJLUS    CALENDULUS. 
Ruby-crowned  Wren.     Ruby-crowned  Kinglet. 
"Jlegulus  Calendula  Licht.    Ver/.elch,  1832,  Nos.  408-9."    BAIKD,  Birds  of  North  America,  1858,  220. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sp.  CH.  Form,  rather  stout.  Size,  soincwlmt  larger  than  the  preceding.  Bill,  rather  broad  at  base,  acuminate 
and  slightly  curved  at  the  tip  of  tin-  upper  mandible.  Wings  and  tail  as  In  satrapa.  Marginal  Indentations,  shallower. 
Tongue,  luMad.  with  tin-  edges  nearly  straight,  to  the  tip,  which  is  rounded,  bitid,  with  the  forked  portions  and  sides 
enar>ely  eiliated  for  one-third  of  its  terminal  length. 

CMI.OU.  Ailnll  in  spring.  Above,  olivaceous  green,  brightest  on  the  rump,  but  becoming  ashy  on  the  neck  and 
top  of  the  head,  which  has  a  eoueealed  spot  of  bright  ruby.  Wings  and  tail,  dark  brown,  edged  with  greenish. 
Terliaries,  quite  broadly  margined  with  whitish.  The  secondaries  and  quill  feathers  are  also  narrowly  edged  with 
it  terminally.  The  two  rows  of  greater  wing  coverts  are  tipped  with  yellowish-white,  forming  bars.  There  Is  also 
a  dusky  band  across  the  secondaries,  extending  over  two  or  three  primaries.  Space  in  front  of  the  eye  and  a  spot 
behind  it,  ashy- white.  Sides  of  he. id,  lores  and  ear  coverts,  ashy ;  the  latter  more  dusky.  Sides  of  neck,  throat  and 
tireast,  also  ashy,  but  of  a  lighter  shade;  this  color  becomes  yellowish  on  the  abdomen,  flanks,  and  under  tail  coverts. 
.\\illaries  and  under  wing  coverts,  white.  Under  portion  of  the  tail  and  wings,  glaucous;  the  feathers  of  the  latter 
edged  with  white.  In  autumn  there  is  a  more  yellowish  suffusion  beneath;  the  olivaceous  of  the  back  Is  more 
uniform,  ami  extends  over  the  top  of  the  head;  the  feathers  of  the  ruby  crown  are  also  slightly  tipped  with  dusky. 

Yiiuny,  similar  to  the  adult  in  autumn,  but  lacks  the  ruby  crown.  Both  sexes  are  alike,  excepting  that  the 
female  does  not  acquire  the  ruby  crown  as  quickly  as  the  male  which  sometimes  has  a  feather  or  two  of  it  the  first 
year.  Irides,  brown.  Bill,  dark  brown,  lighter  at  the  base  of  the  lower  mandible.  Tarsi  and  feet,  browu,  with  the 
soles  of  the  latter  yellow. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

This  species  is  larger  than  satrapa,  and  has  the  ruby  crown  in  place  of  the  yellow.  There  is  no  black  on  the  top 
of  the  head  in  any  stage  of  plumage.  Although  they  breed  much  further  North  than  the  preceding,  they  winter  much 
further  South;  being  very  abundant  In  Florida,  and  none  being  found  in  Massachusetts.  When  North,  during 
summer,  they  are  distributed  from  the  Atlantic  to  the  Pacific. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  nineteen  specimens. — Length,  4-33;  stretch,  C-91;  wing,  2-2C;  tail,  1-82;  bill,  -34; 
tarsus.  -72.  Longest  specimen,  4-50;  greatest  extent  of  wings,  7-30;  greatest  length  of  wing,  2-35;  of  tall,  1-8C; 
of  bill,  -38;  of  tarsus,  -Til.  Shortest  specimen,  4-00;  smallest  extent  of  wings,  6*75;  smallest  length  of  wing,  2-17; 
of  tail,  1-72;  of  bill,  -32;  of  tarsus,  -38. 

HABITS. 

The  Ruby-crowned  Wrens  are  the  most  common  birds  of  Florida  during  winter,  arriving 
from  the  North  about  the  first  of  December,  scattering  through  the  hummocks  of  the 
mainland  of  the  state,  where  they  may  occasionally  be  found  in  company  with  other  birds,  but 
an-  generally  independent;  indeed,  I  think  they  seldom  pay  any  attention  to  the  movements 
of  even  their  own  companions;  each  pursues  a  course  agreeable  to  itself.  They  can  therefore 
hardly  \w  called  gregarious  at  this  season,  being  equally  numerous  in  every  wooded  locality, 
unless  \ve  choose  to  consider  all  which  are  in  Florida  as  constituting  one  vast  flock.  They  move 
about  among  the  luxuriant  growth  of  trees  and  shrubs  in  a  manner  which  plainly  indicates  that 
they  arc  at  home.  They  seem  to  be  always  busily  engaged  in  searching  for  insects  upon  tho 
branches,  yet  will  pause  to  gaze  inquisitively  at  a  stranger.  They  are  not  noisy  at  such  times, 
and  although  very  abundant,  one  who  is  not  a  naturalist  would  scarcely  notice  them,  for  they 
come  without  bu>tle,  remain  in  the  seclusion  offered  by  the  hummocks,  quietly  pursuing  their 
avocations,  then,  by  the  mioWle  of  March,  retire  Northward  as  silently  as  they  came. 

When  passing  Massachusetts  in  early  April  they  behave  far  differently,  for  they  are  then 
full  of  activity,  and  it'  any  one  chances  to  enter  the  wood  through  which  they  are  migrating  they 
will  scold  at  him  most  vociferously.  The  males  arc  also  full  of  melody,  and  their  musical  efforts 
iii< ist  certainly  do  them  credit,  for  their  song  consists  of  a  full,  clear  warble,  which  excels  that 
of  many  of  our  native  species.  They  linger  here,  frequenting  the  groves  and  thickets,  until  tho 
latter  part  of  the  month,  when  they  have  all  passed  to  the  North. 


28  POLIOPTILA     C^EBULEA. 

The  breeding  place  of  this  species  was  for  a  long  time  unknown,  but  Prof.  Baird  informs  me 
that  Mr.  Bannister  has  recently  found  a  nest  in  Western  New  York.  It  was  built  in  the  fork 
of  a  tree,  some  distance  from  the  ground,  and  contained  young.  The  eggs  have  never  been 
discovered.  I  found  the  birds  very  abundant  at  Bethel,  Maine,  on  the  12th  of  October,  1868, 
but  by  the  22d  they  had  all  disappeared.  They  enter  Massachusetts  in  autumn,  about  the  first 
week  of  the  above  named  mouth,  but  have  left  for  the  South  by  the  30th. 

GENUS   II.      POLIOPTILA.      THE   WARBLERS. 

GEN.  CH.  Sternum  much  narrower  and  proportionately  longer  than  in  the  preceding  genus  ;  the  marginal  indenta- 
tions are  also  shallower.  The  frontal  feathers  do  not  cover  the  nostrils.  The  tarsi  are  scutellate.  The  tail  is  rounded, 
whereas  in  Hegulus  it  is  square  and  emarginate. 

All  the  species  iu  this  genus  are  of  small  size,  with  delicate  blue  colors  above  and  silvery-white  below. 

POLIOPTILA     C^ERULEA. 
Silvery  Warbler.     Blue-gray  Gnatcatcher. 

Polioptila  ccerulea  SCLATEH,  Proceedings  Zool.  Soc.  1855,  11. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sp.  Ch.  Form,  slender.  Size, small.  Bill,  rather  broad  at  base,  acuminate;  and  with  the  upper  mandible  a  little 
curved  at  the  tip,  where  it  is  slightly  notched.  Sternum,  rather  stoutly  built.  Tongue,  linear,  with  the  end  rounded 
and  finely  ciliated ;  there  are  also  some  minute  cilia  on  the  sides  for  one-third  of  the  terminal  length. 

COLOR.  Adult  male.  Above,  uniform  slaty-blue ;  brightest  on  the  head,  and  lightest  on  the  rump,  where  the 
concealed  portions  of  the  feathers  are  silky  white.  Wings  above,  brown ;  with  the  upper  coverts  and  edges  like 
the  back.  Tertiaries,  margined  with  white.  Tail,  black,  with  three-fourths  of  the  outer  feathers,  two-thirds  of  the 
second,  and  the  tips  of  the  third  and  sometimes  of  the  fourth,  white;  with  the  veins  black.  Upper  tail  coverts, 
black  but  glossed  with  the  same  color  as  the  back.  There  is  also  a  faint  black  line  over  the  eye.  Beneath,  silvery 
white,  with  a  bluish  cast  throughout,  which  is  brightest  on  the  sides.  Under  portions  of  the  wiugs,  glaucous  with 
the  edges  of  the  feathers  and  under  coverts,  white.  Under  portions  of  the  tail,  similar  to  the  back,  but  with  the 
black  more  glaucous.  Ring  around  the  eye,  white. 

Adult  female,  similar  to  the  male,  but  with  the  upper  parts  paler.  The  white  of  the  tail  is  not  as  much 
extended.  There  is  no  black  stripe  over  the  eye. 

Young  male,  similar  to  the  adult  female,  but  with  the  under  parts  paler. 

Young  female,  with  a  reddish  wash  over  the  upper  surface;  especially  on  the  head.  In  all  stages  of  plumage 
and  in  both  sexes  the  irides  are  brown ;  bill  black  with  the  base  of  the  lower  mandible  bluish ;  the  feet  and  tarsi 
black. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

After  examining  a  series  of  twenty  specimens,  all  from  Florida,  I  fail  to  detect  the  black  frontal  line  spoken  of 
by  Prof.  Baird  In  the  "Birds  of  North  America."  There  is  an  indication  of  a  black  superciliary  line  but  nothing 
more. 

They  are,  apparently,  intermediate  between  cterulea  and  the  so-called  plumbea;  and  judging  from  the  description 
of  the  latter,  I  am  inclined  to  doubt  its  specific  claims.  This  species  is  distributed,  during  the  breeding  season, 
through  Mexico  and  the  Southern  and  Middle  sections  of  the  United  States.  Winters  in  the  more  Southern  portions. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  forty-eight  specimens  from  Florida.— Length,  4-50;  stretch,  6-15;  wing,  1-95;  tail, 
1-95;  bill,  -47;  tarsus,  -07.  Longest  specimen,  5-00;  greatest  extent  of  wiugs,  6-75;  longest  wing,  2-19;  tail,  2-22; 
bill -56;  tarsus, -77;  shortest  specimen,  4-05;  shortest  stretch  of  wing,  5-80 ;  shortest  wing,  1-75;  tail,  1-75;  bill,  33; 
tarsus,  -55. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NEST  AND  EGGS. 

Nest.  —  The  following  is  a  description  of  a  nest  of  this  species  which  was  kindly  loaned  me  by  Mr.  L.  L. 
Thaxter,  of  Newtonville,  Mass.  It  was  collected  by  his  son,  Roland,  on  Ladies  Island,  South  Carolina,  on  May  23, 
18C9.  It  is  composed  of  the  fine  stalks  of  some  delicate  plants  which  are  mixed  with  thistle  down  and  woven  together 
with  cobwebs.  The  whole  is  formed  into  a  neat  structure  and  smoothly  covered  with  gray  lichens,  which  are  also 
kept  in  place  with  the  fine  silk  of  the  spider-webs,  after  the  manner  of  the  Wood  Pewee  or  the  Humming  Birds.  It 
is  lined  with  thistle  down  and  lichens.  The  interior  is  somewhat  purse-shaped,  for  the  mouth  is  contracted.  The 


BLV  !•:-<:  HAY    GNATCATCllEIt.  29 

nest  strikingly  reminds  one  of  that  of  a  Humming  Bird,  only  It  \s  much  larger,  being,  in  fact,  very  largo  for  the 
>prcies  to  which  it  belongs,  vet  its  beautiful  Unlsh  does  credit  to  Its  delicate  architect.  Dimensions. —  External 
diameter.  -••>»  inches :  internal,  in  the  middle,  2-00  inches;  at  the  mouth,  1-50  inches;  external  depth,  2-75  inches; 
internal.  r.'iO  inches. 

/•.'</:/.«  from  four  to  six  in  number,  short  oval  in  form ;  pure  white  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  Irregularly  with 
reddish-brown,  limber  and  lilac.  Dimensions,  from  -4;!.v5G  to  -4(ix-GO.  The  eggs  from  which  I  have  taken  the 
above  description  are  in  the  cabinet  of  the  Boston  Society  of  Natural  History,  where  Mr.  F.  G.  Sauborn  kindly 
allowed  me  to  examine  them.  A  description  which  Dr.  Brewer  has  obligingly  forwarded  to  me  at  my  request, 
corresponds  to  that  which  I  have  given. 

HABITS. 

The  little  Hliic-gray  Gnatcatcher  is  the  personification  of  graceful  activity.  We  sec  it 
skipping  about  among  the  underbrush  on  the  edges  of  a  hummock  with  half  spread  wings  and 
expanded  tail.  Then  it  disappears  as  if  by  magic,  and  we  hear  its  lisping  note  high  overhead, 
as  it  poises  itself  for  an  instant  on  the  topmost  bough  of  a  tall  live  oak  before  launching  into 
air  to  snap  up  some  passing  fly,  or  hangs  head  downward  that  it  may  peer  into  the  crevices 
of  the  rough  bark ;  but  in  the  next  second  will  be  hovering  before  the  large  white  blossom  of 
the  i/iiiifiinlfn  i/rttinlijft>rii,  while  it  lightly  removes  a  tiny  beetle  from  the  creamy  petals. 
Thus  it  flits  constantly  from  place  to  place  ever  busied  in  searching  for  insects  and  the  most 
casual  observer  will  pause  to  admire  its  rapid  but  elegant  movements. 

During  winter  they  may  be  found  in  scattering  flocks  and  I  have  seen  hundreds  of  them  in 
a  single  day  at  Key  \Vest.  But  singularly  nine-tenths  of  those  which  I  took  there  were 
females.  I  think  that  this  may  be  accounted  for  by  the  fact  that  Key  West  is  the  southern 
limit  for  this  species,  during  winter,  in  the  eastern  section  of  the  Union.  The  adult  males  of 
all  species  of  birds  are  apt  to  wander  more  than  the  young  males  or  the  females ;  therefore  the 
more  venturesome  males  crossed  into  Cuba  leaving  their  mates  behind,  to  await  their  return  in 
the  spring.  Many  Gnatcatchers,  however,  remaiu  in  the  more  northern  portions  of  Florida, 
but  here  we  find  that  the  majority  are  adult  males  as  the)'  are  hardier  and  better  able  to 
withstand  the  colder  climate.  In  March  they  pair  and  move  about  independent  of  their  fellows, 
although  they  sometimes  associate  with  the  Warblers  or  Titmice. 

lu  early  winter  I  never  heard  them  utter  aught  else  than  the  soft  lisping  "see  see,"  and  was 
not  aware  that  they  had  any  other  song  until  February  4th,  1871.  I  was  walking  in  a  narrow 
path  through  a  hummock,  which  lies  back  of  the  old  fort  at  Miami,  and  had  paused  to  observe 
a  female  of  this  species,  when  I  heard  a  low  warbling  which  sounded  like  the  distant  song  of 
some  bird  that  I  had  never  heard  before.  I  listened  attentively  but  could  make  nothing  of  it, 
and  advanced  a  few  paces,  when  I  heard  it  more  plainly.  This  time  it  appeared  to  come  from 
above  me,  and  looking  upward  I  saw  a  male  Gnatcatcher  hopping  nimbly  from  limb  to  limb  on 
some  small  trees  which  skirted  the  woods.  Although  he  was  but  a  short  distance  away,  I  was 
obliged  to  watch  the  motions  of  his  little  throat  before  I  became  convinced  that  this  music  came 
from  him.  It  was  even  so,  and  nothing  could  be  more  appropriate  to  the  delicate  marking  and 
si/e  of  the  tiny  fairy-like  bird  than  this  silvery  warble  which  filled  the  air  with  sweet,  continuous 
melody.  I  was  completely  surprised  for  I  never  imagined  that  any  bird  was  capable  of 
producing  notes  so  soft  and  low,  yet  each  one  given  with  such  distinctness  that  the  ear 
could  catch  every  part  of  the  wondrous  and  complicated  song.  I  watched  him  for  some  time 
but  he  never  ceased  singing,  save  when  he  sprung  into  air  to  catch  some  insect.  The  female 
which  was  near  seemed  to  enjoy  the  musical  efforts  that  were-  executed  for  her  benefit  for  she 
drew  gradually  nearer,  until  she  alighted  upon  the  same  little  tree  with  her  mate.  At  this 
moment  she  took  alarm  and  flew  a  short  distance  followed  by  the  male.  As  I  walked  away  I 
could  hear  the  murmur  of  the  love  song  until  it  became  indistinguishable  from  the  gentle 
rustling  of  the  leaves  around. 

I  have  heard  them  -ing  but  a  few  times  since  then  and  only  once  as  finely.     This  was  a  vear 


30  PAR  US    ATRICAPILLVS. 

later ;  we  had  pushed  our  boat  far  up  the  Wckiva  Creek  when  a  pair  flew  over,  and  alighted  on 
a  tree  near.  The  male  commenced  his  lovely  warble  and  continued  it  while  we  were  within 
hearing.  The  birds  were  not  often  seen  in  such  a  singular  place,  for  we  were  in  the  midst  of 
an  immense  cypress  swamp  which  extended  for  miles  around,  and  we  heard  but  few  sounds  save 
the  hoarse  bellowing  of  the  alligators,  or  the  harsh  cry  of  some  lonely  heron ;  thus  this  tinkling 
melody  sounded  particularly  sweet  after  listening  to  such  uncouth  sounds  in  such  a  gloomy  spot. 
The  name  of  Blue-gray  Gnatcatcher  seems  particularly  inappropriate  for  a  member  of  this 
family.  Therefore  I  propose  to  name  it  the  Silvery  Warbler,  on  account  of  its  delicate  color 
and  song.  They  begin  to  migrate  about  April  1st  and  I  should  judge  that  they  breed  in 
Florida  about  the  middle  of  that  month.  My  young  friend  Roland  Thaxter  found  a  nest 
containing  half-grown  young,  in  May,  at  Ladies  Island,  South  Carolina.  It  was  placed  in  the 
fork  of  a  small  water  oak  at  some  distance  from  the  ground. 

FAMILY  IV.     PARID^E.     THE  TITMICE. 

Bill,  short  and  conical,  not  notched  or  curved  at  the  tip.  Tongue,  short,  terminating  abruptly  ;  with  the  end  furnished 
with  four  distinct  tufts  of  cilia.  The  webs  of  the  feathers  are  somewhat  scatterimj  gii-iny  them  a  loose  fuffy  appearance. 

The  sternums  of  this  family  are  scarcely  different  from  those  of  the  preceding.  The  tongues  are  the  most 
remarkable  of  any  which  I  have  seen,  on  account  of  the  singular  terminations.  The  tufts  are  composed  of  several 
rather  coarse  cilia  and  situated  at  regular  intervals  with  the  three  intermediate  spaces  entirely  free  from  any 
projections;  there  are  two  in  the  centre  and  one  at  each  margin.  I  have  ventured  to  give  this  singular  feature  as 
a  family  character  although  I  have  examined  but  two  genera  (Parus  and  Lophophanes)  and  but  three  species  (P. 
atricapillus  et  Sudsonicus  and  L.  bicolor). 

GENUS  I.     PARUS.     THE  BLACK-HEADED  TITMICE. 

GEN.  CH.  Sternum,  very  broad;  exceeding  in  breadth  one  half  of  the  length  of  the  top  of  the  keel.  Head  not 
crested. 

All  the  members  of  this  genus  have  dark  heads  and  throats.  They  generally  inhabit  the  woods,  and  build  their 
nests  in  holes. 

PARUS    ATRICAPILLUS. 
Black-capped  Titmouse.    Chickadee. 
Pants  atricapillus  LINN.,  Syst.  Nat.  I,  176G,  341. 
Pans  Carolinensis  AUD.,  Orn.  Biog.  1834,  341. 
Purus  septentrionalis  Harris,  Proc.  A.  N.  Sc.  Phila.,  II,  1845,  300. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  ratlier  stout.  Bill,  small.  Tail,  rounded.  Tongue,  but  slightly  narrower  terminally  than  in  the 
middle.  The  two  central  tufts  of  cilia  are  but  slightly  longer  than  the  outer  ones.  Sternum,  not  very  stoutly  built. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Above,  ashy,  becoming  rufous  on  the  rump.  Wings  and  tail,  brown  with  the  feathers  edged 
with  ashy-white.  Entire  top  of  head,  nape,  chin,  throat  and  upper  part  of  breast,  black.  Stripe  from  the  base 
of  the  upper  mandible  running  below  the  eye,  widening  out  over  the  sides  of  the  head  (including  ear  coverts)  and 
neck  and  extending  over  the  shoulders,  white.  Beneath,  dirty  white,  becoming  rufous  on  the  sides,  flanks  and 
under  tail  coverts.  Axillaries  and  under  wing  coverts,  white.  Tail  and  wings  beneath,  glaucous,  the  inner  webs  of 
the  latter  edged  with  white.  In  autumn  the  under  portions  are  more  strongly  tinged  with  rufous ;  this  color  also 
pervades  the  entire  back. 

Young,  like  the  autumnal  adult,  but  with  a  deeper  suffusion  of  rufous. 

Youny  in  the  nesting  phimaye,  similar,  but  with  less  rufous ;  being  in  fact  more  like  the  adult  in  spring.  Sexes 
alike.  Irides,  brown ;  bill,  black ;  tarsi  and  feet,  slaty  blue,  in  all  stages  of  plumage. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Specimens  of  the  so-called  Carolinensis  and  septentrionalis  which  I  have  in  my  collection  exhibit  scarcely  any 
more  difference  in  coloration  and  size  than  is  seen  in  individuals  taken  in  New  England;  certainly  no  more  than  we 
would  expect  to  find  in  specimens  from  such  distant  localities.  It  is  highly  probable  that  occidentalis,  meridionalis 
and  perhaps,  montanus  should  also  be  included  in  the  list  as  synonymes :  of  this,  however,  I  can  only  judge  by  the 
descriptions  as  I  have  never  seen  specimens  of  them.  This  species  is  distributed  throughout  nearly  the  entire 
portions  of  North  America,  north  of  Mexico. 


CHICKADEE.  31 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  forty-seven  specimens  from  New  England.  — Length,  5-19;  stretch,  8'00;  wing,  2-55; 
tall,  2-40;  bill,  -36;  tarsus.  -Co.  Largest  specimen,  5-75;  greatest  extent  of  wings,  8-GO;  longest  wing,  2-62;  tail, 
2.70;  bill,  -55;  tarsus,  -77.  Shortest  specimen,  4-40;  shortest  stretch  of  wings,  7-31;  shortest  wing,  2-31;  tail,  2-12; 
bill,  -30;  tarsus,  -60. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

V  x'.<  built  in  holes  of  trees,  and  composed  of  soft  mosses  and  lined  with  the  hair  of  various  animals. 
Dimensions. —  External  diameter,  3-50  inches;  internal,  2  inches;  external  depth,  1-50  Inches;  internal,  1  inch. 

E'j<i*  usually  six  in  number;  oval  in  form ;  white  In  color,  spotted  and  dotted  throughout,  but  more  thickly  on 
the  larger  end.  with  reddish-brown.  Dimensions,  from  -60  x  -45  to  -65  x-  60. 

HABITS. 

One  can  scarcely  enter  the  evergreen  woods  of  Southern  New  England  during  winter, 
without  hearing  the  cheery  song  of  the  Chickadees,  which  come  trooping  around  him  as  if  glad 
of  his  company  and  will  venture  quite  near  in  order  to  scan  him  carefully.  They  do  this 
in  such  a  sly  manner  that  one  would  hardly  suppose  that  he  was  noticed,  for  they  are 
apparently  always  busy  in  searching  for  insects  on  the  bushes  around,  hanging  head  downward 
or  balancing  themselves  on  the  tip  of  a  twig  but  ever  keeping  an  eye  on  the  object  of  their 
curiosity.  But  they  never  remain  long  in  one  spot  and  after  completing  their  investigations, 
arc  oft';  then  we  can  occasionally  hear  them  tapping  on  the  limbs  like  the  Woodpeckers.  At 
this  time  they  are  constantly  repeating  the  strain  from  which  the  name  is  derived,  which  sounds 
exactly  like  " chick-a-dee-dee"  or  sometimes  a  "de'dee"  is  added.  During  the  bright  days  of 
early  spring,  when  they  leave  the  woods,  where  the  coldest  weather  is  spent,  and  enter  the 
farm-yards  or  orchards  they  have  a  peculiar  long-drawn  song  which  is  like  the  syllable  "cee 
dee"  with  the  last  prolonged  and  plaintively  given.  This  is  the  acme  of  their  musical  powers 
unless  we  consider  a  low  warble  which  is  sometimes  emitted  in  autumn  as  superior. 

These  birds  wander  about  in  small  flocks  all  winter,  but  by  the  middle  of  April  pair,  and  by 
the  iirst  of  May  settle  down  to  nest  building.  They  usually  select  a  partly  decayed  birch  in  a 
swampy  place  for  this  purpose,  and  drill  a  hole  through  the  bark  with  their  bills.  They  then 
easily  remove  the  softened  wood,  carrying  each  piece  to  some  distance  before  dropping  it.  In 
this  great  sagacity  is  exhibited,  for  if  a  pile  of  chips  were  allowed  to  accumulate  at  the  foot  of 
the  tree  it  would  be  apt  to  attract  attention  to  the  nest  above.  They  excavate  a  space  six  inches 
or  more  in  depth  and  nearly  four  in  diameter,  laboring  industriously  from  daylight  until  dark 
without  cessation,  that  the  task  may  be  completed.  They  arc  often  obliged  to  abandon  a  nearly 
finished  domicile  on  account  of  dampness  which  is  caused  by  the  water  that  is  absorbed  by  the 
punky  wood,  during  wet  weather.  They  are  not  discouraged  at  this  occurrence  but  immediately 
select  a  drier  quarter  and  zealously  commence  anew.  The  Chickadees  are  not  always  obliged  to 
dig  for  themselves  for  they  sometimes  find  a  suitable  place  in  the  knot  hole  of  a  tree.  I  once 
found  a  nest  built  in  a  cleft  of  an  oak,  the  entrance  of  which  was  nearly  grown  over.  The  birds 
had  enlarged  the  opening  and  constructed  their  nest  at  the  bottom.  The  female  begins  to 
incubate  as  soon  as  the  first  egg  is  deposited,  so  that  by  the  time  the  last  is  laid  the  embryo 
in  the  first  is  considerably  advanced ;  consequently  they  hatch  at  intervals.  This  facilitates 
bringing  out  the  brood  and  is  rendered  easy  by  the  fact  that  the  male  constantly  furnishes  the 
female  and  young  with  food.  Indeed,  from  the  moment  she  begins  to  sit,  she  is  dependent 
upon  him  for  everything  she  eats,  and  will  sometimes  emerge  from  her  abode  to  follow  him 
about,  fluttering  her  wings  and  begging  for  a  morsel  in  a  low  monotonous  tone. 

When  the  young  leave  the  nest,  about  the  first  week  in  June,  they  have  a  similar  note  and 
follow  their  parents  through  the  woods,  seeming  to  subsist  entirely  upon  what  is  caught  for 
them.  The  family  continues  to  live  together  until  after  the  moult,  which  takes  place  in  August, 


32  LOPJIOPHANES    BICOLOR. 

then  collect  in  small  flocks,  and  by  October  commence  a  partial  migration.  Those  which  live 
in  Massachusetts  pass  further  south,  and  the  summer  residents  of  Northern  New  England  take 
their  places.  I  have  never  met  with  the  small  Southern  variety  of  this  species  but  once.  That 
was  in  December,  1868,  when  a  small  flock  passed  over  us  while  we  were  encamped  near 
Jacksonville,  and  alighted  in  the  hummock  near.  Their  notes  were  the  same  as  those  of  the 
more  Northern  residents,  excepting  that  their  voices  were  weaker,  which  we  should  naturally 
expect  from  their  smaller  size. 

GENUS   II.     LOPHOPHANES.     THE   CRESTED   TITMICE. 

GEN.  CH.  Sternum,  not  broad,  being  narrower  than  one-half  of  the  length  of  the  top  of  the  keel.  The  marginal 
indentations  are  also  proportionally  shallower  than  in  Farm.  Head,  crested. 

Members  of  this  genus  may  be  readily  distinguished  by  the  prominent  crest  and  narrow  sternum. 

LOPHOPHANES  BICOLOR. 

The  Crested  Titmouse. 
Lophophanes  bicolor  BON.,  List  Birds  Europe,  1842. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.    Form,  robust.     Bill,  short.     Tail,  slightly  rounded.    Sternum,  stoutly  built.     Crest,  of  varying  lengths. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Above,  ashy;  darkest  on  the  head  and  with  an  olivaceous  wash  over  the  back,  which  is  more 
perceptible  on  the  rump.  Forehead,  black  with  a  narrow  line  next  the  crown  tipped  witli  rufous.  The  feathers  of 
the  crest  show  darker  centres.  Upper  portions  of  wings  and  tail,  dark  brown  with  the  feathers  edged  with  the  same 
as  the  back.  Beneath,  dirty  white  with  the  flanks  chestnut.  Wings  and  tail  below,  glaucous.  Under  tail  coverts, 
pale  bun".  Axillaries  and  lower  wing  coverts,  white  tinged  with  pale  buff. 

Young,  similar  but  with  a  rufous  wash  over  the  rump  and  back.  There  is  also  less  chestnut  on  the  sides,  and 
the  reddish  edging  of  the  forehead  is  better  defined.  Sexes  alike.  Irides,  brown ;  bill,  black;  feet,  lead  color  in  all 
stages  of  plumage. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

I  have  never  seen  any  of  the  western  representatives  of  this  genus,  but  judge  that  some  of  them  might  easily  be 
confounded  with  this  species.  The  birds  from  which  I  have  made  the  above  description,  were  all  taken  in  Florida. 
They  have  a  distribution  throughout  the  Middle  and  Southern  states,  but  I  have  never  met  with  them  on  the  coast  of 
Florida,  among  the  Keys,  or  in  the  southern  sections  of  the  state ;  they  being  rare  about  Salt  Lake  and  scarcely  to  be 
found  below  that  point. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  eleven  specimens  from  Florida. —  Length,  G-16;  stretch,  9-77;  wing,  2-G6;  tail,  2-72; 
bill,  -53;  tarsus,  -77.  Longest  specimen,  6-50;  greatest  extent  of  wings,  10-00;  longest  wing,  3-25;  tail  3-00;  bill, 
•70;  tarsus,  -95.  Shortest  specimen,  5-75;  smallest  extent  of  wings,  9-25;  shortest  wing,  3-00;  tail,  2-50;  bill, 
•45;  tarsus,  -65. 

DESCRIPTION    OF    EGGS. 

Eggs  usually  six  in  number,  oval  in  form,  white  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  with  light  reddish-brown  and 
lilac.  The  spots  are  accumulated  more  thickly  on  the  larger  end.  I  obtained  the  egg  which  I  have  described  form 
Mr.  B.  P.  Mann.  A  specimen  kindly  loaned  me  by  Mr.  E.  C.  Dickenson  does  not  differ  essentially,  except  in  being 
slightly  smaller,  and  in  having  a  less  number  of  spots.  Dimensions,  from  -70  x  -55  to  -75  x  -GO  inches. 

I  never  have  seen  the  nest,  but  judge  that  it  resembles  that  of  the  preceding  species. 

HABITS. 

The  pleasantest  part  of  the  city  of  Jacksonville,  Florida,  is  built  in  a  fine  live-oak  grove 
and  as  shade  is  quite  essential  in  this  climate,  all  of  the  trees  which  did  not  grow  in  the  streets 
in  such  a  manner  as  to  impede  the  progress  of  vehicles  were  allowed  to  stand.  The  sidewalks, 
therefore,  are  overhung  with  thick  evergreen  foliage,  which  forms  a  resort  for  numerous  birds, 
especially  when  they  are  migrating ;  and  I  have  counted  seven  or  eight  species  in  a  single  tree. 
One  day  I  was  passing  beneath  these  branches,  in  company  with  my  friend,  Mr.  Ober,  when  we 
heard  a  note  which  sounded  something  like  that  of  the  common  Chickadee,  only  it  was  much 


BROWX -HEADED    NUTHATCH.  33 

harsher.  I  knew  at  once  that  it  could  be  produced  by  no  other  than  the  Crested  Titmouse,  and 
by  advancing  a  few  paces  we  perceived  that  I  was  correct,  for  there  was  a  large  flock  of  them 
among  the  trees.  They  were  busily  engaged  in  searching  for  insects;  turning  upside  down, 
clinging  to  the  under  sides  of  the  limbs,  in  fact  behaving  almost  exactly  like  overgrown 
Black-caps,  hut  were  not  quite  as  agile  as  that  species,  and  when  they  raised  their  crests, 
which  they  did  frequently,  resembled  miniature  Blue  Jays.  They  were  not  as  inquisitive  as 
our  common  bird,  but  very  unsuspicious,  and  would  alight  in  the  gardens  within  a  few  paces  of 
pedestrians.  They  were  restless,  and  we  had  not  watched  them  long  before  they  moved 
onward,  flying  with  a  heavy  undulating  motion. 

I  have  always  found  them  in  small  flocks  during  the  colder  season,  moving  about  the 
country  apparently  without  purpose.  They  are  never  seen  in  the  piny  woods,  but  usually 
frequent  the  hummocks,  and  I  have  heard  their  loud  notes  in  the  thick  cypress  swamps  along  the 
rivers.  When  moving  they  are  very  noisy,  sounding  the  short  grating  "chick-a-dce"  almost 
constantly.  This  is  all  the  song  which  I  ever  heard  them  utter,  but  when  alarmed  they  emit 
a  querulous  sound.  When  one  is  wounded  and  caught,  it  will  cry  for  assistance  so  loudly 
that  all  of  its  companions,  within  hearing,  will  gather  closely  around  scolding  most 
vociferously,  at  the  same  time  raising  their  crests,  jerking  their  tails,  ruffling  their  feathers; 
thus  showing,  by  every  motion,  as  much  rage  as  any  bird  of  their  size  is  capable  of  exhibiting. 
Nor  is  this  all  ostentation;  they  are  truly  solicitous  for  the  safety  of  their  unfortunate 
friend,  and  will  remain  in  the  immediate  vicinity  until  many  are  killed.  About  the  first  of 
.March  these  companies  break  up  into  pairs  and  may  be  found  with  migrating  warblers.  I  have 
never  seen  a  nest,  and  do  not  think  they  breed  in  Florida  for  I  did  not  meet  with  a  single 
specimen  while  on  the  St.  John's  in  May. 

FAMILY  V.      SITTUXE.      THE   NUTHATCHES. 

iini.  narrow  ;  not  being  mdi-r  than  half  the  length  of  the,  top  of  the  keel.     Coracoid  bones,  shorter  than  in  the  two 

'/'/,,   ,,i"riiinal  indentations  are  also  shallower;  being  only  one-third  as  deep  as  the  length  of  the  top  of 

tli''  /•'  i-l.     Dirt',  n  fi-urn  Paridae  in  having  a  longer  and  more  aruminute  bill.     The  tongue  is  not  only  long  and  linear  but 

the  end.     Tail,  very  short;  wings,  long  and  pointed. 

Tin-  tongues  of  the  Nuthatches  are  peculiar;  being  long,  thin,  and  of  a  horny  appearance.  They  vary  greatly  In 
length  unions  individuals  of  the  same  species,  and  the  end  has  a  jagged  appearance  as  if  worn  away  by  constant  use. 

GENUS    I.      SITTA.      THE    NUTHATCHES   PROPER. 

OKX.  On.     The  same  as  are  given  for  the  family. 

There  is  but  one  genus  of  the  Sittidoe  In  the  United  States,  upon  which  I  have  based  the  family  characters  as 
givrn  above,  and  which  will  also  answer  for  generic. 

SITTA  PUSILLA. 
Brown-headed  Nuthatch. 
Sitta  Pusilla  Lath.,  Index,  Orn.  I,  1790,  263. 
Sitta  pygmeea  In  BAIUD,  Birds  of  North  America,  and  of  previous  authors. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  rather  stout.  Size,  small.  Bill,  not  very  long  and  somewhat  acuminate.  Tail,  but  slightly 
rounded.  Sternum,  not  stoutly  built.  Keel,  rather  short,  scarcely  exceeding  the  length  of  the  eoncold  bones;  but 
It  is  as  high  as  one-half  of  the  width  of  the  sternum.  Tongue,  quite  long  and  narrow. 

COLOK.  Adult.  Above,  dull  slaty-blue.  Top  of  head  and  ii|)|>i-r  part  of  the  sides  of  the  neck,  pale  brown  ;  with 
every  feather  tipped  with  whitish.  There  is  a  spot  of  silky-white  on  the  nape.  A  line  commencing  at  the  base  of  the 
bill,  running  through  the  eye  and  crossing  the  ear  eo\  i  IN.  dark  brown.  Upper  surface  of  the  tail,  black  ;  with  the 
two  central  feathers  like  the  back;  all  the  feathers  are  tipped  with  brownish,  which  on  the  six  outer  is  preceded  by 
a  bar  of  white.  There  is  also  a  narrow  line  of  white  on  the  two  middle  feathers  near  the  base.  Wings  above, 
brownish.  edged  with  white  on  both  webs.  Beneath,  dirty  white:  purest  on  the  chin  and  sides  of  the  neck, 
but  tinged  with  buff  on  the  breast  and  abdomen.  The  sides  and  Hanks  are  like  the  back.  Under  portions  of 

BIRDS  OF  FLORIDA.  6 


34  SITTA    PUSILLA. 

the  wing  and  tail,  glaucous.    Axillaries  and  under  wing  coverts,  pale  bluish.    Feathers  at  the  base  of  the  primaries 
and  on  the  bend  of  the  wing,  white.     Tibia,  dusky. 

Young,  similar,  but  with  a  deeper  washing  of  buff  beneath.  The  top  of  the  head  and  the  stripe  through  the  eye 
are  paler.  The  white  of  the  tail  does  not  extend  over  as  many  feathers,  becoming  obsolete  on  the  central  ones. 
Sexes,  alike.  Iddes,  brown.  Bill,  dark  brown,  bluish  at  the  base  of  the  upper  and  lower  mandible.  Feet  and 
tarsi,  brown. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

This  species,  without  doubt,  gradually  grades  into  the  "pygnuea"  of  the  West.  Specimens  from  that  section 
have  a  darker  head,  where  the  feathers  lack  the  whitish  tips.  In  fact  the  entire  colors  are  darker.  The  white  on  the 
tail  is  more  extended,  and  the  bases  of  the  central  feathers  have  a  black  edging.  In  this  latter  particular  it  differs 
from  those  taken  further  East;  but  I  have  a  specimen  in  my  collection  from  Florida,  which  has  a  decided  indication 
of  a  black  edging  at  the  base  of  the  central  feathers,  and  think  that  with  a  large  number  of  skins,  from  all  sections, 
I  could  find  a  complete  series  in  coloration  'between  the  two  extremes.  This  species  has  a  distribution  throughout 
the  more  southern  sections  of  the  United  States,  but  I  did  not  find  it  on  the  Florida  Keys. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurement  of  twenty-five  specimens  from  Florida.— Length,  4-24;  stretch,  7-71;  wing,  2-45;  tail, 
1-29;  bill,  -55;  tarsus,  '59.  Longest  specimen  5-15;  greatest  extent  of  wings,  8O5;  longest  wing,  2-75;  tail  1-50;  bill, 
•GO:  tarsus,  -64.  Shortest  specimen,  4-00;  smallest  extent  of  wings,  7-30;  shortest  whig,  2-30;  tail,  1-15;  bill,  -47; 
tarsus  -45. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  in  Florida,  built  in  holes  of  trees  and  composed  of  the  soft  fibrous  substance  which  grows  about  the  base 
of  the  leaves  of  the  Saw  Palmetto.'  They  are  shallow  and  about  two  inches  in  diameter. 

Eggs,  oval  in  form,  white  in  color,  spotted  and  dotted  irregularly  with  reddish-brown,  but  more  thickly  on  the 
larger  end.  Dimensions,  from  -COx-45  to  -62x-48. 

HABITS. 

The  pine  barrens  of  Florida  are  immense  woodland  plains,  which  are  sometimes  rolling,  but 
generally  level.  The  trees  grow  at  rather  wide  intervals,  and  the  spaces  between  them  are 
usually  covered  with  a  sparse  growth  of  dwarf  Palmce.  The  effect  of  the  early  light  upon 
this  landscape  is  fine.  The  sun  shines  brightly  on  the  straight,  brown  trunks  of  the  pines, 
which  rise  on  all  sides,  and  glances  from  the  shining  leaves  of  the  Saw  Palmetto,  as  they  are 
waved  by  the  morning  breeze.  Fantastic  shadows  are  cast  upon  the  ground  by  the  huge 
fire-blackened  stubs  which  stretch  their  gigantic  arms  high  overhead.  Light,  fleecy  clouds  move 
steadily  across  the  blue  sky,  impelled  by  the  rising  wind,  which  sighs  through  the  masses  of 
dark  green  foliage,  with  a  sound  which  reminds  one  of  the  roaring  of  the  sea.  Indeed,  while 
wandering  in  these  trackless  wilds,  with  the  trees  apparently  crowding  together  in  the  distance 
so  as  to  shut  out  any  very  extended  view,  one  seems  as  much  alone  as  if  upon  the  broad  ocean. 
Many  beautiful  flowers  are  blooming  in  confusion  around,  yet  they  are  seldom  looked  upon  by 
any  human  being,  and  here  where  there  is  not  a  single  trace  of  the  hand  of  man,  one  thoroughly 
realizes  that  he  is  in  a  perfect  wilderness  which  for  ages  has  remained  unchanged.  The  same 
pines  which  we  now  look  upon  stood  where  they  stand  to-day  long  before  the  Indians  chased 
the  deer  upon  these  wide-spread  pasture  grounds,  and  it  is  extremely  probable  that  centuries 
will  come  and  go  before  the  slightest  change  will  have  taken  place. 

Many  bird  notes  greet  the  ear  in  this  sunny  woodland,  but  none  are  more  in  keeping  with 
the  prevailing  loneliness  than  the  somewhat  harsh  and  solemnly  given  each  each  each  of  the 
Brown-headed  Nuthatch.  There  is  something  mysterious  about  this  sound,  for  although  it  comes 
to  the  ear  loudly  and  clearly,  the  tiny  author  of  it  is  so  high  up  among  the  tops  of  the  tallest 
trees  as  to  be  invisible  to  the  casual  observer.  They  are  lively  little  birds  and  have  all  the 
characteristic  movements  of  their  race,  running  along  the  under  side  of  the  limbs,  or  down  the 
trunk  head  first,  seeming  to  spend  more  than  half  of  their  time  upside  down.  They  are  ever 
busy,  never  remaining  long  on  one  tree,  but  will  flit  quickly  from  place  to  place  with  a  rapid 
undulating  flight.  They  appear  to  lead  a  roving  life  and  move  about  in  small  flocks  in  company 


\\IIITE-BELLIED    XUTHATCH.  35 

with  Warblers  ami  Woodpeckers,  but  by  the  latter  part  of  February  they  pair  aim  begin  to 
build.  They  usually  select  a  partly  decayed  stub  ami  excavate  a  hole  in  it  with  their  bills,  after 
the  m:uinur  of  the  Woodpeckers,  to  a  depth  of  some  six  or  eight  inches,  placing  the  nest  at  the 
bottom,  but  are  not  particular  regarding  its  height  above  the  ground,  for  I  have  seen  them  in 
.stumps  not  over  ten  feet  high  and  in  dead  trees  fifty  feet  in  air. 

While  breeding  they  have  a  singular  note  which  dill'ers  entirely  from  that  which  is  ordinarily 
given,  being  a  continuous  low  chatter.  These  birds  are  usually  unsuspicious  at  this  time  and  I 
have  stood  within  a  few  yards  of  them  while  they  were  at  work.  Both  sexes  labor  industriously, 
and,  like  the  Black-capped  Titmouse,  carry  the  chips  which  are  made  to  some  distance  before 
dropping  them.  Although  they  pay  very  little  attention  to  the  presence  of  man,  when 
undisturbed  by  him,  they  arc  very  assiduous  in  defending  their  nests  from  any  real  or  fancied 
eneinv  and,  if  a  Woodpecker  chances  to  alight  near  their  domicile,  will  attack  him  with  fury, 
invariably  forcing  him  to  leave  the  locality.  They  are  occupied  some  time  in  completing  the 
nest  but  by  the  middle  of  .March  the  eggs  are  deposited,  and  by  the  first  or  second  week  in 
April  the  young  appear.  They  are  fully  fledged  by  the  15th  of  May  and  then  follow  their 
parents  about.  The  Brown-headed  Nuthatches  avoid  the  deciduous  woods,  but  I  have  found 
them  in  isolated  patches  of  pines,  to  reach  which  they  must  have  crossed  swamps  and  hummocks. 
They  doubtless  move  silently  and  quickly  over  such  places  for  I  have  never  seen  nor  heard 
them  there. 

SITTA      CAROLINENSIS. 

White  Bellied  Nuthatch. 

Ha.  europxa  var.  y,  Carolinensis  GMELIX,  I,  178S,  440,"  BAIRD,  Birds  of  North  America,  1858,  374. 
tn  aculeata  CASSIN,  Pr.  A.  N.  Sc.  Phila.  VIII.  Oct.,  1856,  245. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sr.  On.  Form,  robust.  Size,  quite  large.  Bill,  long  and  somewhat  slender.  Tail,  not  much  rounded. 
Sternum,  stoutly  built.  Keel,  longer  than  the  coracoid  bones;  but  it  is  not  higher  than  half  the  width  of  the 
sternum.  Tongue,  thin  and  horny,  with  the  sides  straight,  the  end  broken  into  Irregular  points. 

COLOR.  I •' "if.  male.  Above,  slaty-blue.  Top  of  head  and  neck  to  the  shoulders,  glogsy  black.  Upper  surface  of 
win^  and  coverts,  black;  with  the  edges,  tips,  outer  webs  of  upper  tertlaries,  and  lines  along  the  vanes  of  the  last 
like  the  back;  there  is  also  a  spot  at  the  base  of  the  primaries,  and  on  the  inner  webs  of  the  spurious  quills,  and 
elongated  sp  >ts  on  the  middle  of  the  outer  webs  of  the  second,  third  and  fourth  quills,  white.  The  two  central  tail 
feathers  are  like  the  back;  remainder,  black,  with  the  six  outer  crossed  diagonally  by  a  broad  subterminal  bar  of 
wliite,  which  extends  up  fora  short  distance  on  the  outer  web  of  the  first  two  feathers,  and  reaches  the  tip  of  the 
third  on  the  inner  web.  The  black  of  the  tips  is  preceded  on  the  outer  webs  by  a  small  patch  of  slaty.  The 
remaining  feathers  are  tipped  with  white,  preceded  by  slaty.  Lower  parts,  including  sides  of  head,  and  space  for 
some  distance  above  the  eye,  white;  tinged  with  buff,  with  the  flanks  washed  with  chestnut.  Tibiae,  crlssura  and 
ventral  region,  rich  chestnut-brown;  the  under  tail  coverts  are  also  streaked  with  it.  Wing  and  tail  beneath,  like 
the  upper  surface,  but  more  glaucous.  Axillarics,  like  the  back.  Under  wing  coverts,  black. 
"lie,  similar  to  the  male,  but  with  the  top  of  the  head  washed  with  slaty-blue. 

Yoitii'j  have  the  white  of  the  tail  feathers  more  restricted  and  a  deeper  suffusion  of  buff  beneath.  Webs  brown ; 
feet  brown;  bill  black,  blue  at  the  base  of  the  under  mandible,  in  both  sexes  and  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

The  longer  and  more  slender  bills  of  aculeata  which  grade  into  the  shorter  and  stouter  ones  of  the  typical 
Carolinensis  cannot  be  considered  as  a  sufficient  character  upon  which  to  base  a  species,  there  being  no  other 
specific  difference.  Specimens  from  Florida  are  exactly  like  those  from  New  England.  It  is  distributed  throughout 
nearly  all  of  North  America  but  is  not  found  in  the  southern  portions  of  Florida,  and  is  not  common  in  the  more 
northern  sections.  It  may  be  readily  distinguished  from  all  other  native  Nuthatches  by  its  larger  size. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  six  specimens  from  New  England  and  Florida. — Length,  5-76;  stretch,  10-32;  wing 
3-60;  tail,  1-82;  bill,  -71;  tarsus,  -GO.  Largest  specimen,  C'OO;  greatest  extent  of  wings,  11-50;  longest  wing,  3-G9; 
tail,  2-1.1:  bill,  -80;  tarsus,  -80.  Shortest  specimen,  5-00;  smallest  stretch  of  wings.  9-21;  shortest  wing,  L'-CJ;  tail, 

,  liill,  u: :  tarsus,  -GO.     Length  of  the  bills  of  three  specimens  of  aculeata,  -80,  -82  and  -85. 


36  SITTA     CAROLINENS1S. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NEST  AND  EGGS. 

The  following  is  a  description  of  a  nest  and  eggs  taken  by  Mr.  Brewster  at  Cambridge. 

Nest  built  in  the  hole  of  a  tree,  and  composed  of  fine  grasses  lined  with  hair  or  feathers.  It  is  shallow;  being 
about  one  inch  in  depth  and  four  in  diameter. 

Eggs  usually  six  in  number;  creamy-white  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  irregularly  with  pale  reddish-brown  and 
lilac.  In  the  specimens  before  me,  which  were  kindly  loaned  me  by  Mr  Brewster,  the  spots  form  a  ring  around  the 
larger  eud.  Dimensions,  from  -70x-57  to  -83  x-60. 

HABITS. 

If  there  were  ever  harlequins  among  birds,  they  are  the  White-hellied  Nuthatches  ;  for  while 
they  are  on  the  trees,  searching  for  insects,  they  are  constantly  assuming  all  the  positions 
imaginable.  They  will  climb  quickly  up  the  trunk,  after  the  manner  of  the  Woodpeckers, 
peering  right  and  left,  then  will  suddenly  commence  a  retrograde  movement,  which  is  checked 
abruptly  as  the  birds  seize  upon  some  beetle,  when,  without  an  instant's  pause,  they  will  reverse 
themselves  and  back  upwards,  proceeding  as  agilely  as  if  moving  head  foremost.  In  a  few 
seconds  they  will  stop,  raise  their  heads,  glance  about  while  sounding  their  harsh  notes,  then 
launch  into  air,  alighting  upon  the  lower  side  of  a  limb,  and  will  glide  along  it  as  nimbly  as  if 
upon  the  upper  part.  Thus  they  are  ever  in  motion,  and  always  changing  their  attitudes  in  an 
easy  and  graceful  manner,  but  do  not  have  the  quick  nervous  movements  of  the  Brown-headed 
and  Red-bellied  Nuthatches,  but  perform  their  evolutions  more  steadily. 

These  birds  may  be  found  in  the  orchard  as  well  as  in  the  woods  but,  although  by  no  means 
rare,  it  is  not  usual  to  meet  with  -many  in  a  single  day.  They  appear  to  live  in  pairs,  apart 
from  their  fellows,  associating  with  the  Warblers  or  Titmice ;  and  I  can  recall  but  few  instances 
where  I  have  found  more  than  two  in  one  locality  at  the  same  time.  Then  the  birds  seemed  to 
have  met  by  accident  and  probably  would  not  have  remained  together  for  any  length  of  time. 

The  White-bellied  Nuthatches,  like  the  preceding  species,  are  great  wanderers  during  winter, 
but  remain  in  one  locality  when  the  breeding  season  approaches.  I  think  their  eggs  are  laid  by 
the  last  of  April  for  I  have  seen  fully  fledged  young  by  June  1st.  The  nest  from  which  they 
came  was  built  in  the  hole  of  an  old  stub,  and  was  situated  about  twenty  feet  above  the  ground. 
This  tree  had  evidently  been  used  as  a  nesting  place  for  some  time,  for  there  were  several  other 
openings  which  had,  in  all  probability,  been  occupied  in  previous  years.  The  female  is  very 
unsuspicious  while  incubating,  or  her  aflections  for  her  eggs  overcome  her  fears,  for  she  will 
permit  herself  to  be  handled  at  such  times  without  attempting  to  escape.  Mr.  Brewster  having 
discovered  a  nest  in  a  partly  decayed  apple  tree,  enlarged  the  entrance,  that  he  might  introduce 
his  hand,  and  remove  the  bird.  She  struggled  vigorously  to  escape  but,  as  soon  as  she 
was  liberated,  returned  to  her  eggs.  She  was  taken  out  several  times  but  invariably  entered  her 
domicile  the  moment  she  regained  her  freedom.  Even  when  thrown  into  the  air  she  did  not  fly 
away,  and  when  Mr.  Brewster  went  away  she  was  on  the  nest.  This  species  usually  construct 
their  edifice  in  dead  trees  or  stubs,  but  my  friend,  Mr.  Harold  Herrick,  of  New  York,  informed 
me  that  he  knew  of  a  pair  which  built  their  nest  in  the  walls  of  an  inhabited  dwelling,  having 
found  an  entrance  through  a  knot  hole  in  a  clapboard,  which  was  situated  beneath  the  eaves. 
The  White-bellied  Nuthatches  are  constant  residents  in  New  England,  but  only  winter  visitors 
to  Florida.  Those  which  go  south  migrate  quite  early  in  the  season,  generally  during  the  latter 
part  of  October.  On  the  30th  of  this  month  I  was  on  a  steamer  bound  for  Savannah,  and  when 
fifty  miles  off  the  coast  of  Virginia  we  were  visited  by  a  male  of  this  species.  He  alighted  on 
the  deck  at  first  apparently  exhausted  but,  after  I'esting  a  short  time,  recovered,  when  he 
commenced  climbing  about  the  rigging  and  running  up  and  down  the  masts  in  search  of  food 
performing  his  gymnastic  feats  with  as  much  agility  as  in  his  native  woods ;  he  remained  on 
board  until  night  but  I  could  not  find  him  the  next  morning.  Their  food  consists  principally 
of  insects  but  they  will  sometimes  eat  acorns. 


GHK.IT    CAROLINA     WREN.  37 

FAMILY  VI.     TROGLODYTIDJE.     THE  WRENS. 

Both  mandibles  of  bill,  more  or  less  arched.     Sternum,  wide,  but  with  the  keel  loin,  not  being  higher  than  one  half  the 
< if   tin-  sternum.      Coracoid  bones,  fully  as  long  as  the  top  of  the  keel.     Winys,  short.     Tail,   moderate  and 

/  rmtnded. 
Tliis  family  embraces  birds  of  generally  dull  colors.    All  the  American  species  are  somewhat  small  in  size. 

GENUS  I.     TROGLODYTES.     THE  WRENS   PROPER. 

i  ;i:x.  CH.  Feet,  of  moderate  size.  Tarsus,  about  equal  in  length  to  the  middle  toe  and  claw.  Hind  toe  and  claw, 
eonsiili-rably  ulnirtrr  than  the  middle,  toe  and  claw.  Nt>  white  spots  or  streaks  on  the  back. 

The  characters  used  by  authors  in  separating  the  genus  Thriothorus  and  Troglodytes  arc  so  slight,  that  it  appears 
to  me  scarcely  consistent  to  raise  the  species,  usually  placed  in  the  former  named,  to  a  generic  rank.  Therefore  I 
have  included  them  in  Troglodytes,  for  after  carefully  examining  a  large  scries  of  specimens,  I  find  that  there 
is  no  more  difference  between  members  of  the  two  genera,  than  often  exists  among  species  in  the  same  genus. 

TROGLODYTES     LTJDOVICIANUS. 
The  Great  Carolina  Wren. 

Troglodytes  Ludovicianus  Lrrcn.,  Verzeichniss  der  Doubletten  des  Zoolog,  1832,  38. 

DESCRIPTION. 

v 

SP.  CH.  Form,  rather  robnst.  Size,  moderate.  Bill,  not  very  slender,  and  as  long  as  the  head,  with  the  upper 
mandible  a  little  curved  and  slightly  notched.  Sternum,  quite  stoutly  built,  with  the  keel  very  low.  Tongue,  thin 
and  horny,  long  and  linear,  with  the  end  divided  or  broken  into  irregular  points. 

COLOU.  Adult.  Above,  dark  reddish-brown,  brightest  on  the  rump  but  becoming  blackish  on  the  head.  Wings, 
brown,  barred  on  the  outer  webs  with  the  same  color  as  the  back,  which  becomes  lighter  on  the  first  quills.  Tail, 
like  the  back  barred  with  dusky.  There  are  concealed  white  spots  on  the  rump  near  the  ends  of  the  feathers. 
Tin-re  are  also  some  concealed  spots  of  yellowish-white  on  the  middle  and  ends  of  the  feathers  of  the  back  of 
tin-  neck.  A  superciliary  line  of  buff  extends  from  the  base  of  the  bill  along  the  sides  of  the  neck,  edged  above  with 
black.  Beneath,  yellowish-brown;  darkest  on  the  flanks.  Throat,  white.  Under  tail  coverts,  barred  with  dusky. 
There  is  also  an  indication  of  dusky  bars  on  the  flanks.  Under  surface  of  wings  glaucous.  Lower  side  of  tail,  like 
the  buck,  but  with  a  glaucous  suffusion.  Under  wing  coverts,  yellowish,  barred  with  dusky.  There  is  a  whitish 
patch  on  the  lower  side  of  the  ear  coverts ;  and  a  few  dusky  spots  on  the  neck  back  of  it. 

)  "Hug,  similar,  but  with  the  upper  wing  coverts  spotted  with  white.  The  dusky  bars  on  the  flanks  are  quite 
conspicuous,  and  sometimes  extend  along  the  sides.  There  are  also  more  spots  back  of  the  ear  coverts.  Sexes, 
alike.  Irides,  brown.  Bill,  brown ;  lighter  at  the  base  of  the  lower  mandible.  Feet  and  tarsi,  brown.  The  above 
descriptions  arc  taken  from  Florida  specimens.  Wrens  of  this  species,  now  before  me,  which  were  collected  in 
Western  Virginia  by  Mr.  W.  W.  Scote,  differ  in  being  much  paler;  the  under  parts  being  pale  buff.  A  young  one 
taken  when  scarcely  fledged  exhibits  very  little  difference  in  coloration.  The  under  parts  are  perhaps  a  little  more 
rufous.  There  is  no  average  difference  in  the  length  of  the  bill  between  Mr.  Scote's  specimens  and  those  from 
Florida. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

This  species  is  readily  distinguished  from  the  T.  Bermckii  by  the  rufous  under  parts.  Habitat  is  throughout  the 
Eastern  United  States,  from  about  latitude  41°,  south  to  the  gulf.  They  winter  in  the  more  southern  sections. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  twenty-three  specimens  from  Florida. — Length,  6-80;  stretch,  7'25;  wing,  2-35;  tail, 
2-12;  bill,  -71;  tarsus,  -81.  Longest  specimen,  6-25;  greatest  extent  of  wings,  8-25;  longest  wing,  2-50;  tail,  2-30; 
bill,  -78;  tarsus,  -90.  Shortest  specimen,  5-30;  smallest  extent  of  wings,  7-10;  shortest  wing,  1-90;  tail,  1-90;  bill, 
•50;  tarsus,  -Co. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NEST  AND  EGGS. 

Nest  composed  outwardly  of  the  fibrous  substance  which  grows  at  the  base  of  palmetto  fronds,  leaves  or  sticks 
lined  with  fine  fibres.  It  is  usually  built  in  the  form  of  a  hollow  ball,  with  a  hole  in  the  side.  Dimensions ;  external 
diameter,  4  inches  ;  internal,  2'50  inches. 

E'jys  usually  six  in  number;  rather  oval  in  form;  creamy-white  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  irregularly  with 
reddish-brown  and  lilac.  These  spots  vary  greatly  in  number  even  in  the  same  nest.  For  instance,  one  of  a  set 
which  I  have  in  my  collection  is  covered  so  thickly  that  the  groundcolor  is  nearly  obscured,  and  the  longer  end  is  so 
thickly  blotched  as  to  look  like  a  washing  of  reddish-brown  and  lilac,  while  there  is  another  egg  of  the  same  lot, 
which  is  comparatively  clear.  The  spots  also  show  a  tendency  to  cluster  on  some  specimens  and  form  rings  around 
the  larger  ends.  Dimensions,  -74x-5C  to  -SOx-GO. 


38  TROGLODYTES    LUDOVICIANUS. 


HABITS. 

The  Great  Carolina  Wrens  are  birds  of  retiring  habits,  in  fact  they  may  be  called  shy,  for, 
upon  the  approach  of  man,  they  instantly  hide  themselves  in  the  thick  undergrowth  of  the 
hummocks  which  they  frequent,  but  if  one  stands  quietly  near  their  place  of  concealment  for  a 
few  moments  he  will  hear  a  series  of  low  notes  and  presently  a  Wren  will  be  seen  peering 
cautiously  out  from  among  the  leaves  ;  then  another  will  appear,  for  they  are  usually  found  in 
pairs.  They  will  not  venture  into  open  view,  however,  but  will  hop  quickly  about  with  their 
upraised  tails  which  they  will  occasionally  jerk  in  a  nervous  manner;  then,  upon  the  slightest 
movement  indicative  of  danger  will  plunge  at  once  into  the  cover,  uttering  a  querulous  cry, 
which  they  continue  as  long  as  the  supposed  enemy  keeps  at  a  little  distance  but,  upon  his 
near  approach,  the  birds  will  become  quiet  and  endeavor  to  escape  from  the  immediate 
neighborhood  without  showing  themselves;  this  they  generally  accomplish  with  such  skill  that 
the  observer  wonders  what  has  become  of  them.  I  have  frequently  seen  these  wrens  in  isolated 
bushes  and,  after  seeing  them  vanish,  have  beat  about  the  place  where  they  disappeared,  then 
through  it  without  starting  them,  afterwards  finding  that  the  wily  birds  had  escaped  by  running 
Avith  great  rapidity  beneath  the  grass  and  weeds  to  the  next  thicket.  Even  while  nesting  it  is 
difficult  to  find  them,  for  although  the* female  is  sitting,  she  will  generally  manage  to  fly  from 
the  nest  so  quickly  as  not  to  be  visible,  for  she  takes  care  to  place  every  available  obstacle 
between  herself  and  the  object  from  which  she  wishes  to  escape.  I  have  found  several  nests 
yet  have  never  succeeded  in  surprising  the  birds  near  them ;  but  although  such  has  been  my 
experience,  one  of  my  companions,  Mr.  C.  A.  Thurston,  was  enabled,  by  using  extreme  caution, 
to  capture  one  on  the  nest  which  was  built  in  the  top  of  a  stump  but  a  few  feet  from  the 
ground.  I  know  of  no  birds  which  are  more  variable  in  selecting  places  in  which  to  build  their 
nests.  The  usual  situations  chosen  by  the  Wrens  on  Indian  River  were  at  the  bottoms  of  the 
"boots"  of  the  Palmettoes.  The  "boot"  is  the  base  of  the  dead  leaf  stalks  which  adhere  to  the 
tree  after  the  top  has  decayed  and  fallen  off,  they  are  quite  broad,  slightly  concave,  and  extend 
upward  in  an  oblique  direction  leaving  a  space  between  them  and  the  trunk ;  the  fronds  in  falling 
often  cover  the  top  with  a  fibrous  debris  which  is  impervious  to  water  and  the  cavities  beneath 
form  a  snug  nesting  place  for  the  Carolina  Wrens.  Many  more  nests  will  be  found  in  these 
situations  than  elsewhere,  especially  in  the  wilderness  ;  but  I  once  found  one  built  between  two 
Palmetto  leaves  which  had  dropped  over  in  such  a  position  that  their  surfaces  were  horizontal 
and  only  three  or  four  inches  apart,  forming  a  floor  as  well  as  a  roof  for  the  home  of  the  Wrens. 
They  had  conveyed  a  large  amount  of  suitable  material  into  this  place  and  formed  a  cozy 
domicile.  The  fronds  were  swayed  by  every  passing  breeze,  yet  in  such  a  manner  as  not  to 
injure  the  structure  which  was  between  them. 

I  have  spoken  of  an  instance  of  their  building  in  a  stump  which  appears  to  be  a  somewhat 
common  practice ;  they  will  also  breed  in  holes  of  trees ;  one  nest  which  came  under  my  notice 
was  placed  in  the  fork  of  an  orange  tree,  but  a  few  rods  from  an  inhabited  dwelling ;  they  will 
also  take  up  au  abode  in  buildings,  and  Capt.  Dummett  assured  me  that  two  or  three  pairs 
inhabited  his  boat  house,  which  was  placed  over  the  water,  every  season.  Mr.  Henshaw  called 
my  attention  to  a  deserted  structure  formed  by  this  species  which  was  placed  in  a  niche  of  a 
wall  in  the  old  stone  barracks  at  Miami.  I  have  also  known  of  the  eggs  being  taken  from  the 
interior  of  a  barn,  the  birds  having  found  entrance  through  a  knot  hole. 

This  species  begin  to  breed  about  the  first  of  April  and  continue  until  June,  rearing 
two  or  three  broods.  They  are  exceedingly  sensitive  about  being  disturbed  at  this  season,  and 
I  have  frequently  found  nests  that  were  being  completed  but,  upon  visiting  them  again,  would 
invariably  find  that  the  birds  had  abandoned  them.  It  will  be  seen  by  the  examples  given  that 
the  Great  Carolina  Wrens  possess  sufficient  reason  to  avail  themselves  of  surrounding 


HOUSE     \\'l.  39 

circumstances  when  they  wish  to  build,  even  turning  the  habitations  of  man  to  account.  But 
what  particularly  distinj.Mii.shes  these  birds  from  many  others  is  their  loud  and  cheery  song; 
perched  on  some  slightly  elevated  position  they  "ill  pour  forth  such  clear  and  thrilling 
lays  that  the  most  careless  observer  will  pause  to  listen  and  admire  their  power.  There  arc  no 
birds  which  excel  them  in  the  frequency  in  which  this  melody  is  given;  from  early  morning 
until  late  at  night  they  may  be  heard  singing.  Seasons  as  well  as  time  are  utterly  disregarded 
by  them,  for  their  harmonious  strains  arc  given  with  as  much  earnestness  in  December  as 
during  the  breeding  time.  The  remembrance  of  the  melodies  ever  brings  to  my  mind  pleasant 
visions  of  dark  green  foliage  and  the  rustling  palm  leaves  which  grow  so  luxuriantly  in  this 
land  ;  for  we  were  always  greeted  by  these  birds  whenever  we  pitched  our  tents  by  the  side  of 
a  hummock  or  thicket,  and  I  think  no  one,  who  has  heard  them  as  often  as  I  have,  will  hesitate 
to  place  the  Great  Carolina  Wren  among  the  finest  song  birds  of  Florida. 

TROGLODYTES      AEDON. 

House  Wren. 

Troglodytes  aeilon  VIKII.I.OT,  Orn.  Am.  Sept.  II,  1807,  32. 
Troglodytes  Amerieantis  Auwnox.  Orn.  Biog.  ii,  1834,  452. 
Troglodytes  Parkmanii  AUDUBON,  Oru.  Biog.  v,  1839,  310. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  not  slender.  Size,  quite  small.  Bill,  tapering,  slightly  curved  at  the  end,  not  notched,  shorter 
than  the  head.  Sternum  not  stoutly  built;  proportionately  narrower  than  In  the  preceding,  but  with  the  keel  higher. 
Tongue,  thin,  horny  and  acuminate  with  the  end,  in  adult  specimens,  broken  Into  irregular  points  or  coarse  cilia,  in 
young  birds,  however;  it  is  more  regular  In  form,  there  being  four  points;  two  long  ones  in  the  middle  and  two 
shorter  cuirs  at  each  side,  which  commence  farther  down  on  the  tongue  than  the  others  and  terminate  at  their  base, 
forming  a  rounded  or  graduated  end. 

(•c.ion.  A'liilt.'  Above,  dark  reddish-brown;  lightest  on  the  rnmp  and  darkest  on  the  head  where  the  feathers 
usu:illy  show  darker  centres.  Wings,  above,  dark  brown  band  on  the  outer  webs,  with  the  same  color  as  the  back, 
which  becomes  lighter  on  the  first  quills.  Tail,  like  the  rnmp,  but  barred  with  dusky.  Beneath,  dirty  white,  with 
the  breast  and  Hanks  tinged  with  brownish  which  becomes  quite  rufous  on  the  latter.  The  flanks,  breast  and  sides 
an-  usually  somewhat  obscurely  barred.  Under  tail  coverts,  white,  barred  with  rufous  and  black.  Under  surface  of 
wings,  glaucous.  Under  wing  coverts,  pale  buff.  I'nder  part  of  tail,  paler  than  the  upper,  otherwise  similar.  Ear 
coverts,  mixed  with  whitish.  In  autumn  there  is  a  more  rufous  suffusion  beneath  and  the  whole  head  is  darker. 

-iinilar,  but  with  the  wing  coverts  -.putted  with  white.  In  this  stage  there  is  sometimes  a  white 
superciliary  stripe.  Sexes,  alike.  Neck,  brown.  Bill,  brown,  lighter  at  the  basal  portion  of  the  under  mandible. 
Tarsi  and  feet,  brown. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

This  is  an  extremely  variable  species  in  shading  and  in  coloration.  The  middle  of  the  back  is  frequently  barred, 
but  in  a  specimen  from  Florida,  which  I  collected  during  winter,  there  are  conspicuous  dark  transverse  lines  from 
the  forehead  to  the  end  of  the  tail,  while  the  feathers  of  the  breast,  sides,  abdomen  and  flanks  are  crossed  with  fine 
wavy  lines  of  dark  brown.  The  throat  is  washed  with  reddish-brown  and  the  whole  breast  is  very  dark.  I  have 
specimens  running  Irom  this  through  every  gradation  of  shading  and  marking  to  a  very  pale  specimen,  also  from 
Florida,  where  the  bars  on  the  body  are  so  nearly  obsolete  as  to  be  only  just  perceptible  on  the  middle  of  the  back 
and  Hanks.  A  specimen  of  1'arkmanii  which  I  have,  that  was  labelled  at  the  Smithsonian  Institution,  in  point  of 
color  falls  within  this  wide  ranuc  of  individual  variation,  and  specimens  of  typical  aedon  now  before  me  exhibit  the 
same  proportionate  differences  in  si/.e  of  the  wings  and  tail.  I  have  elsewhere  (Naturalists'  Guide,  p.  ii.1,  !><;,  97) 
proved  conclusively  that  th.-  «s  of  Audnhoii  was  only  a  darker  type  of  aedon.  I  have  no  specimens  of 

i/iti-nii'-dinn  and  iiK/Hietim,  yet  judge  from  the  descriptions  that  they  are  very  similar  to  atilon  if  really  distinct.  The 
House  Wren  dillers  from  T.  hy-mntix  in  beini;  larirer.  darker,  and  in  having  the  sides  of  the  neck  unspotted.  The  flanks 
and  abdomen  of  lii/i-mali*  are  also  more  deeply  barred  with  black.  Habitat  throughout  the  entire  United  States  and 
probably  through  Mexico. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Aver-L'e  measurements  of  50  specimens  from  Florida  and  .New  Kngland.— Length,  4'80;  stretch,  i;-l'.". ;  wing  2-08; 
tail,  1-UL':  bill,  -4!l;  tarsus,  'CO.  Longest  specimen.  5-7">;  greatest  extent  of  wings,  7'00;  longest  wing.  L'-'.'O;  tail  2-40, 
bill,  -C.O;  tarsus,  •",.  Shortest  specimen,  4-:n> ;  smallest  extent  of  wings,  6-10;  shortest  wing,  1-70;  tail,  1-30;  bill; 
•40;  tarsus,  -50. 


40  TROGLODYTES    HYEMALIS. 


DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  built  in  holes  of  trees  or  in  bird  boxes.  Composed  of  pieces  of  grape-vine  bark,  sticks  and  weeds  which 
usually  completely  fill  the  cavity  in  which  it  is  placed,  leaving  a  hole  in  the  centre  which  is  thickly  lined  with  feathers 
or  fine  strips  of  bark.  Dimensions. —  The  external  diameter  varies  with  the  space  which  contains  the  nest ;  one 
which  I  have  before  me,  that  was  collected  for  me  by  Mr.  Iluthvcn  Deaue,  measures  about  four  inches  externally 
and  two  internally. 

Eggs,  usually  rather  oval  in  form,  pinkish- white  in  color,  thickly  dotted  with  reddish-brown.  These  minute  spots 
sometimes  become  confluent  and  cover  the  entire  surface  with  a  deep  washing  of  the  same  color.  The  larger  ends 
of  such  species  are  very  apt  to  be  darker  than  the  remainder  of  the  egg.  I  am  indebted  to  Messrs.  Deane  and 
Brewster  for  the  privilege  of  examining  the  large  series  of  eggs  of  this  species  which  they  have  in  their  cabinets. 

HABITS. 

One  can  scarcely  pass  a  thicket  throughout  the  entire  extent  of  Florida  from  Key  West  to  the 
northern  limits  of  the  state,  whether  on  the  borders  of  the  hummock  or  in  the  vast  pine  barrens, 
without  exciting  the  ire  of  the  irascible  House  Wrens.  They  will  suddenly  start  up  at  the  feet 
of  the  pedestrian  and,  alighting  on  a  log  or  bush,  scold  him  angrily;  but  if  the  birds  think  they 
are  in  danger,  will  quickly  disappear,  then  it  requires  rapid  and  thorough  beating  to  make  them 
rise.  There  are  many  thickets  on  the  mainland  which  are  so  impenetrable  that  birds  are 
perfectly  safe  from  intruders  yet  on  the  keys  they  are  particularly  favored  in  this  respect,  for 
there  the  various  species  of  cacti  form  an  excellent  cover  for  them.  These  plants  are  armed 
with  many  long  spines  which  present  a  formidable  barrier  against  the  invasion  of  man  or  any 
large  animal.  Thus  in  Florida  we  find  this  Wren  keeping  apart  from  mankind  and  his  ways, 
but  in  New  England  they  usually  pursue  a  different  course.  Here  they  associate  with  human 
beings,  building  their  nests  iu  boxes  erected  for  them,  and  even  if  these  tiny  edifices  are  placed 
in  close  proximity  to  the  busy  thoroughfare  the  birds  may  be  seen  perched  on  their  roofs,  singing 
their  uncouth  melodies.  The  House  Wrens  will  occasionally  select  a  hole  in  a  tree  as  a  breeding 
place ;  even  in  the  North  I  observed  a  pair  several  times  about  an  old  apple  tree,  which  stood  in 
a  remote  place  and,  being  aware  that  they  had  a  nest  there,  made  repeated  search  for  it ;  but, 
after  vainly  looking  in  every  hole  which  I  thought  they  could  enter,  gave  up  in  despair. 
But  on  passing  the  place  one  day  I  saw  the  female  emerge  from  a  very  small  orifice  in  a  high 
limb  which  was  not  larger  around  than  my  arm,  and  upon  examining  found  the  nest  concealed 
in  it.  The  House  Wrens  breed  in  New  England  about  the  first  week  in  June,  iu  Florida 
somewhat  earlier.  They  are  constant  residents  in  the  South  but  migrants  at  the  North,  arriving 
in  the  spring  about  the  first  of  May  and  departing  in  early  October. 

TROGLODYTES    HYEMALIS. 

Winter  Wren. 
Troglodytes  hyemalis  VIEILLOT,  Nouv.  Diet,  xxxiv,  1819,  514. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  not  stout.  Size,  small.  Bill,  much  shorter  than  the  head,  slender,  and  but  slightly  curved. 
Tail,  short  and  rounded.  Sternum,  rather  weakly  built,  with  the  keel  very  low  in  comparison  to  the  breadth.  Tongue, 
linear,  with  the  end,  in  nestlings,  rounded,  slightly  bifid  and  fringed  with  cilia.  In  older  specimens  it  is  divided  into 
four  points  like  that  of  the  preceding  species,  only  the  space  between  the  two  central  ones  is  not  as  deeply  cleft. 
In  adult  birds  the  tip  becomes  broken  into  irregular  points. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Above,  reddish-brown;  darkest  on  the  head,  lighest  on  the  rump.  Upper  surface  of  wings, 
dark  brown,  barred  on  the  outer  webs  with  dusky.  Tail  above,  similar  to  the  back,  tranversely  lined  with  dusky. 
Upper  wing  coverts  and  sides  of  neck  spotted  with  white.  The  nape  and  rump  have  concealed  spots  of  white. 
Beneath,  yellowish,  which  is  lightest  on  the  throat,  but  becomes  rufous  on  the  sides,  flanks  and  abdomen,  which 
are  crossed  with  black  and  white  wavy  lines.  Under  tail  coverts,  marked  with  rufous,  black  and  white.  There  is  a 
yellowish-white  superciliary  line.  The  ear  coverts  are  mixed  with  dusky.  Under  portion  of  the  tail,  similar  to  the 
upper  but  a  little  paler.  Under  wing  coverts,  whitish,  barred  with  dusky.  Lower  surface  of  wing,  glaucous. 


PLATE  IX. 


C.J.lUymid,  L,th. 


\Vl\TER     WREN.  41 

Young,  similar  to  the  adult,  hut  with  a  more  rufous  suffusion  beneath  and  with  the  feathers  of  the  throat  and 
breast  tipped  with  dusky.     The  wins;  coverts  are  also  more  spotted. 

/•  .  darker  throughout  than  In  the  young,  the  throat  being  as  dark  as  the  flanks.  There  are  no 
spots  on  the  sides  of  the  neck.  The  burs  beneath  are  not  as  conspicuous  and  the  feathers  of  the  throat  and  breast 
show  lighter  centres.  The  young  birds  from  which  I  have  taken  the  above  descriptions  were  kindly  loaned  me  by 
Mr.  Brewster  and  .Mr.  Harold  Ilerrick.  Those  in  the  nesting  plumage  were  taken  in  New  Hampshire  and  at  Grand 


OBSERVATIONS. 

Specimens  vary  somewhat  in  the  amount  of  black  on  the  lower  portions  of  the  body  as  well  as  in  the  shading 
above,  although  they  are  more  uniform  in  this  respect.  Differs  from  cedon  as  described  under  that  species.  It  cannot 
be  confounded  with  the  Marsh  Wrens,  for  they  are  streaked  with  white  on  the  back.  Distributed  during  summer 
throughout  the  more  northern  sections  of  the  United  States  and  North  America  j  winters  in  the  Southern  States,  but 
is  rare  in  Florida. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  seven  specimens  from  New  England.  —  Length,  4-10;  stretch,  6-04;  wing,  1-72;  tail, 
1-24;  bill.  -4i<:  tarsus,  -66.  Longest  specimen,  4-25;  greatest  extent  of  wings,  6-30;  longest  wing,  2'00;  tail,  1-32; 
bill,  -4',i;  tar-ns,  •;.-,.  Shortest  specimen,  3-75;  smallest  extent  of  wings,  6-50;  shortest  wing,  1-70;  tail,  1-10;  bill, 
•35  ;  tarsus,  -65. 

DESCRIPTION    OP   NEST   AND   EGGS. 

The  following  descriptions  were  kindly  forwarded  to  me  by  Mr.  Ridgway.  That  of  the  nest  was  made  from  a 
specimen  now  in  the  Smithsonian  collection,  which  was  taken  in  Maine  by  Mr.  W.  F.  Hall. 

Nest.  A  compact  mass  of  green  moss,  strengthened  by  a  few  slender  twigs  of  coniferous  trees.  It  is  In  the 
form  of  a  hollow  ball  with  the  cavity  deep  and  the  entrance  narrow.  Dimensions  :  6  inches  in  length  by  3-50  in 
diameter. 

K'jfia,  five  in  number  (these  described  were  taken  at  Fort  Umpqua,  Oregon,  by  Mr.  E.  P.  Vallum),  oval  in  form, 
pure  white  in  color  with  a  circle  of  thickly  sprinkled  reddish-brown  dots  around  the  larger  end.  Dimensions, 
•68x-48. 

HABITS. 

The  Winter  Wrens  find  their  summer  homes  in  the  thick,  evergreen  woods  of  Northern  New 
England  ;  here  they  frequent  the  masses  of  fallen  trees,  that  are  piled  in  confused  heaps  by  the 
tornadoes,  which  occasionally  visit  these  vast  forests.  The  birds  are  abundant  in  such  situations, 
but  if  it  wen-  not  for  the  peculiarly  sweet  warbling  song  of  the  males,  which  are  frequently 
heard,  one  would  be  inclined  to  call  them  rare.  All  Wrens  are  endowed  with  the  faculty  of 
concealing  themselves,  but  in  the  Winter  Wrens  this  instinct  is  developed  to  a  remarkable 
degree  ;  and  even  while  they  are  singing  remain  hidden.  I  have  stood  within  a  few  3'ards  of 
their  place  of  abode  and  endeavored  to  discover"  the  invisible  bird  which  was  constantly 
repeating  his  delightful  melody  ;  but  after  the  closest  scrutiny  was  obliged  to  give  up  the  search 
as  unsuccessful.  When  approached  too  nearly  these  Wrens  glide  through  the  intricate  passages 
of  their  retreat  like  mice  and  it  requires  considerable  exertion  to  drive  them  from  a  particular 
]ii]<-  :  when  forced  to  leave  they  use  every  available  means  to  escape  unseen.  I  have  seen  one 
enter  the  knot  hole  of  a  hollow  log,  when  closely  pursued,  and  emerge  at  the  open  end  which 
was  in  a  thicket.  These  birds  must  conceal  their  nests  very  carefully  ;  for,  although  I  am  certain 
that  I  have  many  times  been  within  a  few  yards  of  their  homes,  I  have  failed  to  discover  any 
after  the  most  thorough  search.  The  Winter  Wrens  pass  Massachusetts  during  the  migrations 
in  October  and  April  ;  they  are  very  rare  in  Florida  and  I  have  never  met  with  them  there,  but 
Mr.  Boardman  informs  me  that  he  has  seen  them  on  two  occasions. 

BIRDS  OF  FLORIDA.  6 


42  CISTOTHORUS    PALUSTHIS. 


GENUS   II.      CISTOTHOEUS.      THE   MARSH   WRENS. 

GKN.  CH.  Feet  proportionately  large,  but  the  tarsus  shorter  than  the  middle  toe  and  claw.  Hack,  conspicuously 
streaked  with  white. 

The  species  included  in  this  genus  are  quite  small  birds,  which  inhabit  the  grasses  or  reeds  of  fresh-water 
marshes. 

CISTOTHOEUS     PALTJSTRIS. 

Long-billed  Marsh  Wren. 
Cistothorus  paluslris  BAIRD,  Birds  of  North  America,  1858,  364. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Size,  small.  Form,  slender.  Bill,  equal  in  length  to  the  head,  quite  slender.  Sternum,  somewhat 
stoutly  built.  Tongue,  thin,  narrow  and  acuminate,  ciliated  for  one-third  of  the  terminal  length.  These  cilia  form 
a  bifid  tuft  at  the  end,  and  two  on  each  side  about  five-hundredths  of  an  inch  nearer  the  base. 

COLOH.  Adult.  Above,  light  reddish-brown,  with  the  middle  of  the  back  and  sides  of  the  top  of  the  head, 
black,  which  is  darkest  on  the  back ;  this  patch  on  the  back  is  triangular  in  form  being  broadest  between  the 
shoulders;  there  is  a  white  line  in  the  centre  of  many  of  the  feathers.  There  is  also  a  superciliary  stripe  of  white 
which  extends  well  down  on  the  sides  of  the  neck.  The  wings  and  tail  arc  dark  brown  barred  with  a  color  similar 
to  that  of  the  back.  Beneath,  pure  white  with  the  sides  and  flanks,  reddish-brown.  There  is  sometimes  ;i  buff 
suffusion  on  the  breast.  Lores  and  ear  coverts,  dusky.  The  shoulders  are  streaked  with  white.  Under  wing 
coverts,  white;  under  tail  coverts,  white,  barred  with  brown  and  rufous. 

This  is  the  usual  adult  plumage  both  North  and  South,  but  a  specimen  from  Florida,  taken  in  April.  1872,  on 
Spruce  Creek,  differs  in  having  the  top  of  the  head  and  entire  upper  parts,  black  with  scarcely  any  rufous.  The 
under  surface  is  pale  buff,  barred  on  the  sides  of  the  neck,  breast,  and  flanks  with  dusky.  The  under  wing  coverts 
are  also  pale  buff. 

The  young,  even  in  the  nesting  plumage,  are  scarcely  different  from  the  adult  excepting  that  there  are  fewer 
streaks  of  white  on  the  back.  Sexes  similar.  Neck,  feet  and  bill,  brown,  the  latter  lighter  at  the  base  of  the  lower 
mandible. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

The  Long-billed  Marsh  "Wrens  may  be  at  once  distinguished  from  the  Short-billed  by  their  larger  size  and 
longer  bill.  They  are  distributed  throughout  North  America  during  the  breeding  season,  wintering  in  the 
Southern  states. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  often  specimens. — Length,  5'G4;  stretch,  G-15;  wing,  2-07;  tail,  1-C7;  bill,  -57;  tarsus, 
•68.  Longest  specimen,  5-25;  greatest  extent  of  wings,  7-00;  longest  wing,  2-25;  tail,  1-80;  bill, -GO;  tarsus, -75. 
Shortest  specimen,  4-12;  smallest  extent  of  wings,  5-00;  shortest  wing,  1-75;  tail,  1-48;  bill,  -45;  tarsus,  -60. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  built  in  grass  or  reeds,  and  formed  of  coarse  grass  or  of  reeds  which  are  bent  and  woven  into  the  form 
of  a  hollow  globe,  with  a  hole  for  an  entrance  at  the  side.  They  are  lined  with  fine  grasses  and  the  nests  of  spiders. 
Dimensions;  external  diameter,  7  inches  ;  internal,  3  inches. 

~Egys,  usually  six  in  number,  oval  in  form,  pale  brown  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  irregularly  with  darker 
brown;  sometimes  the  spots  are  very  minute  forming  a  dark  washing  over  the  entire  surface.  On  other  eggs  they 
become  confluent  and  form  rings  around  the  larger  ends.  Dimensions,  from  -GOx-50  to  -70x-55. 

HABITS. 

Spruce  Creek,  in  Eastern  Florida,  rises  in  the  interior  near  Lake  Ashby.  It  is  a  remarkable 
stream,  for  this  section,  inasmuch  as  the  banks  are  high  and  abrupt,  rising  in  many  places  forty 
feet  from  the  water;  these  highlands  do  not  form  both  margins  of  the  river  in  any  one  place, 
however,  but  enclose  an  expanse  of  marsh,  which  varies  from  a  few  hundred  yards  to  a  mile  in 
width,  through  which  the  stream  winds.  This  interval  is  thickly  overgrown  with  a  species  of 
rush  (Jitncus  maritimus) ,  which  grows  to  the  height  of  five  feet.  The  luxuriant  growth  formed 
a  cover  for  hundreds  of  Long-billed  Marsh  Wrens,  and  is  the  only  place  where  I  ever  found 
them  in  any  numbers  in  Florida.  My  attention  was  attracted  to  them  by  their  notes  which  are 
merely  weak  sputtering  attempts  at  song. 


SHORT-KILLED    .V.l/.'.v//     117.' K  V.  43 

This  was  iii  April  ami  they  were  evidently  nesting,  but  as  I  experienced  great  difficulty  in 
making  my  way  through  the  thick  rushes  was  unable  to  ascertain  this  for  u  certainty.  In  New 
England  they  build  about  the  tirst  of  June.  The  nests  are  placed  in  the  tops  of  the  grass, 
reeds,  or  rushes.  But  a  singular  fact  regarding  the  domiciles  of  this  species  is,  that  each  pair 
will  commonly  build  several  edifices  in  a  season,  and  but  a  short  distance  apart;  depositing 
their  eggs  in  one  however.  There  is  apparently  no  difference  between  the  one  used  and  the 
others.  These  structures  must  lie  made  for  some  purpose,  but  whether  the  birds  are 
experimenting  that  they  may  obtain  a  perfect  nest,  or  whether  they  arc  placed  there  for  the 
purpose  of  attracting  the  attention  of  their  enemies  that  they  may  not  discover  their  eggs 
remains  to  be  proved.  The  birds  appear  as  solicitous  when  the  spurious  nests  are  approached 
as  when  the  one  which  contains  the  eggs  is  disturbed,  by  which  we  may  infer  that  the  latter 
theory  is  correct. 

These  birds  are  not  shy,  but  when  frightened  will  hide  like  all  members  of  the  family. 
They  are  constant  residents  in  Florida  but  migrate  to  and  from  the  North,  arriving  in  New 
England  about  the  tirst  of  .Ma}-  and  departing  early  in  October.  I  have  never  met  with  this 
species  in  the  everglades  or  among  the  Keys. 


CISTOTHORUS     STELLAKIS. 

•  Short-billed   Marsh   Wren. 
Cistothorus  stellaris  CABAXIS,  Mus.  Herii.,  1851,  77. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sr.  Ch.  Form,  slender.  Size,  small.  Bill,  shorter  than  the  head,  quite  stout  and  not  very  acuminate.  Sternum, 
HOI  strong,  with  the  keel  proportionately  shorter  and  lower  than  In  the  preceding  species.  Tongue,  slender,  thin 
and  horny,  with  the  end.  in  adult  specimens,  bifid  and  divided  into  coarse  cilia,  which,  In  younger  birds,  extend 
aloim  tin-  shies,  sometimes  for  one-fourth  of  the  terminal  length. 

<'«'i.itu.     .\ilnlt.     Above,  pale  yellowish-brown,  darkest  on  the  head  and  palest  on  the  rump.    The  feathers  of 

the  hark  are  tipped  with  white  and  edged  with  black.     There  are  also  some  white  spots  on  the  nape.     Wings,  upper 

-  and  tail,  barn-d  with  pale  yellowish-white,  brown  and  rufous.     Beneath,  white,  with  the  breast,  sides, 

Hanks,  under  tail  eoverts,  and  under  wing  coverts,  butt'.     The  chin  is  also  tinged  with  the  same  color  and  there  is 

wish  superciliary  si  ripe.    Lores  and  ear  coverts,  dusky.    There  are  faint  indications  of  white  on  the  shoulders. 

•••;/  diner  from  tlie  above  in  having  the  top  of  the  head  streaked  with  white.     There  is  also  more  white  on 

tin-  shoulders  and   the  feathers  of  the  rump  are   striped  with   it.     The  buff  of  the  lower  parts  is  brighter.     The 

nestlings  d<>  not  ditt'er  from  the  plumage  last  described.     Ueck  and  bill,  brown,  the  latter  lighter  ou  the  basal 

three-fourths  of  the  lower  mandible.     Feet,  pale  brown. 

• 

OBSERVATIONS. 

I  can  see  no  difference  between  specimens  taken  in  Florida  and  those  from  the  North.    This  species  may  be 
.  nislied  from  the  preceding  as  d. -eribcd  under  that  head.     Inhabits  the  United  States  south  of  longitude  43°. 
Winters  in  the  more  southern  sections,  but  I  did  not  see  it  in  the  everglades  of  Florida  or  among  the  Keys. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  ten  specimens.— Length,  4-37;  stretch,  5-50;  wing,  1-79;  tail,  1-40;  bHl, -42;  tarsus,  -43. 
-t  specimen,  4-50;  greatest  extent  of  wings,  5-CO;  longest  wing,  l-'.IO;  tail,  1-(!0;  bill,  -45;  tarsus,  -75.     Shortest 
specimen,  4-00;  smallest  extent  of  wing^.  .V-'l  :  shortest  wing,  1'75;  tail,  1-30;  bill,  -40;  tarsus,  -60. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS   AND  EGGS. 

•*  built  in  the  tops  of  grass,  reeds  or  rushes.  Composed  of  these  materials  bent  and  woven  into  a  hollow 
ball  with  a  hole  for  an  entrance  at  the  side.  They  are  usually  lined  with  line  grasses.  Dimensions;  external 
diameter,  7  inches;  internal,  l-l'>. 

commonly  six  in  number,  oval  in  form  and  pure  white  in  color.    Dimensions,  from  -C0x'-50  to  -73. 


44  ANTHUS    LUDOV2CIANUS. 


HABITS. 

All  along  the  eastern  side  of  Indian  River  are  immense  savannas  that  are  covered  with  short 
grass  which  grows  so  thickly  that  it  becomes  matted  together.  Pools  are  scattered  at  intervals 
over  these  plains,  on  the  margins  of  which  are  low  mangroves,  button-woods,  and  other  shrubs 
peculiar  to  this  section.  These  thickets  together  with  the  grass  form  the  resorts  of  the 
Short-billed  Marsh  Wrens.  They  are  not  abundant,  yet  this  is  the  only  place  where  I  have 
ever  seen  them  in  Florida ;  if  they  breed  there  it  must  be  Lite  in  the  season  for  they  were 
moulting  in  the  latter  part  of  April.  These  birds  were  exceedingly  shy  in  this  place  and  would 
hide  so  persistently  in  the  grass  and  bushes  that  it  was  almost  impossible  to  make  them  rise. 

I  never  heard  this  Marsh  Wren  utter  a  sound  in  Florida,  but  in  the  fresh-water  marshes  of 
the  North  they  are  quite  noisy,  and  I  have  frequently  heard  individuals  sing  all  night.  Their 
notes  are  not  fine  but,  although  monotonous,  are  more  elaborate  than  those  of  the  Long-billed 
and  are  better  entitled  to  the  name  of  song.  Like  the  preceding  species  these  birds  build  in 
the  tops  of  the  grass,  and  also  construct  several  nests ;  the  one  which  contains  the  eggs  is 
commonly  placed  lower  than  the  rest  and  is  more  carefully  concealed.  Those  which  pass  the 
summer  in  Massachusetts  arrive  about  May  15th ;  breed  in  early  June ;  moult  in  August  and 
depart  for  the  South  in  October. 

FAMILY    VII.       MOTACILLID.E.      THE    WAGTAILS. 

Marginal  indentations  of  sternum,  equal  in  depth  the  height  of  the  keel.  Coracoid  bones,  shorter  than  the  top  of 
the  keel.  Keel,  higher  than  one-half  the  width  of  the  sternum.  Hind  claw,  more  than  twice  the  length  of  the  anterior 
claws.  <> 

This  family  is  largely  represented  by  Old  World  genera  and  species. 

GENUS    I.      ANTHUS.      THE    TITLAEKS. 

GEN.  CH.     Same  as  those  given  for  the  family. 

I  have  been  obliged  to  base  the  family  characters  upon  this  genus  as  I  have  no  other  material  at  hand. 
This  arrangement,  however,  will  serve  as  well  as  any  other  for  American  students. 

ANTHUS    LUDOVICIANUS. 
Titlark. 

Anthus  ludovicianus  LIGHT.    Verz.,  1823,  37.    No.  421. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  slender.  Size,  not  large.  Bill,  shorter  than  the  head,  slender  and  acuminate.  Wings,  long 
and  pointed.  Tail,  rather  long  and  slightly  emarginate.  Sternum,  not  stoutly  built.  Tongue,  thin,  horny,  very 
acuminate  with  the  tip  bifid  and  ciliated. 

COLOR.  Adult  in  spring.  Above,  olivaceous  brown  with  each  feather  having  a  darker  centre.  Beneath, 
reddish-brown  with  a  maxillary  line  of  dark  brown  spots,  which  also  extends  across  the  breast  and  along  the  sides. 
Wings  and  tail,  dark  brown,  with  the  outer  webs  edged  with  yellowish-white.  The  two  outer  tail  feathers  are  tipped 
with  white ;  this  color  extends  along  the  outer  web  of  the  first  feather  for  three-fourths  its  length.  The  third  tail 
feather  is  also  sometimes  tipped  with  white.  The  under  wing  coverts  are  pale  yellowish-white  streaked  with  dusky. 
There  is  a  yellowish  ring  around  the  eye  and  a  stripe  over  it  of  the  same  color. 

In  Autumn  the  colors  beneath  are  paler. 

The  young  diner  from  the  adult  in  being  paler  and  in  having  less  white  on  the  tail.  Sexes  alike.  Irides,  feet  and 
bill,  brown,  the  latter  lighter  at  the  base  of  the  lower  mandible. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

In  a  large  series  of  specimens  before  me  there  is  considerable  variation  in  the  number  and  size  of  the  spots 
beneath,  and  those  which  are  most  spotted  are  darker  above.  The  only  bird  with  which 'this  is  likely  to  be  confounded 
is  the  Missouri  Skylark  but  this  is  whiter  on  the  under  portions,  has  the  outer  tail  feathers  pure  white,  and  the  feet 
and  bill  yellow.  This  species  breeds  far  north  but  is  found  during  the  migrations  throughout  North  America. 


WORX-EATIXG     WARBLES.  45 


DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  twenty-nine  specimens. — Length,  6-55;  stretch,  10-30;  wing,  3-30;  tail,  2-45;  bill,  -48; 
tarsus,  -80.  Longest  specimen,  7-00;  greatest  extent  of  wings,  11-00;  longest  wing,  3-60;  tail,  2-75;  bill, -50;  tarsus, 
•90.  Shortest  specimen,  6-13;  smallest  extent  of  wings,  9-95;  shortest  wing,  3-15;  tail,  2-45;  bill,  -50;  tarsus,  -90. 

DESCRIPTION    OF   NEST    AND    EGGS. 

The  accompanying  descriptions  were  made  from  a  nest  and  eggs,  now  in  the  Smithsonian  Institution,  by  my 
friend  Mr.  i:id:.rway.  who  kindly  forwarded  them  to  me.  The  specimens  were  taken  at  Rendezvous  Lake,  Arctic 
dust,  ou  the  L'Jth  of  June,  1SG1,  1>\  Mr.  R.  McFarland. 

V  ft  composed  entirely  of  coarse  grass,  lined  with  liner  material;  it  is  quite  compact  and  deeply  saucer-shaped. 
Dimensions  :  external  diameter,  4  inches,  internal,  2-50;  external  depth,  2  inches,  internal,  1-50. 

I'.ijijx,  live  in  number,  oval  in  form,  dull  gray  in  color,  with  spots  ol  chocolate-brown  thickly  sprinkled  over  the 
whole  surface. 

HABITS. 

«• 

The  Titlarks  make  their  appearance  on  the  coast  of  New  England  in  September;  they 
come  pouring  in  from  the  North  in  large  flocks  and  frequent  the  barren,  wind-swept  hills  which 
lie  along  the  shore.  These  birds  are  very  restless,  never  remaining  long  in  one  spot,  and  will 
seldom  alight  in  masses  but  scatter  along  the  beaches ;  sometimes  a  company  of  several 
hundred  will  spread  over  a  quarter  of  a  mile  of  shore,  yet  so  prone  are  they  to  take  flight  that 
if  a  single  individual  becomes  frightened  enough  to  rise  and  sound  its  clear  cry  every  bird  iu 
the  tlock  -will  take  alarm  and  instantly  depart.  They  fly  with  an  undulating  motion,  uttering  a 
shrill  double  note.  When  once  in  air  they  seem  to  dislike  to  alight,  for  although  they  will 
frequently  sweep  downward  and  appear  about  to  stop  will  often  proceed  for  a  mile  or  more 
without  settling. 

The  Titlarks  appear  to  subsist  mainly  upon  insects,  and  I  have  observed  them  darting 
upwards  from  the  ground  to  catch  passing  flies.  They  remain  in  New  England  until  the  middle 
df  November,  when  they  depart  for  the  South.  These  birds  are  exceedingly  abundant  about 
Jacksonville,  in  Florida;  here  they  frequent  open  fields  along  the  river,  behaving  much  as  when 
at  the  North,  with  the  exception  of  being  tamer.  I  have,  while  there,  approached  within  a  few 
feet  of  a  flock  without  starting  them.  They  occur  in  all  sections  of  the  state,  even  at  Key 
West,  but  are  not  common  much  south  of  Jacksonville.  In  March  the  Titlarks  leave  Florida 
for  the  North,  passing  Massachusetts  in  April.  They  breed  in  Labrador  and  the  fur  countries. 


FAMILY    VIII.     SYLVICOLID.E.     THE    WOOD   WARBLERS. 

Coracoid  bones,  about  ei/ual  in  length  to  the  top  o/  the  keel,  sometimes  being  either  but  little  longer  or  shorter. 
Marginal  indentations,  exceeding  in  depth  the  height  o/  the  keel.  Feet,  o/  moderate  size.  Wings,  not  long. 

This  family  embraces  several  genera  and  many  species.  They  are  all  birds  of  a  small  size  and  are  generally 
marked  with  bright  colors  such  as  yellow,  orange,  etc. 

GENUS   I.     HELMITHERUS.     THE  WORM-EATING  WARBLERS. 

GEN.  Cii.  Bill,  large  and  stout,  equal  in  lenyth  to  the  head.  Tarsus,  not  longer  than  the  middle  toe  and  claw. 
Height  o/  keel,  exceeding  one-half  the  width  of  the  sternum.  Coracoid  bones,  equal  in  length  to  the  top  of  the  keel. 

HELMITHERUS  VEBMIVOBUS. 

The  Worm-eating  Warbler. 
Ilelmitherus  vermicorus  BONAP.,  Conspectus,  1850,  314. 

DESCRIPTION. 

si.  Cir.  Form,  rather  stout.  Size,  not  large.  Bill,  slightly  curved.  Feet,  rather  large.  Tail,  short,  square 
and  slightly  emargiuate.  Sternum,  stoutly-  built.  Tongue,  thick  and  fleshy,  something  like  those  of  sparrows ;  not 


46  HELMITHERU8    VEBMIVORUS. 

COLOK.  Adult.  Above,  uniform  olivaceous-green  with  the  top  of  the  head  black,  but  having  a  medium  and 
superciliary  stripe  of  buff.  Beneath,  pale  buff  becoming  olivaceous  on  the  sides  and  flanks.  Under  tail  coverts 
olivaceous  margined  with  buff.  Sides  of  head  buff,  with  the  lores  and  ear  coverts  dusky. 

The  young  are  scarcely  different.  The  nestlings  (one  of  which  was  loaned  me  by  Mr.  W.  W.  Scote)  are  paler 
with  a  reddish  suffusion  throughout.  The  stripes  on  the  head  are  plainly  defined. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Unfortunately,  the  only  tongue  of  this  species  which  I  have  has  the  tip  shot  away  so  that  I  cannot  say  whether 
it  is  cleft  or  not,  but  judging  from  the  general  appearance  it  was  evidently  not  ciliated  on  the  eud.  The  only 
specimen  which  I  have  from  Florida  is  m\\c\\  paler  than  those  from  further  north.  This  species  may  be  distinguished 
from  all  other  warblers  by  the  plain  colors,  excepting  the  closely  allied  species  (H.  Swainxuiti)  which  has  the  top  of 
the  head  uniformly  colored.  This  bird  is  rare  in  Florida,  but  Prof.  Baird  informs  me  that  it  is  common  about 
Aqua  Creek  in  Eastern  Virginia;  Mr.  Scote  found  it  abundant  in  Western  Virginia,  and  Mr.  J.  II.  Batty  states  that 
it  is  not  uncommon  in  Northern  New  Jersey.  Distributed  throughout  Eastern  United  States  north  to  New  England. 
Winters  in  Florida,  the  West  Indies  and  Mexico. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  five  specimens  taken,  with  a  single  exception,  from  birds  captured  in  Western  Virginia. 
Length,  5-40;  stretch,  8-25 ;  wing,  2-60;  tail,  1-80;  bill,  -51;  tarsus,  -65.  Longest  specimen,  5-50;  greatest  extent 
of  wings,  8-40;  longest  wing,  2-70:  tail,  1-90;  bill,  -55;  tarsus,  -65.  Shortest  specimen,  5-00;  smallest  extent  of 
wings,  5-30;  shortest  wing,  2-55;  tail,  1-25;  bill,  -50;  tarsus,  -60. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NEST  AND  EGGS. 

Nest  placed  on  the  ground;  composed  of  dried  grasses,  fibrous  roots  and  a  few  dried  leaves.  It  was  large  for 
the  size  of  the  bird. 

Erjgs,  four  in  number;  rather  elliptical  in  form,  spotted  and  dotted  with  reddish-brown,  but  more  thickly  on  the 
larger  eud.  Dimensions  of  a  single  egg  in  the  collection  of  Mr.  Ruthveu  Deane,  -73x-56. 

The  foregoing  descriptions  were  made  from  a  nest  taken  by  Mr.  J.  H.  Batty,  on  the  eastern  slope  of  the 
Orange  Mountains  near  Montelan,  in  New  Jersey.  This  is  the  first  and  only  instance  of  its  being  taken  that  has 
come  to  my  knowledge. 

HABITS. 

The  stream  which  forms  the  outlet  of  Blue  Spring  enters  the  St.  John's  River  about 
twenty-five  miles  north  of  Enterprise.  This  is  a  singular  spot,  and  if  one  is  travelling  up  the 
St.  John's  in  a  small  boat  he  can  scarcely  resist  the  temptation  to  enter  this  tributary  and 
explore  it  to  its  source.  The  instant  we  leave  the  turbid  current  of  the  larger  stream  we  seem 
suspended  in  air,  for  the  water  beneath  us  becomes  as  transparent  as  the  atmosphere ;  indeed, 
small  objects  may  be  plainly  seen  on  the  bottom  although  it  is  twenty  feet  below.  Large 
gar-pikes  and  hundreds  of  other  fishes  swim  below  us,  and  the  huge  ungainly  form  of  an 
alligator  may  be  seen  reposing  on  the  white  shelly  bottom. 

Glancing  forward  we  can  look  up  a  long  vista  of  greenish,  sunlit  water,  which  is  bounded 
on  either  side  by  moss-draped  live  oaks,  glossy-leaved  magnolias,  and  many  other  verdant  trees 
or  shrubs  ;  while  higher  on  the  banks,  which  rise  abruptly  to  the  height  of  twenty  feet,  grow  the 
stately  palmettoes.  The  whole  are  grouped  in  a  picturesque  manner  while  their  beauties  are 
reflected  from  the  calm  surface  beneath.  Onward  we  go  past  long  lines  of  scenery  like  this 
which,  although  composed  of  the  same  materials,  is  ever  varying  in  form.  The  stream  preserves 
the  same  width,  that  of  about  fifty  feet,  but  after  making  several  turns  the  water  becomes 
shallower ;  then,  when  we  have  proceeded  for  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile,  a  bank  as  high  as  those 
which  have  hitherto  risen  011  either  hand,  obstructs  our  passage,  and  we  find  ourselves  in  the 
spring,  with  the  water  boiling  up  in  front  of  us  as  if  heated  in  an  immense  caldron.  The 
aqueous  fluid  is  thrown  out  from  the  vast  opening  in  such  volumes  and  so  forcibly,  that  it  is 
heaped  up  at  least  six  inches  above  the  surrounding  surface.  The  cavity  is  fully  twelve  feet 
in  diameter,  and  many  thousand  gallons  of  water  are  discharged  in  a  moment ;  in  fact,  a  river 


SWAIXSON'8    WARBLER.  47 

springs  at  once  from  the  bowels  of  the  earth.  The  water  which  is  always  at  a  low  temperature 
(about  70°)  is  slightly  impregnated  with  sulphur  and  magnesia.  It  must  flow  from  subterraneous 
reservoirs  many  hundred  feet  below. 

The  head  nl'  the  spring  is  surrounded  by  a  fine  grove  which  was  the  resort  of  several  species 
of  Warblers  that  visited  the  place  in  large  flocks.  I  was  collecting  here  on  January  25th,  when 
I  shot  a  Worm-eating  Warbler  which  was  hopping  about  among  the  tree  tops;  this  was  the  first 
time  I  had  ever  seen  this  species  and  although  I  saw  several  others  in  the  thick  foliage  it  was 
the  only  specimen  which  I  was  able  to  obtain.  I  have  never  seen  them  elsewhere  in  Florida. 

Although  these  birds  breed  commonly  in  the  Southern  and  Middle  states  yet  the  nest  was 
not  discovered  until  June,  1871,  when  Mr.  J.  II.  Batty  found  one  on  the  eastern  slope  of  the 
Orange  Mountains  in  New  Jersey.  He  was  collecting  in  the  woods  and  had  wandered  into  a 
small  open  space  when  he  observed  the  bird  sitting  on  the  nest;  at  the  first  glance  he  mistook 
her  for  a  Golden-crowned  Thrush  to  which  these  birds  bear  a  slight  resemblance,  especially 
when  at  a  distance,  but  upon  approaching  saw  at  once  what  she  was  and  knew  that  he  had  found 
a  pri/e.  The  bird  remained  quiet  until  he  was  quite  near,  then  ran  rapidly  away  for  some 
distance  when  she  took  flight.  The  nest  was  placed  in  a  little  depression  of  the  ground  and 
partly  covered  with  dead  leaves.  Both  birds  came  about  the  place  uttering  a  sharp  chirp. 
According  to  Mr.  Hatty  the  birds  are  constantly  searching  among  the  fallen  trees,  brushwood, 
and  on  the  ground  for  insects.  Mr.  Scote  says  that  they  have  a  low  lisping  song. 

HELMITHEBTJS    SWAINSONI. 

Swainson's    Warbler. 
Ilelmithtms  Swainaonii  BONAP.,  Conspectus,  1850,  314. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sp.  Cn.  Form,  rather  robust.  Size,  quite  large.  Bill,  long,  stout  and  acuminate.  Wings,  long.  Tail,  short 
and  (.lightly  rounded. 

COI.OK.  .\iinit.  Above,  reddish-brown  which  is  brightest  on  the  top  of  the  head  and  palest  on  the  back  where 
there  is  :i  tinge  of  olivaceous.  Stripe  over  the  eye  and  entire  under  parts,  including  under  wing  and  under  tail 
diverts,  yellowish-white,  with  a  tinge  of  pale  olivaceous  across  the  breast.  The  sides  and  flanks  arc  also  pale 
ulivai -i MIIIS.  Lores,  dusky.  Neck,  brown.  Bill,  brown,  lighter  on  the  lower  side  of  the  lower  mandible.  Feet,  pale 
brown.  Sexes  similar. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

The  above  description  was  taken  from  a  specimen  of  this  species  which  was  shot  at  Little  Silver  Spring,  in 
Florida,  by  Mr.  L.  I,.  Tlmxter  who  kindly  forwarded  it  to  me  for  examination.  This  is  the  only  specimen  which 
I  ever  had  the  pleasure  of  c  xiuniniiiu;.  and  it  is  exceedingly  rare  in  collections.  There  is  no  need  of  confounding 
tins  species  with  rm/iirorus  as  the  latter  has  the  top  of  the  head  striped  while  this  has  a  rufously  colored  crown. 
Habitat,  Georgia,  Florida  and  Cuba. 

.     DIMENSIONS. 

Measurements  of  Mr.  Thaxter's  specimen  taken  from  the  skin.— Length,  5-25;  wing,  2-75;  tail,  1-90;  bill,  -Go; 
tar.sn.s.  •TO. 

HABITS. 

The  wild  orange  groves  of  Florida  arc  quite  abundant  along  the  streams,  and  grow  upon 
shell  mounds  which  were  formed  by  the  Indians  many  years  ago  ;  as  these  trees  do  not  grow  in 
any  other  situations  than  those  which  bear  evidence  of  having  been  the  residence  of  man,  this 
is  a  strong  argument  in  favor  of  their  having  been  introduced  into  the  country  by  the  Spaniards 
and  distributed  by  them  or  by  the  original  inhabitants.  These  groves  are  always  noticeable 
landmarks  when  passing  along  the  St.  John's  River  on  account  of  the  dark  green  foliage,  but 
when  in  early  winter  the  golden  fruit  appears  surrounded  by  the  glossy  leaves  the  effect  is 
striking;  later  in  February,  when  the  snowy  clusters  of  blossoms  burst  forth  and  the  air 


48  DENDRCECA    PINA. 

becomes  redolent  with  their  fragrance  the  desire  to  linger  in  such  a  spot  becomes  almost 
irresistible.  Hundreds  of  birds  frequent  these  lovely  retreats,  and  many  build  their  nests 
among  the  branches.  These  are  places  where  one  would  naturally  look  for  rare  species,  and  it 
was  in  an  orange  grove  that  Mr.  Thaxter  procured  the  specimen  which  I  have  described ;  it  was 
taken  on  the  15th  of  April,  1869. 


GENUS   H.     DENDRCECA.    THE  WOOD   INHABITERS. 

GEN.  Cn.  Bill,  shorter  than  the  head,  slender,  but  not  very  acuminate.  Tarsus,  longer  than  the  middle  toe  and 
claw.  Height  of  keel,  a  little  exceeding  one-half  the  width  of  the  sternum  but  not  as  high  as  in  the  preceding  genus. 
Coracoid  bones,  shorter  in  length  than  the  top  of  the  keel. 

DEKTDRfECA     PINA. 
Pine    Warbler. 

Dendrceca  pina  BAIRD,  Birds  of  North  America,  1858,  277. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  rather  robust.  Size,  large.  Bill,  rather  stout  and  conical.  Feet,  wings,  and  tail  of  moderate 
size,  the  latter  emarginate.  Sternum,  stoutly  built.  The  keel  is  considerably  higher  than  one-half  the  width  of  the 
sternum  in  comparison  with  other  members  of  the  genus.  Tongue,  narrow,  thin  and  quite  acuminate,  with  the  end 
divided  into  rather  coarse  cilia  about  three-hundredths  of  an  inch  in  length,  which  extend  along  the  sides  growing 
gradually  shorter  until  they  disappear,  occupying  about  one-fourth  of  the  terminal  length. 

COLOR.  Adult  male.  Above,  olivaceous-green,  brightest  on  the  back  and  palest  on  the  upper  tail  coverts,  with 
the  feathers  of  the  top  of  the  head  showing  darker  centres.  Wings,  dark  brown  with  the  two  rows  of  wing  coverts 
tipped  with  white,  and  forming  bars.  Tail,  also  brown  but  having  spots  of  white  on  the  inner  webs  of  the  four  outer 
feathers,  which  extend  from  the  tip  half  way  to  the  base.  The  feathers  of  the  wings  and  tail  are  also  slightly 
edged  with  whitish.  Throat,  breast,  sides  and  flanks  yellow,  but  becoming  paler  on  the  latter.  Abdomen,  under  tail 
coverts  and  under  wing  coverts  white.  Lores,  dusky.  There  are  also  dusky  lines  along  the  sides  caused  by  the 
feathers  having  darker  centres.  In  autumn  there  is  a  bluish-white  washing  above ;  the  yellow  beneath  is  a  little 
more  extended ;  the  dark  lines  on  the  sides  are  not  as  conspicuous,  but  the  lores  and  the  ear  coverts  are  quite  dusky. 

The  young  male  is  somewhat  like  the  autumnal  adult  but  there  is  a  brownish  cast  to  the  washing  above; 
there  is  a  suffusion  of  white  over  the  yellow  beneath ;  the  dark  lines  on  the  sides  are  not  visible ;  the  lores  and 
ear  coverts  are  more  dusky,  and  the  white  on  the  tail  is  less  extended. 

Adult  female.  Browner  on  the  back  than  the  male ;  dirty  white  beneath  with  a  tinge  of  yellow  across  the  throat 
and  breast ;  otherwise  similar.  In  autumn  the  brown  above  is  more  extended,  nearly  obscuring  even  the  white  tips 
of  the  wing  coverts,  but  the  yellow  beneath  is  more  plainly  perceptible. 

The  young  female  is  entirely  slaty-brown  above,  with  the  white  tips  of  the  wing  coverts  scarcely  observable. 
Beneath,  dirty  white;  the  tail  feathers  are  scarcely  spotted  with  white;  irides,  brown;  bill,  brown,  lighter  at  the 
base  of  the  lower  mandible ;  feet  dark  brown,  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

In  the  adult  stages  the  Pine  Warbler  need  not  be  confounded  with  any  other  of  the  family,  but  the  young  female 
has  so  little  resemblance  to  the  adult  that  it  is  often  difficult  for  the  student  to  recognize  It.  It  may  be  readily 
known,  however,  by  its  large  size,  stout  bill  and  pure  white  under  tail  coverts.  Florida  specimens  are  rather 
brighter  than  northern  ones.  Habitat,  Eastern  United  States,  north  to  Labrador ;  winters  in  the  Southern  states. 
Not  found  on  the  Florida  Keys. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  twenty-three  specimens. — Length,  5-43;  stretch,  8-80;  wing,  2-75;  tail,  2-11;  bill, -42; 
tarsus,  -70.  Longest  specimen,  5-70;  greatest  extent  of  wings,  9-60;  longest  wing,  3-00;  tail,  2-25;  bill,  -50;  tarsus, 
•77.  Shortest  specimen,  5-00;  smallest  extent  of  wings,  8-40;  shortest  wing,  2-20;  tail,  2-00;  bill,  -40;  tarsus,  -65. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests  usually  placed  in  trees  at  some  distance  from  the  ground ;  composed  of  grasses  and  pine  leaves ;  lined 
with  finer  grasses.  Dimensions  :  external  diameter,  4-00  inches,  internal,  2-50;  external  depth,  2-00  inches,  internal, 
1-50. 


/•/v/-;    WAI; in. KU.  49 

Tin-  following  is  a  description  of  a  specimen  taken  by  Mr.  Brewstcr:  "A  nest  which  I  collected  in  Cambridge, 
Mass.,  May  i's.  ls7i'.  contained  four  l're>li  eggs,  with  one  of  the  Cow  Bird,  and  was  placed  on  a  horizontal  branch 
<>t'  the  yellow  pine  near  the  extremity,  about  fifteen  feet  from  the-  ground  and  nearly  the  same  distance  from  the 
main  trunk  of  the  tree.  It  was  fastened  (Irmly  in  the  centre  of  three  or  four  upright  clusters  of  pine  needles,  and 
is  extremely  lame  and  bnlky  for  the  si/.e  of  (he  bird.  Coarse  weed  stalks  and  dry  twigs  form  the  outer  nest.  Next 
come  (lue  roots,  (wine,  and  dow  ny  substances  of  various  kinds,  and  dually,  a  thick  bed  of  large  white  feathers  from 
(lie  domestic  fowl,  with  :i  scanty  lining  of  horse  hairs.  The  dimensions  are.  internal  diameter,  li  inches;  depth,  1-50." 

EM*,  usually  four  in  number,  oval  in  form,  bluish-white  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  with  brown  and  umber; 
these  .spots  usually  form  a  ring  around  the  larger  end,  but  some  specimens  are  spotted  irregularly.  Dimensions 
from  •T.'iX'.'iO  to  •HTx'iS. 

HABITS. 

While  walking  in  the  piny  woods  of  Florida  one  will  suddenly  observe  that  the  trees  over 
his  head  an-  tilled  with  birds,  where  but  a  moment  before  not  a  living  thing  was  to  be  seen ; 
and  his  ears  will  be  sainted  by  a  variety  of  sounds.  Besides  the  loud,  harsh  notes  of  the 
Woodpeckers  or  Nuthatches,  and  the  mellow  whistle  of  the  Bluebirds,  the  slowly  given  trill 
of  the  Pino  Warblers  will  occasionally  bo  heard.  There  are  hundreds  of  these  little  birds  in 
every  passing  Hock,  yet  but  few  of  them  ever  sing.  They  are  extremely  active,  now  searching 
for  insects  among  the  swaying  foliage  of  the  pines  high  overhead,  then  clinging  to  the  brown 
trunks  to  peer  into  the  crevices  of  the  bark,  or  alighting  on  the  ground  among  the  grass.  But 
the  birds  do  not  remain  long  in  one  spot  and  soon  pass  on;  thus  these  great  avian  waves  are 
constantly  passing  over  the  barrens  through  the  entire  winter,  and  generally  more  than  half  the 
birds  of  which  they  arc  composed  arc  Pine  Warblers.  Of  all  the  thousands  of  this  species 
which  spend  the  colder  season  in  Florida  but  few  remain  to  breed,  and  by  the  middle  of  March 
the  greater  portion  leave  for  the  North.  They  arrive  in  New  England  in  early  April,  and  by  the 
first  of  May  begin  to  construct  their  nests,  which  are  commonly  placed  in  a  fork  of  the  topmost 
limb  of  a  pine  tree.  They  keep  close  watch  of  their  homes  and  when  any  one  chances  to 
approach  them  will  chirp  loudly;  but  although  the  collector  can  thus  ascertain  when  he  is  in  the 
vicinity  of  a  nest,  he  will  find  that  the  birds  have  been  careful  to  place  it  in  such  a  position 
that  it  cannot  be  seen  from  below;  therefore  it  is  exceedingly  difficult  to  discover.  I  have 
frequently  searched  a  long  time  for  a  nest  and  then  been  obliged  to  abandon  the  attempt  to  find 
it  although  1  was  confident,  by  the  actions  of  the  birds,  that  it  was  near. 

Dining  tliis  season  the  males  have  a  louder  song  than  when  in  the  South;  it  consists  of 
si-veral  short  notes  which  commence  low  but  increase  iu  volume  and  end  abruptly.  After 
leaving  the'  iie>ts  the  young  follow  their  parents  and  are  thus  found  in  small  companies  until 
after  the  moult,  which  takes  place  in  August;  then  several  families  will  come  together  and  the 
flocks  thus  formed  will  increase  in  size  until  the  first  of  October,  when  the  Pine  Warblers  depart 
for  the  South,  arriving  in  Florida  about  the  middle  of  November. 

DENDRCECA      STBIATA. 

Black-polled  Warbler. 
Dfndraca  striata  BAIRD,  Birds  of  North  America,  1858,  280. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sr.  Cn.  Form,  stout.  Si/.e,  large.  Bill,  stout  and  somewhat  conical.  Wings,  feet  and  tail,  moderate,  the 
latter  square  but  not  emarginate.  Sternum,  .stoutly  built  and  precisely  similar  in  proportion  to  that  of  the  preceding 
species.  Tongue,  rather  wide  at  the  base  where  it  is  lleshy  but  becomes  thin,  horny  and  quite  suddenly  acuminate. 
The  end  is  ciliated  but  not  as  much  as  in  D.  pinus,  the  fringes  not  being  as  long  or  as  much  extended  along  the  sidea. 

COLOR.  Adult  ?»«/•  y.  Above,  slaty,  with  au  olivaceous  tinge,  and  streaked  with  black.  Top  of  head, 

black,  with  numerous  streaks  of  white.  Winns.  dark  brown,  edged  with  whitish  and  olivaceous.  Upper  wing 
coverts,  black,  tipped  with  white,  forming  two  bars.  Tail,  dark  brown,  with  the  six  outer  feathers  spotted 
terminally  on  the  inner  webs  with  white.  All  the  tail  feathers  are  also  more  or  less  edged  with  white  on  the  inner, 
and  with  slaty  on  the  outer  webs.  Sides  of  head  and  lower  portions  of  body,  including  under  tail  coverts  and  under 
wing  coverts,  white,  with  black  maxillary  stripes.  Sides  and  flanks,  streaked  with  black. 

IlIKDS  OF  FLORIDA.  7 


50  DENDllCECA     STRIATA. 

I 

Adult  female  in  spring,  like  the  male  in  general  coloration.  The  top  of  the  head  is  olivaceous,  streaked  with 
black.  There  is  a  greater  suffusion  of  olivaceous  over  the  back,  fewer  spots  beneath,  where  the  white  is  tinged 
with  buff. 

Adult  male  in  autumn,  somewhat  similar  to  the  female  in  spring,  but  the  top  of  the  head  has  fewer  streaks, 
there  are  also  not  as  many  black  stripes  beneath. 

The  autumnal  female  resembles  the  male,  but  has  the  top  of  the  head  unspotted. 

The  young  of  both  sexes  in  autumn  are  olivaceous-green  above,  streaked  on  the  back  and  sometimes  on  the 
head  with  black.  The  sides  of  the  head  and  entire  under  parts  are  greenish,  varying  with  individuals  in  intensity, 
and  more  or  less  streaked  with  dusky  on  the  sides. 

Nesting  plumage,  similar,  but  paler  and  with  each  feather  having  a  central  spot  of  black  or  dusky.  In  all  stages, 
the  irides  are  brown  and  the  bill  dark  brown,  lighter  at  the  base  of  the  lower  mandible.  The  feet  of  the  adult  birds 
are  pale  brown,  but  in  younger  stages  of  plumage  they  are  darker. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

In  the  adult  stages  this  Is  a  well  marked  species  and  will  not  be  confounded  with  any  other,  but  the  young  in 
autumn  closely  resemble  D.  castanea  in  the  same  stages.  They  may  be  distinguished  by  the  absence  of  any  dark 
streaks  beneath  in  castanea  and  by  the  pure  white  under  tail  coverts  of  striata  even  when  there  are  no  traces  of 
chestnut  to  be  seen  in  castanea.  The  under  tail  coverts  of  castanea  are  always  tinged  with  buff.  Distributed 
during  the  breeding  season  throughout  Eastern  North  America  from  Northern  New  England  to  the  Arctic  Ocean. 
In  migrating  it  passes  through  the  eastern  section  of  the  United  States  winteriug  in  South  America.  Although 
abundant  in  Florida  during  the  spring  migration,  I  have  never  seen  it  there  in  autumn  or  winter. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  twenty-six  specimens.— Length,  5-41;  stretch,  8-85 ;  wing,  2-GO;  tail,  2-02;  bill,  -51; 
tarsus, -66.  Longest  specimen,  5-75;  greatest  extent  of  wings,  9-70;  longest  wing,  3-10;  tail,  2-10;  bill, -75 ;  tarsus, 
•75.  Shortest  specimen,  5-35;  smallest  extent  of  wings,  8-32;  shortest  wing,  2-45;  tail,  1-80;  bill,  -45;  tarsus,  -65. 

DESCRIPTION    OF    NESTS    AND    EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  trees;  composed  of  small  twigs  and  grasses,  mixed  with  black,  hair-like  lichens.  It  is  very 
bulky.  Dimensions:  external  diameter,  4  inches,  internal,  2;  external  depth,  2-50  inches,  internal,  1-50 

The  above  description  was  taken  from  a  specimen  in  the  Smithsonian  Institution  and  forwarded  by  Mr.  Riclgway. 
The  nest  was  taken  by  Mr.  McFarlaue,  in  June,  1862,  at  Anderson  River  Fort. 

Eggs,  four  in  number,  oval  in  form,  pure  white  in  color  spotted  and  dotted  with  lilac  and  umber,  the  spots 
becoming  more  confluent  on  the  larger  end.  Dimensions  from  -67x-52  to  -75x-58. 

HABITS. 

In  April  when  the  great  magnolia  is  in  full  bloom  the  Black-polled  Warblers  may  be 
found  in  Florida.  Later,  in  May,  when  all  the  apple  orchards  of  New  England  are  snowy 
with  blossoms,  the  same  birds  appear  and  linger  a  time,  then  depart  for  the  North,  arriving  in 
the  British  Provinces  and  Labrador  when  nature  has  assumed  her  most  festive  garb.  Thus,  in 
all  their  long  passage  from  the  far  South  to  their  summer  home,  they  revel  amid  bursting  buds 
and  the  fragrance  of  a  continuous  spring. 

The  Black-polled  Warblers  breed  quite  commonly  in  the  neighborhood  of  Eastport,  Maine. 
The  nest  is  usually  placed  on  the  limb  of  a  fir,  close  to  the  trunk.  The  eggs  are  laid  during  the 
latter  part  of  June,  and  by  the  first  of  August  the  young  are  fully  fledged  ;  a  little  later  the  old 
birds  moult;  then,  as  the  season  becomes  cooler,  commence  the  southern  flight. 

It  is  difficult  to  believe  that  the  little  green  birds,  which  come  trooping  in  by  thousands,  are 
the  same  which  passed  us  in  the  bright  springtime ;  then  the  low  lisping  songs  of  the  males 
were  constantly  heard  ;  now  they  flit  silently  and  hurriedly  through  the  changing  foliage  which 
too  shortly  precedes  the  season  of  desolation. 


irMI'Klt      \\MHiLEK.  ~)\ 

DENDR<ECA      CORONATA. 

Yellow-rumped  Warbler. 
Dendroeca  coronata  GRAY,  Genera,  2d  ed.,  Suppl.,  1842,  8. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  not  slender.  Size,  moderate.  Bill,  shorter  and  more  slender  than  in  D.  itrinta  and  distinctly 
notched.  Feet,  rather  small.  Wings  and  tail,  moderate,  the  latter  square  and  slightly  emarginatc.  Sternum, 
precisely  similar  in  form  to  that  of  xtriatu  ct  pina.  Tongue,  rather  short  and  fleshy,  somewhat  abruptly  acuminate, 
slightly  bitkl,  the  end  fringed  with  >hori  cilia  whirh  extend  a  short  distance  along  the  sides. 

Ccn.oi:.  Aiiiilt  mtile  in  .tpriiKj.  Above,  slaty  blue  streaked  with  black.  Spot  on  top  of  the  head,  on  each  side 
of  the  body,  and  the  rump,  bright  yellow.  Wings,  dark  brown  edged  with  slaty  and  whitish.  Upper  wing  coverts, 
black,  margined  with  .slaty  and  tipped  with  white,  forming  two  bars.  Tail  also  brown  with  the  six  outer  feathers 
spotted  terminally  on  the  inner  webs  with  while.  Beneath,  including  the  throat,  under  tail  coverts  and  under  wing 
coverts,  white.  Sides  of  head,  breast,  and  brond  lines  on  the  sides,  black,  with  streaks  of  the  same  on  the  flanks; 
the  black  of  the  breast  and  sides  is  frequently  mixed  with  white.  There  is  a  white  superciliary  line  over  the  eye. 

/•',  mull .  in  .i/iriin_i,  differs  from  the  male  in  having  less  black  above  and  below.  There  is  a  brownish  east  over  the 
back.  There  is  less  yellow  op  the  sides,  rump  and  head  while  the  feathers  of  the  latter  are  tipped  with  dusky.  The 
car  eoverts  are  nearly  dusky  and  the  superciliary  line  is  not  as  well  defined. 

The  niliilt  mull-,  in  intiHMii.  almost  exactly  resembles  the  female  in  spring  excepting  that  the  patches  of  yellow 
are  larger;  there  is  also  more  of  the  brownish  siitlusion  above  and  rather  more  white  beneath. 

The  adult  female,  in  autumn,  is  much  browner  above  than  the  male  and  has  also  a  brownish  suffusion  beneath. 

The  young  male  resembles  the  autumnal  female.  The  sides  of  the  head,  yellow  of  the  crown,  and  sides  are 
somewhat  obscured  with  brownish. 

Tin-  ii'ntng  female  is  so  brown  above  as  nearly  to  obscure  the  black  markings  of  the  back  and  the  yellow  of  the 
crown.  The  black  beneath  is  nearly  obsolete  and  the  yellow  of  the  sides  ts  only  faintly  indicated. 

Tit-'  ymitg,  in  the  nesting  plumage,  have  the  tail  and  wings  like  the  young  in  autumn,  but  the  body  above  and 
below  is  streaked  with  black  anil  white  over  which  is  a  rufous  suffusion;  this  is  caused  by  every  feather  having  a 
black  centre  with  lighter  sides.  The  sexes  are  similar.  Occasionally  a  specimen  in  this  stage  will  have  a  yellow 
rump:  out  of  five  which  I  collected  on  Grand  Manan  one  is  thus  marked  and  strangely  this  individual  proved  a 
female  by  dissection.  A  nestling  collected  by  Mr.  Herrick  in  the  above  named  locality  has  acquired  the  yellow  rump 
tliiMiii;li  moulting  before  shedding  any  other  feathers.  In  all  stages  the  [rides  are  brown;  the  feet  and  bill,  black. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Just  before  the  moult,  in  autumn,  the  yellow  patches  grow  much  paler,  in  fact,  become  lemon-colored.  I 
have  taken  very  brightly  plumaged  males  in  spring  with  considerable  yellow  In  the  white  of  the  throat,  In  this 
respect  approaching  the  D.  Audubonia  of  the  West.  Aside  from  the  yellow  throat,  Audttbonia  closely  resembles 
1 1.  I'm-iinata;  it  has,  however,  less  black  above,  more  white  on  the  tail  and  wing  coverts  and  it  lacks  the  superciliary 
stripe  of  coronata,  but  the  eyelids  are  white  as  in  that  species.  The  Yellow-rump  need  not  be  confounded  with  any 
other  species  except  Audubonia.  Breeds  Jrom  Northern  New  England  north  to  the  Arctic  Ocean  and  according 
to  Prof.  Baird,  in  Jamaica.  Winters  in  the  Southern  states. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  thirty-two  specimens.  — Length,  6-52;  stretch,  8-71 ;  wing,  2-89;  tall,  2-22;  bill. -48; 
tarsus,  -70.  Longest  specimen,  5-75;  greatest  extent  of  wings,  9-80;  longest  wing,  3-00;  tail,  2-77;  bill,  -40;  tarsus, 
•90.  Shortest  specimen,  5-00;  smallest  extent  of  wings,  8-00;  shortest  wing,  2-58;  tail,  2-00;  bill,  -32;  tarsus,  -60. 

DESCRIPTION    OF    NESTS    AND    EGGS. 

\i-ftg,  usually  placed  in  evergreen  trees  but  a  short  distance  above  the  ground;  composed  of  sticks  and  roots, 
lined  with  feathers  and  horse  hairs.  Dimensions:  external  diameter,  4  inches,  internal,  2;  external  depth,  2  inches, 
internal,  l-.io. 

Eyys,  four  in  number,  oval  in  form,  white  in  color,  generally  with  a  ring  of  partly  confluent  spots  and  blotches 
of  umber,  brown  and  lilac  around  the  largest  part  of  the  eggs.  The  remaining  surface  Is  more  or  less  dotted  with 
pale  brown.  Dimensions  from -72 x -55  to  -70x-60. 

HABITS. 

The  Yellow-rumped  Warbler  is  one  of  the  most  abundant  winter  birds  of  Florida.  This 
active  little  species  frequents  the  hummocks  of  the  mainland  everywhere,  and  one  can  scarcely 
approach  a  thicket  without  seeing  one  or  more  of  them  ;  but  by  the  middle  of  March-  they 


52  D ENDS (EC 'A    PALMAR  VM. 

commence  the  northern  migration,  passing  Massachusetts  during  the  last  week  in  April  or  the 
first  in  May ;  at  this  season  these  birds  frequent  the  swamps.  They  breed  abundantly  in 
northern  New  England. 

I  well  remember  when  I  first  saw  a  nest  of  this  species,  Mr.  II.  B.  Bailey  and  myself  were 
searching  among  a  low  growth  of  young  tirs  and  spruces  for  the  eggs  of  the  Snow  Bird  when 
he  found  a  structure  in  a  tree  but  a  short  distance  from  the  ground  which,  from  its  small  size, 
we  knew  must  belong  to  some  Warbler.  I  had  not  examined  it  when  a  little  bird  made  its 
appearance  and  began  chirping  loudly  while  it  fluttered  from  limb  to  limb  near  us  behaving 
as  if  solicitous  for  the  safely  of  its  home  ;  I  quickly  shot  it,  for  night  was  approaching  and 
I  had  not  the  slightest  doubt  but  that  it  was  the  owner  of  the  nest.  Upon  picking  it  up  I  was 
delighted  to  find  that  it  was  a  Tennessee  Warbler,  for  I  knew  that  the  eggs  of  this  bird 
had  never  been  found.-  We  were  naturally  jubilant  over  this  discovery,  but,  upon  looking  into 
the  nest  and  perceiving  the  large  size  of  the  eggs,  our  ardor  was  somewhat  dampened.  The  fact 
of  its  being  in  a  tree  was  also  against  its  belonging  to  the  bird  which  I  had  killed,  for  all 
members  of  this  genus  are  apt  to  place  their  domiciles  upon  the  ground.  Subsequently,  much 
to  our  disappointment,  our  doubts  were  confirmed  by  finding  several  similar  nests  which 
undoubtedly  belonged  to  the  Yellow-rumped  Warbler.  Although  the  eggs  of  this  last  named 
species  are  a  prize  yet  such  was  the  impression  left  upon  my  mind  by  finding  the  first  I  had 
ever  seen,  under  the  circumstances  narrated,  that  1  have  ever  since  regarded  them  with  a  kind 
of  disgust. 

These  birds  usually  select  very  low  trees  in  which  to  breed,  but  I  found  a  nest,  containing 
four  young,  on  Grand  Mauan,  that  was  placed  in  a  spruce  twenty  feet  from  the  ground.  This 
was  as  late  as  July  22d,  and  as  the  usual  time  for  depositing  their  eggs  is  about  the  first  or 
second  week  in  June  they  must  rear  two  broods  in  a  season  ;  in  fact,  a  day  or  two  before 
I  discovered  this  nest,  I  shot  several  fully  fledged  young.  The  notes  of  the  Yellow-rump  are 
lively  and  interesting;  they  sing  from  May  until  late  in  July  whew  they  moult.  After  this  the 
small  companies,  composed  of  parents  and  their  offspring,  which  have  hitherto  kept  apart, 
collect  in  large  flocks  and  prepare  for  the'  southern  migrations.  The  last  stragglers  have  left 
Maine  by  the  middle  of  October  but  some  linger  about  Massachusetts  as  late  as  the  20th  of 
November,  when  they  move  onward,  arriving  in  Florida  about  the  15th  of  December. 

DENDRCECA      P  A  L  M  A  R  U  M  . 
Yellow  Red-polled  Warbler. 

Dendrosca  palmarum  BAIKD,  Birds  of  North  America,  1858,  288. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  rather  slender.  Size,  not  large.  Bill,  moderate,  quite  slender,  and  somewhat  acuminate. 
Wings,  moderate.  Tail,  rather  long,  slightly  rounded  and  emarginate.  Feet,  quite  small.  Sternum,  narrower  than 
those  of  the  three  preceding  species  and  slightly  built.  Tongue,  narrow,  rather  thin,  bifld,  and  fringed  on  the  end 
with  quite  long  cilia  which  extend  along  the  side  for  one-third  of  Its  terminal  length. 

COLOR.  Adult  male.  Above,  yellowish-olive  becoming  brighter  on  the  rump.  Top  of  head,  chestnut-red. 
Wings  and  tail,  brown,  with  the  feathers  edged  with  the  same  color  as  those  of  the  back.  The  six  outer  tail  feathers 
have  terminal  spots  of  white  on  their  inner  webs.  Beneath,  including  under  wing  coverts  and  under  tail  coverts, 
bright  yellow,  streaked  or  spotted  across  the  breast,  on  the  sides  of  the  throat  and  sides  with  chestnut-red.  There 
is  a  superciliary  stripe  of  yellow.  The  lores  and  ear  coverts  are  dusky,  the  latter  mixed  with  chestnut-red. 

Adult  female,  similar  to  the  male  but  without  as  much  chestnut  on  the  crown.  In  autumn  there  is  a  brownish 
suffusion  above  which  extends  over  the  crown.  The  yellow  beneath  is  also  obscured  by  a  whitish  suffusion. 

Young  male,  deep  olive-brown  above,  with  scarcely  a  trace  of  chestnut  on  the  crown.  Beneath,  dirty  white  with 
a  faint  indication  of  yellow  on  the  breast  and  sides,  but  which  becomes  brighter  on  the  under  tail  coverts.  lu  place 
of  the  chestnut  stripes  of  the  breast,  sides,  etc.,  the  feathers  have  dusky  centres. 

Young  female,  similar  but  with  no  trace  of  chestnut  on  the  crown  and  but  little  yellow  below  excepting  the 
under  tail  coverts.  In  all  stages  the  irides,  feet,  and  bill  are  brown;  the  latter  lighter  at  the  base  of  the  lower 
mandible. 


YELLOW    RED-POLLED     WARBLER.  53 


OBSERVATIONS. 

I  have  never  seen  a  nestling  of  tliis  species.  The  young  are  very  much  like  the  immature  D.  tigrina  but  may  be 
distinguished  from  them  by  the  yellow  under  tail  coverts  and  the  browner  upper  parts.  It  may  readily  be  known 
from  all  others  in  the  adult  stages  by  the  chestnut  crowu.  Habitat,  during  the  breeding  season,  Eastern  North 
America  from  Northern  New  Kngland  north  to  Hudson's  Bay.  Winters  in  the  Southern  states,  Including  the  Keys 
of  Florida,  and  in  the  West  Indies. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  thirty-six  specimens.— Length,  5-58;  stretch,  7-78;  wing,  2-70;  tail,  2-60;  bill,  -45; 
tarsus,  ->so.  Longest  specimen,  5-75;  greatest  extent  of  wings,  8-75 ;  longest  wing,  2-76;  tail,  2-30;  bill,  -55;  tarsus, 
•90.  Shortest  .-penmen,  4-90;  smallest  extent  of  wings,  7'35;  shortest  wing,  2-30;  tail,  1-90;  bill,  -42;  tarsus,  -71. 

DESCRIPTION    OF    NESTS    AND    EGGS. 

ATe*t*,  usually  placed  on  the  ground;  composed  of  weeds,  grasses  and  moss  rather  carelessly  arranged;  lined 
with  flue  roots  and  pine  leaves. 

EIJIJH,  four  ill  number,  rather  oval  in  form,  dull  white  in  color,  with  blotches  of  pale  brown  around  the  larger 
end.  Dimen.-ions,  'i;.s  x •.">.">. 

Eggs  described  by  Mr.  Ridgway  from  specimens  in  the  Smithsonian  Institution. 

HABITS. 

On  the  eastern  side  of  Key  West,  between  the  wooded  portions  of  the  island  and  the  sen, 
is  a  narrow  strip  of  land  which  is  destitute  of  trees.  It  is  a  grassy  plain,  while  a  few  bunches 
of  low  scrubs  grow  at  irregular  intervals  over  it ;  flowers  bloom  here  in  abundance  throughout 
the  season  and  myriads  of  butterflies  and  other  insects  are  floating  over  them  attracted  by 
their  fragrance.  Many  birds  arc  also  found  here  but  the  most  common  species  are  the  Yellow 
Red-polls.  They  are  quite  abundant  and  may  be  seen  flitting  among  the  brightly  colored 
lepidoptera  or  springing  into  air  to  catch  some  rapidly  moving  fly  or  beetle,  then  alighting  on 
the  low  bushes  or  pieces  of  coral  rock  which  are  scattered  about.  They  are  seldom  quiet  for 
an  instant ;  for,  when  perching,  they  are  ever  turning  their  little  heads  right  and  left  while  their 
bright  eyes  are  carefully  scanning  everything  far  or  near ;  their  tails  are  also  constantly  moving 
up  and  down  ;  this  latter  peculiarity  at  once  distinguishes  the  Yellow  Red-polls  from  all  other 
North  American  Warblers,  for  none  besides  have  this  habit. 

The  constant  watchfulness  of  these  birds,  which  is  exhibited  by  every  movement,  is  necessary 
for  their  existence,,  for  they  usually  inhabit  open  places  where  they  are  in  constant  danger  from 
the  attacks  of  enemies.  At  Key  West  this  vigilance  frequently  saved  their  lives,  for  a  Sparrow, 
Pigeon,  or  Broad-winged  Hawk  would  often  come  sweeping  over  them  and  without  a  moment's 
warning  would  dart  like  a  flash  at  a'  Warbler ;  but  such  forays  almost  always  proved 
unsuccessful;  for  although  the  swoop  of  the  hawk  was  so  rapid  that  the  eye  could  scarcely 
follow  its  movements  yet  the  Red-poll  was  on  the  alert,  and  uttering  a  shrill  chirp  of  alarm 
would  instantly  shoot  into  the  nearest  prickly  pear,  or  mass  of  tangled  vines  where  it  was  safe 
from  the  pursuer. 

In  March,  this  species  leaves  Florida,  arriving  in  Massachusetts  in  April ;  here  they  frequent 
low  bushes  by  the  side  of  woods  spending  much  of  their  time  upon  the  ground.  At  this  season 
the  males  have  a  low  warbling  song;  after  lingering  here  a  few  weeks  they  migrate  northward. 
Mr.  Boardman  informs  me  that  these  birds  occasionally  breed  about  Calais  placing  their  nests 
on  the  ground.  In  autumn  they  pass  Massachusetts  during  October  but  they  arc  not  as 
abundant  then  as  in  the  spring.  They  make  their  appearance  in  Florida  about  December. 


54  DENDIHECA     C^ERVLESCENS. 


DENDBCECA      C  M  B  U  L  E  S  C  E  N  S  . 
Black-throated  Blue  Warbler. 

Dendrxca  ccerulescens  BAIRD,  Review  of  North  American  Birds,  18G4,  186. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  rather  slender.  Size,  moderate.  Bill,  rather  slender.  Tail,  slightly  rounded.  Tongue,  rather 
broad,  bind  and  ciliated  for  one-fourth  of  its  terminal  length. 

COLOR.  Adult  male.  Above,  uniform  slaty-blue  which  is  brightest  on  the  head,  where  the  feathers  show  narrow 
central  lines  of  black.  Wings,  dark  brown,  edged  on  the  outer  webs  with  greenish.  Inner  webs  of  the  secondaries 
margined  with  white,  which  extends  to  the  shaft  on  the  basal  third.  Primaries,  also  edged  with  white  on  the  inner 
webs,  but  this  color  extends  entirely  across  the  basal  third  of  all  the  feathers  excepting  the  outer,  forming  a  patch 
upon  the  wing  that  is  partly  concealed  by  the  spurious  wing,  which  is  black.  Tail,  black,  with  the  six  outer  feathers 
spotted,  terminally  on  the  inner  webs  with  white.  The  outer  webs  are  edged  with  slaty.  Throat,  sides  of  head, 
upper  part  of  breast,  sides,  flanks,  aud  narrow  line  on  forehead,  black.  Remaining  under  parts,  including  under  tail 
and  under  wing  coverts,  pure  white. 

Adult  female.  Above,  olivaceous-green.  Wings  and  tail,  brown,  edged  with  olivaceous,  which  inclines  to  bluish 
on  the  latter.  The  wings  and  tail  are  also  marked  with  white  much  as  in  the  male,  excepting  that  this  color  is  not 
as  much  extended.  Beneath,  yellowish-white,  with  a  superciliary  stripe  of  the  same  color.  Ear  coverts  aud 
lores,  dusky. 

Young  male,  similar  to  the  adult  but  the  head  is  washed  above  with  olivaceous,  on  the  black  beneath  with 
whitish  and  on  the  white  with  yellowish.  The  white  of  the  wings  is  more  extended,  the  outer  web  of  the  first 
quill  being  white  for  its  basal  half. 

The  young  female  is  slightly  browner  above  and  has  the  white  patch  on  the  wiug  less  decided  than  iu  the  adult. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

The  male  of  this  species  is  well  marked  and  may  easily  be  known  by  the  descriptions.  The  female  does  not 
resemble  the  male,  in  coloration,  but  may  be  distinguished  from  all  other  warblers  by  the  white  patch  on  the  wings 
which  is  always  present.  The  young  birds  of  this  species  from  which  I  have  taken  the  above  description  were 
kindly  loaned  me  by  Mr.  Brewster.  I  am  also  indebted  to  this  gentleman  and  Mr.  Deaue  for  several  specimens  of 
this  and  other  species.  The  habitat  of  these  birds  during  the  breeding  season  is  the  eastern  section  of  North 
America  from  latitude  44°,  north,  to  about  52°.  They  winter  at  Key  West  and  the  West  Indies. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  six  specimens. — Length,  5-12;  stretch,  7-69;  wing,  2-44;  tail,  1-94;  bill,  -40;  tarsus, 
•73.  Longest  specimen,  5-10;  greatest  extent  of  wings,  7-88;  longest  wing,  2-57;  tail,  2-02;  bill,  -47;  tarsus,  -77. 
Shortest  specimen,  5'00;  smallest  extent  of  wings,  7-12;  shortest  wing,  2-19;  tail,  1-75;  bill,  -37;  tarsus,  70. 

HABITS. 

Just  to  the  eastward  of  the  lighthouse,  at  Key  West,  is  a  little  pond  which  is  very  deep ; 
indeed,  it  is  reported  to  have  no  bottom.  The  edges  are  covered  with  a  luxuriant  growth  of 
grass  and  aquatic  plants  which  gradually  merge  into  a  higher  mass  of  shrubs  and  low  trees  that 
surround  the  pool.  I  frequently  visited  this  little  pond  because  its  shores  and  waters  abounded 
with  bird  life.  The  thicket,  especially,  wras  nearly  always  swarming  with  various  members  of 
the  feathered  tribes,  the  majority  of  which  were  Warblers. 

These  little  songsters  were  most  active  in  the  early  morning,  hopping  about  on  the  trees  or 
searching  among  the  lower  shrubs  for  insects.  I  was  collecting  in  this  place  one  day,  just 
before  sunrise,  when  I  was  surprised  by  shooting  a  fine  male  Black-throated  Blue  Warbler. 
This  was  the  first  and  only  time  that  I  ever  saw  this  species  in  Florida.  It  was  on  the 
ground  at  the  time,  which  is  the  usual  habit  of  this  species  during  the  autumnal  migrations 
in  Massachusetts.  But  on  the  contrary  during  spring  they  usually  keep  in  the  tops  of  the 
highest  trees,  where  the  peculiar  lisping  song  of  the  males  may  be  heard  at  intervals.  I  have 
found  them  common  in  summer  among  the  deciduous  forests  of  Northern  Maine.  Here  they 
also  frequent  the  topmost  branches  and  must  construct  their  domiciles  there,  but  I  do  not  know 


CAPK    MAY     \V.\nitl.Kl;.  "t 

of  a  single  instance  of  the  nests  being  found.  The  eggs  of  this  and  one  or  two  other  species 
of  tree-building  Warblers  would  form  a  desirable  acquisition  to  our oiilogical  cabinets;  therefore 
the  honor  of  describing  them  awaits  some  enthusiastic  ornithologist. 

The  Black-throated  Blue  Warblers  pass  Massachusetts  on  their  way  north  in  May,  returning 
in  September.  They  are  much  more  abundant  in  the  interior  than  near  the  sea,  which  may 
account  for  their  scarcity  in  Florida. 


DENDRCECA      TIQBINA. 
Cape   May  Warbler. 

Dendroeca  tigrina  BAIHD,  Birds  of  North  America,  1868,  286. 
Perissoglossa  tigrina  BAIRD,  Review  of  American  Birds,  1864,  181. 


DESCRIPTION. 

Sr.  Cn.  Form,  rather  slender.  Size,  not  large.  Bill,  not  long,  rather  slender  and  acuminate.  Wings  and 
tail,  moderate,  the  latter  slightly  emarginate.  Sternum,  quite  stout,  coracoid  bones,  a  little  shorter  than  the  keel, 
which  exceeds  in  length  one-half  of  the  width  of  the  sternum.  Tongue,  rather  thick  at  the  base,  where  it  is  fleshy, 
but  taper*  suddenly  into  a  thin,  horny  end  which  is  also  somewhat  acuminate  and  deeply  cleft;  the  cud  is  provided 
with  long  coarse  cilia  which  do  not  extend  along  the  side  beyond  the  divided  portions.  The  cut  is  about 
ten-liundredths  of  an  inch  in  depth  in  adult  specimens,  but  in  young  birds  it  is  some  less.  The  cilia  are  about 
slx-huiulredths  of  an  inch  long. 

COLOK.  Adult  male.  General  color  throughout,  bright  yellow,  which  becomes  greenish  on  the  back  where 
each  feather  has  a  broad  centre  of  black.  The  rump,  however,  is  pure  yellow.  The  top  of  the  head  is  black  with 
a  few  chestnut  feathers  intermingled.  Wings  and  tail,  brown,  edged  with  greenish,  with  a  patch  of  yeilowish-white 
on  the  upper  wing  coverts.  All  the  tail  feathers,  except  the  two  central  ones,  have  a  spot  of  white  on  the  inner 
wdis  which  extends  over  nearly  half  the  terminal  length  on  the  outer  but  does  not  quite  reach  the  tip.  There  is  a 
patch  of  chestnut  on  the  sides  of  the  head  which  includes  the  ear  coverts,  and  extends  around  the  eye ;  there  is 
also  sometimes  a  tinge  of  chestnut  on  the  throat  and  breast.  Spots  before  and  behind  the  eye,  black.  Streaks  and 
spots  on  the  middle  of  the  throat,  across  the  breast,  along  the  sides  and  flanks,  black.  Abdomen  and  under  tail 
coverts,  white,  with  the  latter  tinged  with  yellow.  Closed  wing  beneath,  nearly  white,  which  is  caused  by  the 
feathers  being  edged  with  it.  Under  wing  coverts,  also  white,  but  tinged  with  yellow.  Edge  of  wing,  yellow, 
mixed  with  black. 

I,,,/,,,,  „,,.</. .  similar  to  the  adult  but  with  the  black  of  the  head  washed  with  greenish  and  merging  gradually 
into  the  color  of  the  back.  There  is  much  less  white  on  the  tail  and  only  a  trace  of  yellow  on  the  edge  of  the  wing. 
The  yellow  beneath  is  not  as  pure. 

Adult  female,  differs  greatly  from  the  male  being  of  a  rather  pale  olivaceous-green  above  and  dirty  white  below, 
with  the  sides  of  the  head,  throat  and  breast  tinged  with  yellow.  There  is  also  a  superciliary  line  of  brighter 
yellow  over  the  eye,  and  the  rump  and  upper  tail  coverts  are  quite  yellow.  There  is  no  indication  of  any  chestnut 
on  the  sides  of  the  head,  but  the  black  stripes  beneath  are  plainly  distinguishable.  The  wings  and  tail  are  as  in  the 
young  male,  with  the  exception  that  the  white  is  less  extended. 

The  young  female  is  pale  slaty  above,  especially  on  the  head,  but  becomes  slightly  olivaceous  on  the  back,  then 
yellowish  on  the  rump  and  upper  tail  coverts.  The  white  spot  on  the  wing  is  only  barely  perceptible  and  but  four 
tail  feathers  are  marked  with  it.  Beneath,  grayish-white  without  a  trace  of  yellow,  but  the  black  stripes  are 
tolerably  well  indicated.  In  the  adult  stages  the  feet  and  bill  are  black,  but  young  birds  have  the  basal  portion  of 
the  under  mandible,  brown. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

This  is  a  well  marked  species  in  the  adult  stages  and  will  not  be  confounded  with  any  other,  hiit*thc  young 
female  hears  a  resemblance  to  the  immature  of  D.  palmarum,  but  may  be  distinguished  from  it  by  the  pure 
grayish-white  under  tail  coverts  which  in  palmarum  are  always  tinged  with  yellow.  The  young  tigrina  also 
resembles  D.  pina  but  the  latter  has  no  indications  of  stripes  beneath,  such  as  are  always  present  in  '/;//•/«./. 

The  tongue  of  this  species  is  singular,  being  more  deeply  cleft  than  that  of  any  other  warbler  that  I  have  ever 
seen.  IIflminth<n>linijn  jifrigrina,  however,  has  a  tongue  of  about  the  same  form  but  not  quite  as  deeply  cloven.  On 
account  of  this  peculiar  member,  in  connection  with  the  acuminate  bill,  tigrhm  lias  been  placed  in  a  separate  genus. 
But  I  do  not  consider  these  characters  of  sufficient  value  to  raise  the  bird  to  a  generic  rank,  for  other  species  have 
similar  slight  peculiarities  which  have  been  rightly  considered  as  only  specilic  differences.  The  Cape  May  Warblers 
have  a  singular  distribution  inasmuch  as  they  breed  in  Jamaica  and  in  the  more  northern  sections  of  the  I'ni'ed 
States  without  being  found  in  the  intermediate  localities.  Winters  in  Key  West  and  the  West  Indie-. 


56  DENDKCEOA    MACULOSA. 


DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  twenty-five  specimens.— Length,  4-20;  stretch,  8-11;  wing,  2-19;  tail,  1-85;  bill,  -40; 
tarsus,  -80.  Longest  specimen,  5-40;  greatest  extent  of  wings,  8-50;  longest  wing,  2-CO;  tail,  2-03;  bill,  -50;  tarsus, 
•95.  Shortest  specimen,  4-70;  smallest  extent  of  wings,  7-60;  shortest  wing,  2-33;  tail,' 1-76;  bill,  -42;  tarsus,  -70. 

DESCRIPTION    OF    EGGS. 

I  have  never  seen  the  nest  of  this  species,  but  the  following  is  a  description  of  some  eggs  in  the  Smithsonian 
Institution  which  were  taken  at  Spanishtown,  Jamaica,  in  June,  1862.  I  am  indebted  to  Mr.  Eidgway  for  this 
account. 

Eggs,  oval  in  form,  dull  white  in  color  with  blotches  of  lilac,  spots  and  occasional  scraggy  lines  of  black  around 
the  larger  end.  Dimensions,  -75x'55. 

HABITS. 

Upon  visiting  the  extensive  coniferous  forests  of  northern  Maine,  in  summer,  I  was  much 
surprised  to  find  these  beautiful  little  Warblers  abundant  there.  They  frequented  the  tops  of  the 
huge  spruces  and  pines  often  more  than  one  hundred  feet  in  air.  The  birds  were  ever  busy 
in  searching  for  insects  among  the  thick  foliage  so  that  it  was  almost  impossible  to  see  one. 
But  the  lively  and  varied  songs  of  the  males,  which  came  floating  downward  through  the 
perfumed  air  and  mingled  with  other  harmonious  sounds,  which  are  constantly  heard  in  these 
sylvan  retreats,  during  the  pleasant  June  weather,  informed  us  of  their  presence,  even  though 
we  could  not  see  the  authors  of  the  melodious  strains. 

The  Cape  May  Warblers  doubtless  breed  in  the 'tops  of  these  densely  foliaged  trees,  for 
we  shot  several  females  which  bore  signs  of  incubation.  We  also  observed  a  female  that 
appeared  extremely  uneasy  whenever  we  approached  a  certain  spruce  tree ;  but,  although  we 
ascended  it  and  searched  carefully  among  the  branches,  we  were  unable  to  discover  the  nest. 
This  Warbler  is  extremely  rare  in  eastern  Massachusetts,  passing  through  the  interior  during 
the  migrations. 

They  were  very  abundant  at  Key  West,  in  November,  frequenting  the  gardens  near  the 
houses  where  they  were  searching  among  the  tropical  trees  and  shrubs  for  insects.  The  birds 
were  very  unsuspicious,  often  clinging  to  branches  which  overhung  the  sidewalks  within  a  few 
feet  of  passengers.  They  appeared  to  prefer  the  inhabited  portion  of  the  Key  for  I  rarely  found 
them  in  the  wooded  districts.  The  majority  left  the  island  before  the  first  of  December,  but 
a  few  remained  all  winter.  They  are  common,  however,  throughout  the  state  in  the  spring 
and  may  then  be  found  in  almost  any  hummock  in  company  with  other  warblers. 


DENDRCECA      MACTTLOSA. 

Black  and  Yellow  Warbler. 
Dendrceca  maculosa  BAIRD,  Birds  of  North  America,  1858,  284. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  cA  Form,  quite  slender.  Size,  not  large.  Bill,  short,  not  acuminate.  Tail,  slightly  rounded.  Sternum, 
rather  slender;  coracoid  bones,  equal  in  length  to  the  top  of  the  keel,  which  is  only  as  high  as  one-half  the  width 
of  the  sternum.  Tongue,  rather  short,  thin,  horny  and  not  very  acuminate ;  tip,  slightly  cleft  and  ciliated  on  the 
extreme  end. 

COLOR.  Adult  male.  Top  of  head,  slaty-blue.  Back,  patch  on  the  side  of  the  head,  including  a  narrow  frontal 
line,  upper  tail  coverts  and  tail,  black ;  the  latter  having  a  broad  median  band  of  white  across  the  inner  webs  of 
all  but  the  two  central  feathers.  Beneath,  bright  yellow,  with  the  lower  part  of  the  throat,  sides  and  flanks  streaked 
with  black.  These  streaks  sometimes  congregate  on  the  throat  and  form  a  large  patch.  Abdomen,  under  tail  coverts, 
stripe  over  the  eye,  extending  down  on  the  neck,  spot  on  the  under  eyelid  and  on  the  side  of  neck,  edging  on  the 
inner  webs  of  wing  feathers,  under  wing  coverts  and  upper  wing  coverts,  white,  the  feathers  of  the  latter  having 
black  centres.  Wings,  dark  brown,  edged  externally  with  slaty.  The  rump  is  yellow. 


BLACK    AND     YELLOW    WARBLE/!.  57 

Touny  m>il'',  similar,  but  the  colors  beneath  arc  paler.  The  black  of  the  back  Is  obscured  with  greenish  and 
the  top  of  the  head  is  not  as  pure  slate. 

ivsfinbles  the  young  male,  but  the  top  of  the  head  Is  paler  and  the  patches  on  the  sides  of  the 
head  are  also  obscured  with  greenish. 

I.-);//.,,/'.  The  head  is  obscured  with  greenish.  The  back  is  olivaceous  green  without  any  appearance 
of  black,  the  upper  tail  coverts  arc  vrivi-nish.  the  spots  and  stripes  of  the  head  are  obsolete,  the  streaks  beneath  are 
hardy  pi>rci'ptililf  and  the  white  on  the  upper  wing  coverts  is  less  extended  than  in  the  adult.  Irides,  brown;  feet 
and  bill  black  in  all  stairs,  excepting  in  the  young  female,  where  the  latter  is  brown,  lighter  at  the  base  of  the  lower 
mandible. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

This  flue  warbler  may  always  be  known  by  the  white  baud  on  the  tail  which  is  always  present  in  all  stages. 
1>  -tribute,!  throughout  the  northern  portions  of  the  eastern  section  of  the  United  States  and  British  Provinces. 
Winters  in  Mexico,  Cuba,  and  rarely  in  Florida. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  sixteen  specimens  from  New  England. — Length,  4-97 ;  stretch,  7'55;  wing,  2-35;  tail, 
l-Oo;  bill.  •:;.",:  tarsus,  -80.  Longest  specimen,  5-10;  greatest  extent  of  wings,  7-80;  longest  wing,  2-75;  tall,  1-93; 
bill,  -4i>;  tarsus,  -'.in.  Shortest  specimen,  4-75;  smallest  extent  of  wings,  7-12;  shortest  wing,  2-20;  tail,  1-70;  bill, 

•:!l :   tarsus,  -90. 

DESCRIPTION    OF    NESTS    AND    EGGS. 

\~.  ji/jj,  placed  in  low  evergreen  trees.  They  are  composed  of  small  twigs,  weeds  and  dried  grass,  not  very 
compactly  interwoven,  lined  with  fibrous  roots  and  horsehairs.  The  structures  are  very  neat,  but  quite  shallow. 
Dimensions  :  external  diameter,  3  inches,  internal,  2;  external  depth,  1-75  inches,  internal,  1-25. 

KIJIJK.  four  in  number,  oval  in  form,  ashy-white  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  somewhat  irregularly  with  brown 
and  lilac.  The  larger  blotches,  however,  are  inclined  to  accumulate  on  the  larger  end  where  they  sometimes  form 
rings. 

HABITS. 

I  never  experienced  more  pleasure  in  finding  a  bird's  nest  that  was  new  to  me  than  when  I 
discovered  the  neat  domicile  of-  this  fine  Warbler.  I  was  searching,  in  early  June,  among 
some  low  firs,  which  grew  on  a  hillside  in  Northern  Maine,  for  the  nests  of  the  Olive-backed 
Thrush,  when  I  started  a  female  Black  and  Yellow  Warbler  from  a  little  tree  in  which  she  had 
her  home.  The  pretty  little  structure  was  placed  in  the  fork  of  a  limb  about  five  feet  from  the 
ground,  and  contained  four  fresh  eggs.  The  bird  was  extremely  shy,  keeping  at  a  distance, 
but  did  not  appear  very  solicitous,  only  occasionally  uttering  a  low  chirp,  and  the  male 
did  not  make  his  appearance.  I  afterwards  found  several  nests,  one  or  two  of  which  were 
placed  near  a  travelled  road  within  a  few  feet  of  passing  vehicles.  They  were  always  built 
in  low  evergreen  trees,  but  a  few  feet  from  the  ground  and  in  such  a  position  as  to  be 
concealed.  The  females  were  all  shy,  generally  darting  from  the  nest  and  instantly  hiding  in 
the  nearest  thicket.  I  never  remember  of  having  seen  the  males  in  the  immediate  vicinity 
of  the  nest,  but  constantly  heard  their  peculiarly  short  songs  in  the  forests,  and  frequently  saw 
them  among  the  trees  or  flying  swiftly  through  the  woods  in  pursuit  of  their  mates. 

These  Warblers  are  not  common  in  Massachusetts  during  the  migrations,  but  are  oftener 
met  with  in  spring  than  in  autumn.  They  appear  with  other  Sylvicolidce  in  May  and  frequent 
the  tops  of  trees  which  grow  in  swampy  places.  The  few  which  pass  in  the  fall  are  found 
in  similar  situations.  I  have  never  seen  this  species  in  Florida,  but  Mr.  Boardman  says  that 
he  has  taken  a  single  specimen  at  Green  Cove  Spring,  in  February.  I  therefore  introduce 
it  into  the  fauua  of  the  state  upon  his  authority. 

HlltDS  OF  FLORIDA.  8 


58  DENDIIGSCA  ESTIVA. 

DENDECECA     M  S  T  I  V  A  . 

Yellow  Warbler. 
Dendrazca  (estiva  BAIRD,  Birds  of  North  America,  1858,  282. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  quite  slender.  Size,  not  large.  Hill,  rather  short,  not  acuminate.  Tail,  slightly  emarginate. 
Sternnm,  exactly  like  the  preceding  in  size  and  form.  Tongue,  not  long,  thin  and  horny,  quite  acuminate;  end, 
cleft  and  fringed  with  moderately  short,  delicate  cilia,  which  sometimes  extend  for  a  little  way  along  the  sides; 
but,  on  these  portions  they  are  much  shorter,  being  in  fact,  invisible  to  the  unassisted  eye. 

COLOR.  Adult  male,  yellow  throughout,  brightest  beneatli  but  becoming  olivaceous  on  the  back.  Wings  and 
tail,  brown,  with  the  feathers  edged  on  both  webs  with  yellow.  Upper  part  of  breast,  sides  and  flanks,  streaked 
with  reddish-brown ;  this  color  also  appears  on  the  crown. 

Adult  female,  similar,  but  having  fewer  streaks  beneath. 

Young  male  like  the  adult  female  in  general  coloration. 

Young  female,  paler,  especially  beneath,  with  the  crown  uniform  with  the  back.  There  are  seldom  any  streaks 
beneath. 

Nestlings  of  both  sexes,  very  pale  yellow,  sometimes  almost  white  beneath,  otherwise  similar  to  the  young 
female;  occasionally,  there  are  indications  of  streaks  on  the  lower  portions.  Irides,  bill  and  feet,  brown. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

The  Yellow  Warbler  may  be  distinguished  from  all  other  North  American  Warblers,  excepting,  perhaps,  some 
of  the  so-called  West  Indian  species  which  will  doubtless  prove  only  insular  forms  of  D.  cestiva.  Distributed 
during  the  breeding  season  throughout  the  entire  continent  of  North  America;  wintering  in  Mexico,  Central  and 
South  America. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  thirty-two  specimens  from  New  England. — Length,  5-25;  stretch,  7-75;  wing,  2-45; 
tail,  1-75;  bill,  -45;  tarsus,  -65.  Longest  specimen,  5-75;  greatest  extent  of  wings,  8-00;  longest  wing,  255;  tail, 
1-90;  bill,  -45;  tarsus,  -78.  Shortest  specimen,  4-75 ;  smallest  extent  of  wings,  7-20;  shortest  w ing,  2-20;  tail,  1-GO; 
bill,  -45 ;  tarsus,  -78. 

DESCRIPTION    OF    NESTS    AND    EGGS. 

Nests  placed  on  trees  or  shrubs,  composed  of  dried  grass,  fibres  of  plants,  common  cotton,  and  the  cotton  from 
ferns.  These  are  compactly  woven  together  forming  neat  structures,  lined  with  fine  grasses,  horsehairs,  and  cotton. 
Dimensions:  external  diameter,  3  inches,  internal,  1-75;  external  depth,  2  inches,  internal,  1'50. 

Eggs,  usually  four  in  number,  oval  in  form,  bluish  or  grayish-white  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  irregularly 
with  brown,  umber  and  lilac,  generally  more  thickly  on  the  larger  end,  where  the  spots  sometimes  accumulate  and 
form  a  ring.  The  ground  color  of  the  eggs  is  quite  variable,  being  in  some  specimens  of  a  pale  blue,  while  others 
are  almost  pure  white.  Dimensions,  from  -60x-40  to  -73x-53. 

HABITS. 

Back  of  the  old  fort  at  Miami  was  a  piece  of  ground  which  had  formerly  been  cultivated, 
but  which  at  the  time  of  our  visit  was  grown  up  to  weeds  and  bushes.  These  dense  thickets 
formed  an  excellent  collecting  ground  which  we  frequently  visited  in  search  of  Warblers.  Mr. 
Henshaw  was  passing  through  this  place  one  day  when  he  shot  a  Yellow  Warbler.  The  bird 
fell  and  he  advanced  to  pick  it  up,  and  was  stooping  to  take  it  in  his  hand  when,  being 
only  winged,  it  fluttered  into  the  bushes,  thence  into  some  thick  weeds,  where  it  managed 
to  conceal  itself  so  successfully  that  its  would-be  captor  failed  to  discover  it.  This  is  the  only 
instance  of  our  finding  this  well  known  Warbler  in  the  state ;  I  am,  therefore,  obliged  to 
introduce  it  into  the  fauna  of  Florida  without  having  taken  a  specimen.  They  doubtless  occur 
rarely,  however. 

The  Yellow  Warbler  is  one  of  the  most  familiar  summer  residents  in  New  England, 
frequenting  the  orchards,  gardens,  and  fence  rows,  but  are  seldom  seen  in  the  deep  woods. 
They  build  their  nests  in  every  available  situation  ;  sometimes,  in  a  barberry-bush  in  the  open 
field,  on  the  limb  of  an  apple  tree  or  among  the  ornamental  shrubbery,  beneath  the  windows 
of  the  farmhouse.  They  are  very  unsuspicious,  and  a  pair  constructed  their  domicile  last 
summer  in  a  little  plum  tree  which  stands  in  the  garden  within  five  feet  of  an  arbor  in  which 


PR  Alii  IE     W A  I!  It  I.  K  IS.  59 

I  kept  t\\M  tame  White  Herons.  Tliesc  lino  birds  attracted  many  visitors  who  constantly  passed 
under  the  nest,  which  was  only  about  seven  feet  from  the  ground,  yet  the  female  yellow  bird 
would  sit  upon  her  eggs  with  the  utmost  composure  all  the  time,  and  succeeded  in  rearing  a  fine 
brood  of  young.  These  Warblers  breed  during  the  first  week  in  June,  and  the  song  of  the 
m-ilcs  is  uttered  constantly  at  this  season.  It  is  loud,  clear,  and  divided  into  two  parts,  the  first 
of  which  consists  of  three  or  four  quick  chirps ;  the  latter  portion  is  more  continuous,  but  is 
somewhat  varied.  The  force  with  which  these  notes  are  delivered  causes  the  little  performer's 
body  to  quiver  all  over,  quite  to  the  end  of  the  tail.  While  singing  the  head  is  raised,  the  bird 
ceases  its  search  for  insects  for  a  moment  and  gives  its  entire  attention  to  the  song,  then 
will  pursue  its  avocations.  Thus  these  little  birds  are  constantly  pouring  forth  their  lays  at 
intervals  through  the  day  and  continue  to  warble  until  late  in  the  summer.  They  are  not 
very  active  in  comparison  with  other  members  of  the  family.  We  may  expect  to  see  the 
Yellow  Warblers  in  Massachusetts  about  the  first  week  iu  May;  they  moult  in  August  and 
depart  for  the  South  in  early  September. 

DENDRCECA      DISCOLOR. 

Prairie  Warbler. 
Dendroeca  discolor  BAIUD,  Birds  of  North  America,  1858,  290. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  slender.  Size,  not  large.  Tail,  slightly  rounded.  Bill,  slender  and  rather  acuminate.  Sternum, 
of  the  same  form  as  that  of  the  preceding ;  in  fact,  the  sterna  of  D.  maculosa,  cestiva,  et  discolor  are  so  nearly  alike  In 
size  and  form,  that  if  the  labels  were  removed  it  would  be  impossible  to  decide  to  which  species  any  particular 
sternum  belonged.  Tongue,  thin,  horny,  rather  short,  not  very  acuminate,  quite  deeply  cleft,  ciliated  at  the  end  and 
along  the  sides  for  one-third  the  terminal  length. 

COLOR.  Adult  male  in  spring.  Above,  greenish-yellow  with  the  middle  of  the  back  abruptly  marked  with  more 
or  less  confluent  blotches  of  chestnut.  Wings,  brown,  edged  on  the  outer  webs  with  greenish.  The  upper  wing 
coverts  are  tipped  with  yellowish-white.  Tail,  also  brown,  edged  on  the  outer  webs  with  greenish  and  with  long 
spots  of  white  on  the  inner  webs  of  the  six  outer  feathers.  This  color  extends  over  two-thirds  of  the  terminal 
length  of  the  two  outer  feathers,  but  the  inner  barely  marked  with  it.  Beneath,  including  sides  of  head,  superciliary 
line,  under  wiug  coverts,  under  tail  coverts,  and  edge  of  wing,  bright  yellow;  with  a  line  through  the  eye  beginning 
at  the  base  of  the  bill,  a  maxillary  line  or  spot,  spots  on  the  sides  of  the  neck,  streaks  on  the  sides  and  flanks,  black. 

Adult  male,  in  autumn,  has  the  chestnut  of  the  back  obscured  with  greenish ;  the  black  of  the  under  portions 
is  also  washed  with  yellow. 

Adult  female,  similar  to  the  young  male,  but  the  young  female  is  without  a  trace  of  chestnut  above  where  the 
greenish  is  washed  with  whitish.  The  lower  portions  are  paler  and  exhibit  but  a  few  faint  lines  of  black. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

This  is  a  well  marked  species  in  the  adult  plumage  and  will  not  be  confounded  with  any  other.  The  young 
females  closely  resemble  those  of  D.  maculosa,  but  may  be  readily  distinguished  from  them  by  the  white  bar  on  the 
tail  of  the  latter  as  described  under  that  head.  In  this  young  stage  of  plumage,  D.  discolor  may  be  known  from  all 
other  young  Warblers  by  the  faint  streaks  of  black  on  the  sides.  Specimens  found  breeding  in  Florida  do  not  differ 
essentially  from  those  taken  in  New  England,  except  that  they  are,  perhaps,  a  little  smaller. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  twenty-eight  specimens  from  New  England  and  Florida :— Length,  4-75;  stretch,  7-03; 
wing,  2-25;  tail,  1-85;  bill,  -45;  tarsus,  -70.  Longest  specimen,  5-20;  greatest  extent  of  wings,  7-35;  longest  wiug, 
2-40;  tail,  2-10;  bill,  -55;  tarsus,  -74.  Shortest  specimen,  4-50;  smallest  extent  of  wings,  C'30;  shortest  wing,  2-00; 
tail,  1-70;  bill,  40;  tarsus,  -60. 

DESCRIPTION   OF  NESTS   AND   EGGS. 

Nests.  The  following  description  was  kindly  given  to  me  by  Mr.  Brewster:  "The  nests,  of  which  I  have  found 
numbers,  agree  so  nearly  in  detail  that  a  description  of  one  will  suffice  for  all.  They  are  usually  placed  In  a  barberry 
bush,  but  sometimes  in  a  hazel,  and  are  fastened  into  the  fork  of  some  upright  twig  or  almost  hung,  as  it  were, 
between  three  or  four  disconnected  shoots.  The  nnst  is  a  closely  woven  structure,  formed  externally,  of  coarse 


60  DENDROSCA    DOMINICA. 

weeds  and  strips  of  bark ;    internally,  of  a  soft  coating  of  yellow  down  from  some  wild  plant,  and   lined  with 
extremely  fine,  dry  grass.     Horse  hairs  are,  I  think,  never  used." 

Eygs,  from  three  to  five  in  number;  the  usual  number  is  four,  but  Mr.  Brewster  has  frequently  found  five. 
They  are  white  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  irregularly  with  reddish-brown  anil  lilac.  Those  which  I  have  before 
me  are  oval  in  form  and  quite  large  for  the  size  of  the  bird.  Dimensions,  -GOx-50  to  -C5x-55. 

HABITS. 

The  Prairie  Warblers  were  very  abundant  in  the  dense  thickets  on  the  island  of  Key  West 
during  the  autumn  and  early  winter  of  1870.  They  frequented  the  drier  portions  of  the  Key 
but  did  not  sing.  A  little  later,  in  February,  I  found  them  common  in  the  mangrove  swamps 
along  the  coast  of  the  mainland.  The  mangroves  always  grow  in  submerged  districts  and 
frequently  occupy  a  vast  area  of  country,  yet  in  these  gloomy  retreats,  the  chosen  resorts  of 
Cormorants,  Herons,  and  other  aquatic  birds,  these  little  Warblers  were  numerous,  being  often 
found  miles  from  any  dry  land.  I  have  heard  the  males  singing  their  peculiar  songs  in  such 
places  in  May,  and  they  were  evidently  breeding  there. 

Although  these  birds  are  found  in  localities  of  this  description  in  Southern  Florida,  those 
which  migrate  northward  pass  over  the  drier  portions  of  the  state,  and  I  found  them  associating 
with  other  Warblers  in  the  thickly  wooded  hummocks  on  Indian  River.  In  Massachusetts, 
however,  they  prefer  an  entirely  different  kind  of  country,  for  they  are  always  found  in  dry 
fields  which  have  partly  grown  up  to  bushes.  Here  they  build  their  nests,  in  June,  commonly 
placing  them  in  a  bush  but  a  few  feet  from  the  ground.  The  song  of  the  Prairie  Warbler  is 
singular,  and  quite  unlike  that  of  any  other  member  of  the  family,  for  the  birds  trill  a  species 
of  musical  scale,  commencing  low  down  and  ascending  rapidly.  The  notes  are  indescribable, 
but  if  once  heard  will  not  easily  be  forgotten.  This  lay  has  a  pleasing  effect  when  heard  on 
sunny  days  in  early  summer  and  always  forcibly  reminds  me  of  the  pleasant  open  valleys  amid 
the  green  hills  of  New  England,  so  that  when  I  heard  these  birds  carolling  in  the  gloomy 
swamps  of  Southern  Florida  I  could  scarcely  persuade  myself  that  they  were  the  same  species, 
for  it  seemed  impossible  that  Prairie  Warblers  could  live  in  such'  places.  Those  birds  which 
go  north  migrate  in  April,  arriving  in  Massachusetts  about  the  middle  of  May,  and  depart  early 
in  September.  , 

DENDRCECA      DOMINICA. 
Yellow-throated  Warbler. 

Dendrceca  dominica  BAIKD,  Review  of  American  Birds,  1865,  205. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  quite  stout.  Size,  rather  large.  Bill,  long,  rather  slender,  with  the  upper  mandible  slightly 
curved.  Wings,  somewhat  long  and  pointed.  Tail,  very  slightly  rounded.  Feet,  small.  Sternum,  rather  stoutly 
built.  Keel,  low,  not  exceeding  in  height  one-half  the  width  of  the  sternum.  Tongue,  long,  thin,  horny  and 
acuminate,  with  the  end  cleft  and  divided  into  rather  coarse  cilia  which  extend  along  the  sides  for  one-third  of  the 
terminal  length,  but  they  are  shorter  on  these  parts  than  on  the  tip. 

COI-OK.  Adult.  Above,  uniform  slaty-blue  with  the  top  of  the  head  black  on  the  front  part.  The  feathers 
of  the  back  part  of  the  crown  are  also  black  but  this  color  is  more  or  less  obscured  with  slaty.  Dark  spots 
occasionally  appear  on  the  back.  Wings,  dark  brown,  with  the  outer  webs  edged  with  slaty,  and  the  inner  with 
white;  both  rows  of  wing  coverts  are  tipped  with  white,  forming  bars.  Tail,  dark  brown,  edged  on  the  outer  webs 
with  slaty,  all  the  feathers  excepting  the  two  middle  are  spotted  terminally  on  the  inner  webs  with  white ;  these 
spots  are  very  small  on  the  inner  feathers  but  become  gradually  larger  towards  the  outer,  and  occupy  nearly  one-half 
of  the  length  of  first  feathers.  Line  from  the  eye  to  the  base  of  the  bill,  chin,  throat,  and  upper  part  of  the  breast, 
bright  yellow ;  remainder  of  under  parts,  including  under  wing  and  tail  coverts,  superciliary  stripe,  spot  on  the 
under  eyelid,  patch  on  the  side  of  neck,  white.  Lores,  sides  of  head,  streaks  on  the  sides  and  flanks,  black.  There 
is  an  indication  of  a  white  median  stripe  starting  at  the  base  of  the  bill. 

Young,  similar,  but  glossed  with  greenish  above.  The  yellow  of  the  throat  is  not  as  bright  and  the  black  and 
white  markings  are  not  as  extended  or  as  conspicuous.  Sexes  alike  Irides,  feet  and  bill,  brown,  with  the  base  of 
the  under  mandible  lighter  in  youug  birds. 


fLATEVllL 


DENDRECA  DOMINICA. 

Yellow-throated  Warbier.Adt. 


YELLOW-THROATED     WASBLKli.  61 


OBSERVATIONS. 

This  species  presents  some  peculiarities  which  arc  not  shared  by  any  other  members  of  the  genus  described  in 
these  pages.  The  bill  is  extremely  long.  I  lie  sexes  are  very  similar  in  plumage,  and  in  habits  it  resembles  the  Black 
and  While  Creeper.  The  sternum,  however,  agrees  in  form  with  those  of  the  other  Dendraeca,  and  in  many 
characters  it  is  closely  allied  with  the  other  members  of  the  genus.  It  need  not  be  confounded  with  any 
Warhier  except  ini:  /'.  <,/-Mi'(e  and  Ad'  • '..-:,'..  ivom  which  it  may  be  known,  by  the  white  superciliary  line. 
I>i-triiniicd  during  the  breeding  season  through  the  southern  portion  of  the  eastern  section  of  the  United  States, 
North  to  Virginia,  also,  perhaps,  the  West  Indies.  Winters  in  Florida  and  the  West  Indies,  but  I  never  found  It 
on  the  Keys. 

DIMENSIONS. 

A\era;re  measurements  of  eight  specimens  from  Florida.  —  Length,  5-26;  stretch,  8-85 ;  wing,  2-70;  tail,  2-10; 
bill,  -.">:'•:  tarsus,  -62.  Longest  specimen,  5-75;  greatest  extent  of  wings,  8'75;  longest  Wing,  2-80;  tall  2-25;  bill, 
•57:  tarsus,  -70.  Shortest  specimen,  4-70;  smallest  extent  of  wings,  8-15;  shortest  wing,  2-57;  tall,  2'00;  bill,  -60; 
tarsus,  -GO. 

DESCRIPTION   OF  NEST  AND  EGGS. 

The  following  descriptions  were  made  for  me  by  Mr.  Ridgvvay,  from  specimens  in  the  Smithsonian  Institute. 
They  were  taken  by  Mr.  N.  Giles,  at  Wilmington,  North  Carolina. 

',  entirely  hidden  in  a  thick  pendant  tuft  of  Spanish  moss  (Tillandsia') ;  composed  of  the  same  material  and 
formed  like  those  of  the  other  Dendrteca.    It  is  a  very  pretty  edifice. 

x.  oval  in  form,  dull  white  in  color,  with  a  ring  of  lilac,  purplish-sepia  and  black  spots  around  the  larger 
ends.     Dimensions,  -70x-52. 

HABITS. 

The  Yellow-throated  Warblers  are  found  throughout  the  entire  extent  of  Florida,  frequenting 
alike,  piny  woods  and  hummocks,  associating  with  Titmice,  Nuthatches,  and  other  small  birds, 
whiTi-ver  they  chance  to  find  them.  I  have  shot  this  species  upon  the  banks  of  the  St.  John's 
when  it  was  searching  for  insects  on  the  low  trees  in  the  numerous  swamps  which  abound  there; 
then  again  I  have  seen  them  on  the  topmost  boughs  of  the  high  trees  in  the  trackless  piny 
woods.  They  are  very  slow  of  movement  for  Warblers  and  have  many  of  the  habits  of  the 
Black  and  White  Creeper,  clinging  to  the  limbs  and  running  up  and  down  the  tree  trunks,  after 
the  manner  of  that  species.  I  have  even  seen  a  specimen  climbing  about  the  roof  of  a  house. 
They  are  very  unsuspicious  and  may  be  found  almost  any  day  in  autumn  and  early  winter,  on 
the  live  and  water  oaks  which  grow  in  the  streets  of  Jacksonville. 

The  songs  of  this  bird  are  simple,  and  resemble  the  trill  of  the  Pine  Warblers,  or  perhaps, 
the  continuous  lisping  chirp  of  the  Black  and  White  Creeper  sounds  more  nearly  like  it. 
I  think  this  species  must  breed  in  Florida,  as  I  have  specimens  taken  in  the  state  in  June.  I 
have  never  found  the  nest,  but  had  the  pleasure  of  seeing  a  specimen  in  the  Smithsonian 
Institute,  that  was  taken  at  Wilmington,  Xorth  Carolina.  It  was  entirely  concealed  in  a 
streamer  of  Spanish  moss,  and  consequently  must  have  been  found  in  a  hummock  as  this  plant 
rarely  grows  in  the  piny  woods.  As  the  Tillandsia  nearly  covers  the  live  oak,  magnolia  and 
other  trees,  it  must  be  exceedingly  difficult  to  distinguish  the  bunch  which  contains  the  nest. 
Some  of  these  birds  are  constant  residents  in  Florida,  but  the  majority  leave  in  May  with  other 
Warblers  and  return  in  early  November. 


62  HELMINTHOPHAGA     GEL  AT  A. 


GENUS    III.     HELMINTHOPHAGA.     THE    ACUMINATE-BILLED   WARBLERS. 

GEN.  CH.  Bill,  about  equal  in  length  to  the  head,  slender,  and  wry  acuminate.  Tarsus,  longer  than  the  middle 
toe  and  claw.  Sleight  of  keel,  equal  to  one-half  the  width  of  the  sternum.  Coracoid  bones,  shorter  in  lent/th  than  the 
top  of  the  keel. 

Members  of  this  genus  are  closely  related  to  those  of  the  preceding,  but  may  readily  he  distinguished  from  them 
by  the  more  acuminate  bill  and  generally  duller  colors.  As  far  as  is  known  they  all  place  their  nests  upon  the 
ground.  Out  of  eight  species  which  occur  in  the  United  States  I  have  found  but  two  in  Florida,  and  oue  of  these 
is  very  rare  there. 

HELMINTHOPHAGA    GEL  ATA. 
Orange-crowned  Warbler. 

Helminthophaga  celata  BAIRD,  Birds  of  North  America,  1852,  247. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  quite  slender.  Size,  not  large.  Bill,  slender,  not  long.  Tail,  slightly  emarginate.  Sternum, 
quite  stoutly  built.  Tongue,  long,  narrow,  thin  and  horny,  with  the  end  cleft  and  coarsely  ciliated ;  these  cilia  do 
not  extend  along  the  sides,  however. 

COLOR.  Adult  male,  uniform  dull  olivaceous-green,  brightest  on  the  rump  and  lighter  beneath.  There  is  a 
slight  indication  of  a  greenish  superciliary  line.  There  is  a  concealed  patch  of  bright  orange  on  the  crown. 
Tail  and  wings,  brown  with  the  outer  webs  edged  with  greenish. 

The  Adult  female  is  similar  but  has  less  orange  on  the  crown. 

The  young  are  without  the  orange  crown  and  have  a  suffusion  of  ashy  over  the  entire  surface  of  the  body  which 
is  more  perceptible  on  the  sides  of  the  head.  The  colors  beneath  are  paler. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

The  birds  which  I  have  described  are  from  Florida.  Those  from  the  West  are  greener  above,  and  much  yellower 
beneath ;  there  is  no  more  orange  on  the  crown  of  specimens  from  the  latter  locality  than  from  the  former.  The 
adults  may  be  known  from  all  other  Warblers  by  the  orange  crown.  The  young  are  more  ashy  than  any  other 
members  of  the  genus.  This  species  appears  to  be  distributed  throughout  North  America;  winters  in  the  more 
southern  sections. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  six  specimens  from  Florida. —  Length,  4-94;  stretch,  7-88;  wing,  2-50;  tail,  1-80;  bill, 
•44;  tarsus,  -65.  Longest  specimen,  5-30;  greatest  extent  of  wings,  8-25;  longest  wing,  2-90;  tail,  2-00;  bill,  -50; 
tarsus,-70.  Shortest  specimen,  4-75  ;  smallest  extent  of  wings,  7-10;  shortest  wing,  2'20;  tail,  1-75;  bill, -40;  tarsus, 
•60. 

DESCRIPTION   OF  NEST   AND  EGGS. 

The  following  description  was  made  by  Mr.  Ridgway,  from  specimens  in  the  Smithsonian  Institute,  taken  by 
Mr.  R.  Keunicott,  at  Yukon  River,  Alaska. 

JVesJ,  composed  entirely  of  grasses,  which  are  finer  in  the  lining.  It  is  deeply  cup-shaped.  Dimensions : 
external  diameter,  3  inches,  internal,  2;  external  depth,  2-50  inches,  internal,  1'75. 

Eggs,  six  in  number,  oval  in  form,  pure  white  in  color,  finely  sprinkled  around  the  larger  ends  with  reddish-brown 
and  lilac. 

HABITS. 

The  Orange-crowned  Warblers  appear  to  be  somewhat  irregularly  distributed  throughout 
Florida.  They  can  be  seen  almost  any  day  in  autumn  or  winter  on  the  trees  in  the  streets 
of  Jacksonville,  in  company  with  other  Sylvicolidce,  and  are  tolerably  common  in  the  hummocks 
in  the  neighborhood  of  the  city.  I  have  frequently  found  them  in  a  narrow  strip  of  woodland 
lying  between  the  St.  John's  Eiver  and  some  cultivated  fields  ;  indeed,  it  was  in  this  place  that 
I  shot  the  first  specimen  that  I  ever  saw.  These  birds  are  rare  at  Blue  Spring,  for  fh  course 
of  two  months'  collecting  we  found  but  two  or  three.  These  were  procured  in  a  hummock 
near  the  head  of  the  spring,  and  I  never  met  with  them  elsewhere  in  the  vicinity. 

We  searched  in  vain  for  them  at  Salt  Lake,  and  I  have  never  seen  a  single  individual  on 
Indian  Kiver  or  Musquito  Lagoon,  yet  we  took  several  in  the  dense  thickets  back  of  the  old 
fort  at  Miami,  but  I  did  not  find  them  at  Key  West.  The  Orange-crowned  Warblers  are  lively 


NASHVILLE     WAItBLEK.  63 

little  birds,  usually  frequenting  hummocks  and  the  underbrush  which  grows  about  them.  I  think 
they  rarely  visit  the  pine  woods.  These  birds  are  very  unsuspicious  and  may  bo  approached 
quite  nearly  but  when  alarmed  will  utter  a  quick,  sharp  chirp  and  instantly  conceal  themselves  in 
the  nearest  thicket.  1  never  heard  them  sing,  and  never  have  seen  a  specimen  during  the 
nesting  season,  yet  it  is  probable  that  a  few  breed  in  the  state. 


HELMINTHOPHAGA      RUPICAPILLA. 

Nashville  Warbler. 
Ifr!iiiiiiilii-iili:i:iii  rii/i'-ii/'illii  BAIIID,  Birds  of  North  America,  1858,  256. 


DESCRIPTION. 

Form,  slender.  Size,  small.  Bill,  not  long.  Tall,  slightly  emarginate.  Sternum,  rather  slightly  built  and 
although  :i  little  smaller  th:in  that  oi'  the  preceding,  it  Is  of  the  same  form  and  proportions.  Tongue,  not  long,  thin, 
narrow  ami  horny.  The  end  is  quite  deeply  cleft,  but  it  is  only  ciliated  on  the  extreme  end,  and  there  the  cilia  are 
very  short. 

I'm.nK.  .Unit  male.  Above,  bright  olivaceous  green,  with  the  head  and  neck  above,  and  on  the  sides  ashy. 
There  is  a  partly  concealed  patch  of  chestnut  ou  the  crown.  The  wings  and  tail  are  brown,  edged  on  the  outer  webs 
witli  greenish.  Beneath,  very  bright  yellow,  with  the  abdomen  white.  There  Is  an  indication  of  a  yellowish 
superciliary  line,  and  a  ring  around  the  eye  is  whitish. 

nale,  very  similar,  but  paler  above  and  below,  and  having  less  chestnut  on  the  crown. 

'/'/,.•  young  lack  tin'  chestnut  crown.  The  head  and  neck  are  brownish  instead  of  ashy  ;  there  is  a  brownish 
suffusion  over  the  back,  and  the  yellow  beneath  is  quite  pale;  there  is  even  a  tinge  of  ashy  on  the  throat.  Irides, 
feet  and  bill,  brown,  but  with  the  lower  mandible  lighter. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

-ily  known  in  the  adult  stage  by  the  chestnut  crown,  ashy  head  and  yellow  under  parts.  The  young  are  also 
distinguished  from  those  of  II.  celata  by  the  yellow  beneath,  celata  being  very  ashy-gray  on  these  portions.  Found 
in  summer  throughout  Eastern  United  States  from  Florida  to  Maine;  winters  in  Mexico  and  Central  America,  also 
rarely  found  in  Florida  at  this  season. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  fourteen  specimens  from  New  England.  —  Length,  475;   stretch,  7-60;  wing,  2-35; 
tail,  1-70:  bill,  -40;  tarsus,  -62.     Longest  specimen,  5-51;  greatest  extent  of  wings,  7-76;  longest  wing,  2-50;  tall, 
bill,  •(.">:  tar-us,  -67.     Shortest  specimen,  4-55;  smallest  extent  of  wings,  2-30;  shortest  wing,  2-22;  tail,  1-60; 
bill,  :1K;   tarsus,  -60. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NEST  AND   EGGS. 

Nfnt,  composed  outwardly  of  green  moss,  then  dried  grasses,  lined  with  finer  grasses  and  some  white  hairs. 
Dimensions:  external  diameter,  3-50  inches,  internal,  2-25;  external  depth,  2-75  inches,  internal,  1-LT.. 

Kijys,  four  in  number,  rather  pointed,  creamy  white  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  on  the  larger  end  with 
reddish-brown  and  lilac,  where  they  sometimes  form  rings.  The  remaining  surface  of  the  egg  is  also  sparsely 
dotted  witli  brown.  Dimensions,  -GGx-50.  The  above  description  was  made  from  a  nest  taken  at  West  Newbury, 
by  my  young  friend,  Oilman  Brown. 

HABITS. 

I  shot  the  first  specimen  of  these  little  birds,  that  I  had  ever  seen,  many  years  ago,  in 
Newton.  As  this  was  the  first  knowledge  I  ever  obtained  of  their  existence,  and  as  they 
appeared  entirely  different  from  any  birds  which  1  had  hitherto  observed,  I,  like  most  young 
collectors  when  they  obtain  an  unfamiliar  bird,  considered  them  a  new  species.  I  hail  token 
two,  one  of  each  sex,  and  hastened  home  with  my  pri/.es  to  ascertain  for  a  certainty  if  they  had 
ever  been  described,  eagei  ly  thinking  over  the  matter  that  I  might  decide  upon  an  appropriate 
name  for  such  pretty  birds;  but  found  that  I  had  counted  a  species  before  it  was  hatched, 
for  upon  consulting  the  proper  books,  discovered,  much  to  my  disappointment  that  the 
Nashville  Warbler?  had  not  only  been  known  for  years  but  that  they  were  not  even  rare  : 
all  the  ornithologists  agreeing  in  pronouncing  them  common.  Consequently,  the  little 
yellow-breasted  and  red-crowned  birds  fell  many  degrees  in  my  estimation. 


64  HELMINTHOPHAGA    RUFICAPILLA. 

^S 

These  first  specimens  were  taken  in  a  cluster  of  yellow  pines  which  stood  in  an  open  field, 
but  near  a  somewhat  extensive  grove.  I  have  always  found  these  birds  in  similar  situations, 
for  they  inhabit  the  borders  of  woods,  and  are  seldom  found  in  the  deeper  portions.  Even  in 
the  vast  forests  of  northern  New  England,  the  Nashville  Warblers  are  invariably  found 
near  the  open  marshy  spots  which  are  of  frequent  occurrence  iu  these  wilds.  The  males  are 
quite  easy  to  find,  for  they  sit  on  the  topmost  bough  of  some  tall  tree  and  sing  their  loud 
songs  throughout  the  entire  day;  but  the  females  are  not  as  frequently  seen,  for  they  are  very 
quiet,  and  generally  keep  Bmong  the  thick  branches  where  they  are  constantly  searching  for 
insects.  These  birds  place  their  nests  on  the  ground,  usually  in  the  ed£;e  of  a  wood.  They 
are  careful  to  keep  them  concealed  so  that  it  is  almost  impossible  to  discover  one  unless  the 
bird  is  accidentally  started.  But  the  chances  of  doing  this  are  quite  small,  as,  while  incubating, 
she  will  sit  so  closely  that  it  is  extremely  difficult  to  make  her  rise,  and  she  will  allow  herself 
to  be  nearly  trodden  upon  before  flying.  There  is  another  method  by  which  the  nest  may 
be  discovered,  however,  and  indeed  one  that  may  be  practised  to  advantage  in  finding  the  eggs 
of  all  ground  breeding  Warblers.  If,  while  the  collector  is  walking  in  the  woods  in  early 
June,  he  observes  a  female  bird  that  appears  uneasy,  he  should  quietly  retreat  for  a  short 
distance  and  after  watching  a  short  time  will  generally  see  the  anxious  Warbler  enter  her  nest. 
I  have  found  rare  eggs  in  this  way  which  would  otherwise  have  remained  undiscovered,  but 
have  always  found  that  it  is  useless  to  search  for  a  nest  which  is  concealed  on  the  ground 
without  having  more  knowledge  of  its  whereabouts  than  is  imparted  by  the  uneasy  actions 
of  the  female. 

I  have  several  times  searched  for  the  unknown  eggs  of  the  Tennessee  Warbler  while  the 
female  was  flying  frantically  about,  chirping  loudly  and  frequently  alighting  within  a  yard  of 
my  head.  In  spite  of  these  assurances  that  I  was  very  near  the  nest  I  have  always  given  up 
the  search  in  disappointment,  after  having,  perhaps,  unconsciously  crushed  the  concealed  prize 
beneath  my  feet.  In  these  instances,  an  half  hour  spent  in  carefully  watching  the  bird  from  a 
little  distance  would  probably  have  been  rewarded ;  but  the  mosquitoes  and  black  flies  are  so 
numerous  in  the  sections  where  the  Tennessee  Warblers  breed  (Northern  New  England),  that 
during  a  single  moment  of  inaction  their  stings  become  unendurable  and  one  cannot  remain 
quiet  for  any  length  of  time. 

It  is  singular  that,  although,  as  far  as  is  known,  all  the  members  of  the  genus 
Helminthopliaga  place  their  nests  on  the  ground,  the  males  perch  in  elevated  situations  while 
singing  and,  excepting  during  the  breeding  season,  neither  male  nor  female  is  often  seen  upon 
the  ground.  They  all  frequent  the  tops  of  trees  which  stand  on  the  borders  of  woods  or  in 
open  fields,  and  none  of  them  are  apt  to  be  found  in  the  deep  forest ;  of  the  four  species 
which  occur  commonly  in  eastern  United  States  the  Tennessee  and  Nashville  occur  on  the 
borders  of  woods,  while  the  Orange-crowned  -and  Golden-winged  appear  to  prefer  the  more 
open  sections. 

The  latter  named  species  may  occur  rarely  iu  northern  Florida  as  it  is  quite  abundant  in 
Georgia.  I  once  saw  a  male  Warbler  at  Key  West  which  I  thought  might  be  the  Tennessee, 
but,  as  it  was  flitting  quickly  through  the  thick  bushes  I  could  not  be  certain.  The  Nashville 
Warblers  arrive  in  Massachusetts  about  the  middle  of  May ;  breed  during  the  first  week  in 
June,  and  depart  in  early  September.  They  are  very  rare  in  Florida,  and  to  my  knowledge 
there  has  been  but  one  specimen  taken  in  the  state;  this  was  captured  by  Mr.  Boardman, 
at  Jacksonville,  on  March  13,  1860. 


iv-:/. i.o ir- /;. i rKi-:i>  \v.\i;  m.i-i;.  (\r> 


GENUS   IV.     PARULA.     THE   LITTLE  AVAK15I.KRS. 

GF..V.  Cu.     Bill,  eon  ,•  i/t-m  tin-  li,',id,  ulenili •>•  itiitl  acuminate.     Tarsus,  longer  than  the  hind  toe  and 

claw.     ll'-i<jlit  <>f  ki'i'l,  not  <:m;<lhi<j  mf-hulf  tin1  iri,Ilh  of  sternum.     Coracoid  bones,  eit/iul  in  Ifiujllt  to  tin:  top  of  keel. 
Birds  of  this  genus,  although  .small  in  size,  are  rather  stout  in  form. 


PARULA  AMERICANA. 

Blue  Yellow-backed  Warbler. 

Parula  Americana  BON.,  List  of  Birds  of  North  America,  1838. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cu.  Si/.e,  small.  Wings,  rather  long.  Tail,  square  and  slightly  emarginate.  Sternum,  not  stoutly  built. 
Tongue,  <|iiite  thick  and  llcshy  at  the  basal  half,  then  suddenly  becomes  thin  and  acuminate.  The  end  is  cleft  for 
live-hundivdths  of  an  inch  and  the  divided  portions  are  coarsely  ciliated.  This  tongue  is  quite  unique  among 
Warblers,  differing  from  any  others  that  I  have  seen  ill  having  u  fleshy  base,  terminating  abruptly  in  a  thill  point. 

Coi  in:.  .\<lnlt  mule.  Above,  slaty-bluo,  brightest  on  the  head;  with  a  large  patch  of  greenish-yellow  in  the 
middle  of  the  back.  Wings  and  tail,  brown,  edged  with  bluish;  the  six  outer  feathers  of  the  latter  are  spotted 
subterininally,  on  the  inner  webs,  with  white.  The  two  rows  of  upper  wing  coverts  are  tipped  with  white,  forming 
rather  broad  liars.  The  blue  above  extends  down  on  the  sides  of  the  head  and  neck,  but  is  rather  dusky  on  these 
parts.  The  lore-,  are  black,  and  there  is  a  spot  of  white  on  the  upper  and  lower  eyelids.  The  sides  and  flanks  are 
tinged  with  pale  bluish.  Throat  and  breast,  yellow,  with  a  patch  of  chestnut-brown  across  the  upper  part  of  the 
latter,  which  is  sometimes  preceded  by  a  narrow  line  of  the  same  color  as  the  sides  of  the  neck.  The  remaining 
under  snrlace.  including  under  tail  coverts,  under  wing  coverts  and  closed  wing  beneath,  white.  Ventral  region, 
tinged  with  yellow. 

Adult  female,  similar  to  the  male,  but  the  chestnut  of  the  breast  and  the  yellow  of  the  back  is  not  as  bright  or 
as  extended. 

You n<i  hi'ili-,  similar  to  the  adult  female. 

The  ymmy  female  has  the  yellow  beneath  less  extended  and  without  a  trace  of  chestnut.  There  is  also  but  a 
sliirht  indication  of  the  yellow  patch  above.  lu  all  stages  the  irides  are  brown;  upper  mandible,  brown ;  lower, 
whitish;  feet,  brown. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

This  pretty  little  species  may  be  distinguished  at  once  from  all  others  by  the  ever  present  yellowish-green  patch 
upon  the  back,  combined  with  the  yellow  throat.  Distributed  during  the  breeding  season  throughout  Eastern 
United  States  from  Virginia  north  to  Canada;  winters  in  Mexico,  Central  America,  West  Indies  and  Key  West. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  twenty-three  specimens.  —  Length,  4-75;  stretch,  7-30;  wing,  2-30;  tail,  1-70;  bill, 
•40;  tarsus,  -63.  Longest  specimen,  4-90;  greatest  extent  of  wings,  7-70;  longest  wing,  2-85;  tail,  1-85;  bill, -49; 
tarsus,  -75.  Shortest  specimen,  4-25;  shortest  extent  of  wings,  7-70;  shortest  wing,  2-20;  tail,  1-40;  bill,  '35; 
tarsus  -59. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND   EGGS. 

'.<.  The  accompanying  description  is  from  Mr.  Brewster.  "A  nest  discovered  by  Mr.  Deane  and  myself,  at 
Stoneham,  Mass.,  in  June,  1808.  was  hun;/  in  a  drooping  spray  of  hemlock,  about  eight  feet  from  the  ground,  near  the 
extremity  of  the  limb,  and  differs  in  structure  from  any  other  that  I  have  seen.  In  appearance  it  strongly  resembles 
the  domicile  of  !<•<>  <•»>•  H.ilHmore,  being  entirely  open  at  the  top,  not  in  the  least  purse-shaped  as  in  the  case  of  other 
nests  of  this  species  which  I  have  examined,  and  which  also  differ  in  having  the  entrance  hole  at  the  side.  It  is 
composed  entirely  of  long  moss  curiously  interwove'n.  The  whole  structure  is  so  delicate  and  frail  that  the  eggs, 
which  were  three  in  number,  could  be  plainly  seen  through  the  bottom  as  I  stood  on  the  ground.  Dimensions: 

ial  diameter,  2-25  inches,  internal,  1-75;  external  depth,  2'(>2  inches,  internal  2-50." 

Some  beautiful  specimens  of  these  nests,  in  the  cabinet  of  my  friend,  Mr.  II.  A.  Purdie,  are  also  composed  of  the 
long,  gray  moss,  but  differ  from  that  described  above  in  being  perfect  little  purses,  with  the  entrance  hole  on  the 
side.  There  is  no  oilier  material  used  for  lining  than  that  of  which  the  structures  are  made. 

-.  usually  four  in  number,  white  in  color,  spotted  and  dotted  everywhere  with  light  reddish-brown  and  lil  r, 
but  more  sparsely  on  the  smaller  end.  The  largest  spots  arc  of  brown  and  the  smallest  of  lilac.  Dimensions  from 
•66  X  -48  to  -70  x  -50. 

BIKDS   Of    KLOKIDA.  9 


66  GEOTHLYFJS   TltlGIIAS. 


HABITS. 

A  careful  observer  of  birds  can  readily  determine  each  species  of  the  Warblers,  even  when 
they  are  at  a  distance,  by  their  motions.  Some  are  full  of  nervous  activity,  while  others  are  more 
deliberate  in  their  movements.  A  few  closely  resemble  one  another  in  their  evolutions  when 
among  the  trees,  but  no  one  who  has  ever  studied  their  habits  will  fail  to  recognize  the  Blue 
Yellow-backs  at  a  glance  ;  for  none  of  the  Sylvicolidre  conduct  themselves  so  peculiarly.  They 
sometimes  glide  along  the  limbs  like  Creepers  or  cling  to  the  under  surface  of  the  bark  after  the 
manner  of  Nuthatches  ;  but  the  next  instant  tinds  them  skipping  nimbly  from  bough  to  bough, 
until  they  perch  on  the  topmost  twig,  from  which  they  dart  into  air  to  secure  some  rapidly 
moving  insect.  Thus  they  are  ever  changing  position  and  there  are  but  few  species  which  so 
constantly  assume  so  many  varying  and  graceful  attitudes. 

These  birds  are  found  in  Florida  throughout  the  winter  but  most  abundantly  in  spring,  when 
the  great  avian  waves  sweep  northward.  While  in  the  state  they  frequent  the  hummocks  but  more 
generally  avoid  the  piny  woods.  They  arrive  in  Massachusetts  during  the  latter  part  of  May,  when 
they  are  found  among  apple  trees  and  in  deciduous  woods.  A  few  remain  in  Southern  New 
England  to  breed,  but  the  majority  spend  the  summer  in  the  more  northern  sections,  whore 
they  build  their  pensile  nests  amid  the  long,  gray  moss,  which  so  plentifully  drapes  the  trees  in 
these  wilds.  The  song  of  the  Blue  Yellow-backed  Warbler  consists  of  a  few  simple,  lisping 
notes,  yet  they  are  given  with  energy  and  an  accent  so  peculiar  as  to  distinguish  them  at  once 
from  those  of  all  other  Warblers.  The  males  continue  to  sing  until  August,  after  which 
various  families,  composed  of  parents  and  young,  congregate  in  small  flocks;  then,  in  early 
September,  join  the  other  little  birds  in  their  southern  migrations. 


GENUS  V.  GEOTHLYPIS.  THE  GROUND  WARBLERS. 

GEN.  CH.  Bill,  shorter  than  the  head  and  rather  stout.  Wings,  short.  Feet,  large.  Tarsus,  longer  than  the  hind 
toe  and  claw.  Coracoid  bones,  slightly  exceeding  in  length  the  top  of  the  keel,  which  is  low,  not  being  higher  than  one-half 
the  width  of  sternum.  Marginal  indentations  quite  deep. 

The  sternum  of  this  genus  at  once  distinguishes  it  from  all  other  members  of  the  Sylmcolidae,  inasmuch  as  it 
is  produced  forward  in  a  degree  quite  remarkable ;  the  coracoid  bones  are  longer  and  proportionately  stouter  than 
any  other  member  of  the  family. 

GEOTHLYPIS    TRICHAS. 

Maryland  Yellow-throat  Warbler. 

Geothlypis  trichas  CAB.,  Mns.  Hein.,  1850,  16. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Form,  robust.  Size,  not  small.  Bill,  stout,  not  acuminate.  Tail,  long  and  well  rounded.  Sternum,  stoutly 
built.  Tongue,  thin,  horny,  with  the  edges  straight,  not  acuminate;  bifid,  the  tips  fringed  with  cilia  which  extend 
along  the  sides  for  about  one-third  of  the  terminal  length,  but  become  shorter  near  the  base. 

COLOR.  Adult  male.  Above,  olivaceous-green,  becoming  brownish  on  the  top  of  the  head.  Wings  and  tail 
brown,  edged  with  the  same  color  as  the  back.  A  broad  frontal  band,  extending  over  the  eye  and  on  the  head,  black, 
preceded  above  by  a  whitish  margin.  Throat,  breast,  bend  of  wing  and  under  tail  coverts,  bright  yellow. 
Abdomen  and  under  wing  coverts  paler.  Sides  and  flanks  olivaceous.  There  is  no  change  of  plumage  in  autumn 
excepting  that  the  bill,  which  in  spring  is  entirely  dark  brown,  then  becomes  lighter  on  the  lower  mandible. 

Young  male  differs  in  being  duller  and  lacking  the  whitish  margin  to  the  black  mask,  which  is  almost  entirely 
obscured  by  a  rufous  suffusion  on  the  forehead  and  is  washed  with  whitish  on  the  side  of  the  head. 

Adult  female  is  without  the  black  mask  and  with  the  yellowish  beneath  quite  dull. 

The  young  female  has  a  suffusion  of  rufous  on  the  sides  of  the  head,  and  the  colors  are  very  dull  and  undecided. 


BLACK  A\D    \\1HTK  CKKEl'KR.  »)7 


OBSERVATIONS. 

Specimens  from  Florida,  although  not  appreciably  different  in  si/.e,  generally  have  the  black  mask  wider  both  on 
the  forehead  anil  sides  of  the  head  and  neck,  when'  ii  does  not  end  as  squarely  as  In  the  northern  birds,  but  extends 
on  in  a  point  which  occasionally  reaches  the  upper  part  of  the  breast.  A  grayish-white  line  on  the  head  of  southern 
specimens  is  paler  or  not  as  bluish,  and  is  often  broader,  although  it  is  extremely  variable  in  this  respect.  The 
yellow  of  the  breast  is  also  more  extended  and  brighter  than  that  of  northern  birds.  The  adult  males  may  be 
known  from  all  others  by  the  black  mask.  The  females  may  tie  distinguished  by  the  yellowish  throat  and  the  under 
tail  coverts.  Distributed  during  the  breeding  season  throughout  the  entire  continent  of  North  America,  wintering 
in  the  more  southern  sections. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  twenty-six  specimens. —  Length,  5-25;  stretch,  7-20;  wing,  2-21;  tail,  2-00;  bill,  -45; 
tarsus, -70.  Longest  specimen,  5-73;  greatest  extent  of  wings,  7'7ti ;  longest  wing,  2-56;  tail,  2-15;  bill,  -56;  tarsus, 
•80.  Shortest  specimen,  5-10;  smallest  stretch  of  wings,  6-70;  shortest  wing,  2.00;  tail,  1-70;  bill,  -42;  tarsus,  -64. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

••.  placed  on  the  ground,  composed  of  dried  leaves  and  grasses,  lined  with  finer  grasses.  These  are  the 
usual  materials,  but  a  specimen  in  my  collection,  found  on  Grand  Menan  by  Mr.  Harold  Herrick,  is  partly  composed 
of  feathers  from  domestic  fowls.  Dimensions:  external  diameter,  3-50  inches,  internal,  2-60 ;  external  depth,  2-75 
inches,  internal,  2. 

K'j'ja,  usually  four  in  number,  pure  white  In  color,  spotted  everywhere,  but  more  particularly  on  the  larger  end, 
with  reddish-brown,  lilac  and  umber ;  the  lilac  spots  being  the  smallest.  Dimensions,  from  -70  x  -52  to  -75  x  •:..".. 

HABITS. 

Among  the  most  common  birds  in  Florida  are  the  Maryland  Yellow-throats.  Their  harsh 
alarm  notes  greet  the  ear  of  the  pedestrian  whenever  he  passes  a  lonely  hummock  in  the  more 
northern  portions,  or  approaches  the  tangled  thickets  among  the  Keys.  Their  cheery  songs 
also  riii";  out  from  the  swampy  margins  of  the  rivers  and  lakes  ;  in  fact  there  is  no  place  in  the 
state,  however  desolate,  which  will  afford  concealment,  that  is  not  inhabited  by  them.  Indeed 
I  have  found  them  breeding  in  every  favorable  locality  which  I  have  visited,  throughout  Eastern 
North  America.  They  readily  adapt  themselves  to  circumstances,  and  appear  equally  contented 
under  the  thorny  cacti  of  Key  West,  in  the  hedgerows  of  New  England,  or  amid  the  cold  bojrgy 
heaths  of  the  Magdalen  Islands. 

The  Maryland  Yellow-throats  are  the  most  terrestrial  of  all  the  Warblers,  seldom  appearing  in 
trees  but  frequenting  low  bushes.  The  nests  are  placed  on  the  ground,  generally  concealed  by 
a  tussock  of  grass,  often  near  a  stream  or  other  body  of  water.  Those  which  pass  the  summer 
in  New  Kngland  arrive  early  in  May  and  lay  their  eggs  about  the  1st  of  June;  the  young  may 
be  found  in  August,  and  they  all  depart  in  October.  They  are  constant  residents  in  Florida  and 
breed  there  in  April. 

GENUS   VI.     MNIOTILTA.     THE   CREEPING   WARBLERS. 

<«K.X.  fii.  Hind  tin  and  claw  exceeding  in  length  the  middle  anterior  tot.  and  claw;  also  equaling  the  tarsus  in 
length.  Sternum,  narrow;  keel,  low,  being  only  as  high  as  half  the  width  of  the  sternum. 

MNIOTILTA  VARIA. 

Black  and  White  Creeper. 

Mniotilta  varia  VIEILI.OT,  Analyse;  1816. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  slender.  Size,  medium.  Feet,  rather  large.  Bill,  long,  nearly  equaling  the  head,  slender  and 
with  the  mandibles  a  little  arched.  Sternum,  rather  slightly  built.  Tongue,  thin,  horny,  acuminate,  bifid  and  fringed 
with  cilia  for  about  one-third  of  its  terminal  length. 


68  MNIOTILTA   VAIilA. 

COLOR.  Adult  male.  Above,  black,  streaked  on  the  back  with  white.  There  is  a  medium  and  superciliary  stripe 
on  the  head  of  the  same  color,  which  extends  down  on  the  neck.  The  upper  tail  coverts  are  edged  on  the  outer 
side  with  white  and  the  wing  coverts  are  tipped  with  it,  forming  bars.  Wings,  dark  brown,  edged  with  white. 
Tail,  black,  margined  on  the  outer  edge  with  bluish  and  on  the  inner  with  white ;  the  six  outer  tail  feathers  are  also 
tipped  with  it.  Beneath,  white,  with  the  sides  of  the  neck,  sides,  breast,  flanks  and  under  tail  coverts,  streaked  with 
black.  Ring  around  the  eye,  white. 

Female,  similar,  but  paler,  having  more  white  above  and  less  black  below. 

Young  male,  like  the  female  but  with  the  throat,  flanks,  top  of  head  and  back  tinged  with  rufous. 

Yonny  female,  similar  but  very  much  paler;  the  streaks  beneath  becoming  nearly  obsolete.  Iridcs,  bill  and  feet, 
brown  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Specimens  of  this  species  found  breeding  in  the  South  are  characterized  by  having  a  longer  bill  than  is  possessed 
by  more  northern  individuals.  There  is  no  bird  with  which  this  might  be  confounded  except,  perhaps,  the  Black 
Polled  Warbler  to  which  it  bears  a  very  slight  resemblance ;  but  it  may  at.  once  be  distinguished  from  it  by  the  white 
stripes  on  the  head.  Distributed  throughout  Eastern  North  America,  Mexico  and  the  West  Indies.  Winters  in  the 
southern  section. 

MEASUREMENTS. 

Average  dimensions  of  twenty-seven  specimens.— Length,  5-2G;  stretch,  8-41 :  wing,  2-51;  tail,  1-49;  bill,  -40; 
tarsus,  -64.  Longest  specimen,  5'50;  greatest  extent  of  wings,  9-00;  longest  wing,  3-00;  tail,  2-15;  bill,  -58;  tarsus, 
•70.  Shortest  specimen,  5-00;  smallest  extent  of  wings,  7-55;  shortest  wing,  2-60;  tail,  1-85;  bill,  -45;  tarsus,  -00. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

JVesis,  usually  placed  on  the  ground,  composed  of  mosses,  grasses  and  leaves ;  lined  with  fern-cotton,  fine 
grasses  and  hairs.  Dimensions  :  external  diameter,  3-50  inches,  internal,  1-50;  external  depth,  2'50  inches,  internal,  1. 

Egys,  usually  four  in  number,  oval  in  form,  bluish-white  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  irregularly,  but  often 
more  thickly  on  the  larger  end,  with  lilac  and  umber.  Dimensions,  from  -70  x  -50  to  -80  x  -55. 

HABITS. 

There  is  a  narrow  neck  of  land  lying  between  Indian  River  and  Mosquito  Lagoon,  which 
varies  from  a  few  hundred  yards  to  a  mile  or  more  in  width.  This  is  principally  made  up  of 
scrub  and  grassy  plains,  but  there  are  occasional  hummocks  along  the  border  of  the  river.  One 
of  these  patches  of  woodland  is  situated  just  north  of  a  canal,  which  was  excavated  for  the 
passage  of  boats,  between  the  two  bodies  of  water.  During  the  Indian  war  this  grove  was 
the  site  of  a  fort ;  consequently  the  ground  was  tolerably  free  from  underbrush,  therefore  we 
occupied  it  for  several  months  in  two  seasons  as  a  camping  ground.  The  trees  which  grow 
here  were  the  favorite  resort  of.  the  Black  and  White  Creepers ;  indeed  I  do  not  remember 
having  seen  as  many  in  Florida,  throughout  my  entire  sojourn  in  the  state,  as  were  to  be  found 
in  that  hummock. 

They  were  migrating,  but  I  never  heard  them  sing  excepting  in  the  soft  lisping  tone,  which 
is  also  used  as  a  note  of  alarm.  Only  a  few  of  this  species  remain  in  Florida  to  breed  ;  the 
greater  portion  pass  north  for  this  purpose,  arriving  in  New  England  during  the  latter  part  of 
April,  and  commence  to  build  about  June  1st.  The  nests  are  placed  by  the  side  of  a  stone  or  a 
log  or  at  the  foot  of  a  tree,  almost  always  in  the  woods.  Both  sexes  exhibit  considerable 
solicitude  when  their  place  of  abode  is  approached,  alighting  on  the  tree  trunks  near  and 
uttering  sharp  cries  of  distress. 

The  Black  and  White  Creepers  have,  as  their  name  implies,  the  habit  of  running  up  and 
down  trees  as  well  as  along  the  under  surfaces  of  limbs  after  the  manner  of  Nuthatches,  their 
short  legs  and  long  toes  being  admirably  adapted  to  this  purpose.  While  in  motion  they  give 
constant  utterance  to  their  song  which  consists  of  several  rapid,  shrill  notes,  ending  more 
faintly,  however.  Some  individuals  sing  longer  than  others,  more  especially  prolonging  tlio 
terminal  portions.  They  continue  to  make  their  voices  heard  until  about  the  second  week  in 
July,  after  which  they  are  silent,  and  by  the  middle  of  September  they  leave  the  north,  arriving 
in  Florida  late  in  October. 


REDSTART.  i\\\ 


GENUS   VII.     SETOPIIAGA.     THE   REDSTARTS. 

C.r.x.  Cn.  Rill,  quite  wide  and  flat,  not  acuminate,  irith  the  upper  mamlilde  alii/lilli/  eurn-d  <it  /lie  Up.  ]\'inys,  quite 
lony  ami  ;».;'«/•</.  Tail,  long.  Feet,  small.  Coracoid  bones,  a  little  less  in  length  than  the  top  of  the  keel.  Marginal 
indentation*  barely  exceeding  in  depth  the  height  of  the  keel,  which  is  considerably  higher  than  one-half  the  width  of  the 

sternum. 

SETOPHAGA  BUTICILLA. 

Redstart. 
Selophaga  ruticilla  SWAINSON,  Zool.  Jour.,  Hi,  1827,  358. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sp.  Cn.  Size,  small.  Form,  slender.  Sternum,  stoutly  built.  Tongue,  thin,  horny,  wide,  somewhat  rounded 
at  tin-  end.  which  is  slightly  cleft  and  fringed  with  delicate  cilia  that  exteud  along  the  sides  for  about  one-fourth 
the  terminal  length. 

COI.OK.  Adult  male.  Entire  upper  parts,  sides  of  head,  throat  and  upper  portions  of  the  breast,  glossy  black. 
Basal  half  of  primaries  and  secondaries,  basal  two-thirds  of  tail  feathers,  except  the  two  central,  sides,  flanks,  under 
wing  coverts  under  lining  of  wings,  including  axillaries  and  under  wing  coverts,  edging  on  the  outer  webs  of 
primaries,  and  a  narrow,  irregular  band  across  the  breast,  bright  orange.  Remaining  under  parts,  including  under 
tail  coverts,  white,  more  or  less  tinged  with  orange;  centre  of  the  feathers  of  the  latter,  dusky.  Ring  around  the 
eve.  also  white.  The  adult  male  in  autumn  sometimes  has  the  back  tinged  with  orange. 

Adult  feni'ile.  Above,  plain  greenish-brown;  the  tail  is  darker  and  has  the  basal  two-thirds  of  all  except  the 
two  central  feathers,  pale  yellow.  Beneath,  dirty-white,  with  the  sides,  under  wing  coverts  and  under  surface  of 
wing  tinged  with  yellow,  which  color  is  faintly  visible  near  the  middle  of  the  outer  side. 

<;  male  of  the  second  year  has  the  body,  above  and  below,  colored  as  in  the  female,  excepting  that  there  are 
more  or  less  black  leathers  on  those  portions  which  are  dark  colored  in  the  adult.  The  lores  are  always  black.  The 
winu's,  tail,  and  other  parts  which  are  orange  in  the  mature  specimens,  are  yellow,  but  with  an  occasional  irregular 
tiugeing  of  orange'. 

/  male  i if  the  first  year  exhibits  but  few  or  no  black  feathers,  and  no  orange  tingeing  on  the  yellow. 

The  iji.iniii  fi-ninii-  is  similar  to  the  adult,  but  with  yellow  of  the  tail  less  extended. 

The  nestlings  of  both  sexes  resemble  the  youpg  female  with  the  addition  of  two  yellowish-white  bars  across  the 
wiiiLrs.  anil  a  general  sntl'nsion  of  the  same  color  over  the  entire  surface  of  the  body.  At  this  age  the  lower  mandible 
and  feet  are  inclined  to  be  light  brown,  but  in  all  other  stages  the  bill  and  feet  are  dark  brown.  The  irides  are 
always  brown. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

This  species  is  very  much  inclined  to  melanism,  the  black  frequently  extending  down  on  the  breast  and  obscuring 
the  orange.  It  is  also  quite  common  to  find  traces  of  albinism.  Another  peculiarity  may  be  seen  in  the  fact  that 
the  orange  is  apt  to  appear  anywhere,  especially  on  the  back.  Mr.  Deane  has  a  specimen  singularly  mottled  with 
oranirc.  white  and  black.  The  colors  appear  to  be  in  about  the  usual  proportions,  but  are  mixed  in  a  promiscuous 
manner. 

The  well  marked  Redstart  need  not  be  confounded  with  any  other  species,  as  there  are  uo  others  which  are 
colored  with  orange.  Distributed  during  the  breeding  season  throughout  Eastern  United  States  north  to 
Labrador.  Winters  in  the  West  Indies,  Mexico  and  Central  America. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  twenty-eight  specimens.  Length,  5-37;  stretch,  7-75;  wing,  2-50;  tall,  2-18;  bill,  '36; 
tarsus,  -05.  Longest  specimen,  5-C5;  greatest  extent  of  wings,  8-10;  longest  wing.  L'-CO;  tail,  2-50;  bill,  -40;  tarsus, 
•7i).  Shortest  specimen,  5-25;  smallest  extent  of  wings,  7-50;  shortest  wing,  L'-31;  tail,  2-00;  bill,  -30;  tarsus,  -60. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

.V<  .-fs,  placed  in  trees.  They  are  compact  structures,  composed  of  the  soft,  fibrous  bark  of  trees,  pine  leaves, 
dead  grasses,  weeds  and  fine  roots,  ne.itly  woven  together;  lined  with  horse  hairs,  feathers  or  fine  grasses. 
Dimensions:  external  diameter,  2-50  inches,  internal,  1-.V»;  external  depth,  2  inches,  internal,  1-50. 

s  usually  four  in  number,  spotted  and  blotched  with  reddish-brown  and  lilac.  These  spots  are  not  numerous 
on  the  smaller  end  but  generally  become  confluent  on  the  larger  and  form  a  ring.  Dimensions,  from  -66  x  -47  to 
•7ii  x  -50. 


70  SETOPHAGA  KUTICILLA. 


HABITS. 

In  May  the  dark  forests  of  Florida  are  enlivened  by  the  sprightly  Redstarts.  They  dart 
about  among  the  rich  foliage,  now  in  shadow,  now  in  sunlight ;  displaying  their  brilliant  orange 
and  jetty  black  plumage  to  fine  advantage  in  contrast  with  the  sombre  colors  of  the  tree-trunks 
or  long,  hanging  moss.  Ever  active,  slender  and  lithe  of  form,  they  leap  quickly  into  air  or 
pause  for  an  instant,  on  a  twig,  with  widely  expanded  tail  and  half  open  wings,  while  the  flashing 
black  eyes  are  peering  quickly  from  right  to  left  in  search  of  food ;  then  they  are  off  like 
meteors  into  the  deciduous  masses  above ;  thus  they  are  always  busy,  chasing  bright  winged 
insects  all  day  long.  But  their  stay  is  short  in  Florida,  and  in  company  with  the  great  migratory 
body  of  Warblers  they  pass  onward  to  the  north. 

While  in  the  south  the  Redstart  does  not  sing,  but  in  the  deep  shady  woods  of  New  England 
its  short,  abrupt,  though  not  unmusical  notes  constantly  ring  out  with  an  energy  which 
surpasses  that  of  all  the  other  smaller  songsters.  They  sing  without  pausing  in  their  avocations, 
and  even  while  they  are  flying  rapidly  through  the  trees,  in  playful  pursuit  of  one  another,  snap 
out  a  note  or  two,  then,  as  they  engage  in  a  mock  battle  in  which  several  males  often  participate, 
utter  a  sharp  twitter.  The  only  other  note  I  ever  heard  them  emit  was  a  chirp  of  annoyance 
or  alarm  when  they  perceived  an  intruder.  Although  it  is  not  difficult  to  recognize  a  Redstart 
by  its  peculiar  song,  yet  I  have  seldom  heard  two  sing  exactly  alike,  and  the  young  males,  which 
have  not  acquired  the  plumage  of  maturity,  have  a  weaker  and  more  lisping  melody. 

Although  the  mimic  wars  in  which  the  Redstarts  engage  in  early  spring  are  mere  sportive 
affairs,  yet  when  any  particular  pair  begins  to  construct  their  nest,  all  such  conflicts  assume  a 
more  serious  aspect.  Then  woe  betide  the  young  swain  that  unfortunately  approaches  too  near 
the  edifice  of  his  brighter  colored  relative !  for  he  meets  with  a  hostile  reception,  and,  unless 
he  quickly  beats  a  retreat,  will  quite  likely  mourn  the  loss  of  many  feathers.  Small  birds  of 
other  species  are  also  unnecessarily  attacked  by  this  irritable  tyrant  and  rudely  expelled  from 
the  vicinity  of  its  nest.  Those  which  breed  in  New  England  arrive  from  the  South  in  early 
May,  and  lay  their  eggs  the  first  week  in  June.  In  July  the  hissing  voices  of  the  newly  fledged 
young  may  be  heard  in  the  woods  as  they  follow  their  parents  and  supplicate  for  food;  then  in 
September  all  depart  for  their  southern  home. 


FAMILY  IX.     HIRUNDINID^E.     THE   SWALLOWS. 

Wings,  long  and  pointed.  Feet  comparatively  small  and  weak.  Bill,  small,  short,  flat  and  triangular ;  but  with  a 
very  wide  gape,  which  extends  back  quite  to  the  eyes.  Coracoid  bones,  stout,  much  shorter  in  length  than  the  top  of  keel, 
and  set  on  the  sternum  with  the  terminal  ends  projecting  outward,  forming  a  considerable  angle  with  the  keel.  Furcula, 
stout ;  terminal  expansion  closely  approximating  the  top  of  the  keel,  being  connected  with  it  by  a  stout  ligature. 

All  the  members  of  this  family  are  birds  of  strong  flight,  being  capable  of  remaining  on  the  wing  for  a 
considerable  length  of  time;  also  of  performing  rapid  and  graceful  aerial  evolutions.  Their  sterna  are  constructed  in 
-such  a  manner  as  to  ensure  strength  for  protracted  exertion,  as  is  exhibited  in  the  angularly  placed  coracoid  bones, 
and  in  the  terminal  expansion  of  the  furcula,  which  closely  approximates  the  top  of  the  keel,  a  character  quite 
unique  among  the  Oscines  which  I  have  examined :  being  found  iu  but  a  single  genus  besides  the  Hirundinidaz,  that 
of  Conns. 


GENUS   I.     HIRUNDO.     THE   SWALLOWS   AND   MARTINS. 

GEN.  CH.  Marginal  indentations,  rather  shallow,  barely  equaling  in  depth  the  height  of  the  keel.  Top  of  keel  but 
slightly  arched,  there  being  a  straight  line  from  the  tip  to  the  end.  Other  characters  the  same  as  those  used  in  describing 
the  family. 

I  can  find  no  characters  of  sufficient  value,  either  external  or  internal,  in  the  birds  included  by  authors  in  the 
genera  Progne,  Tachycineta,  Cotyle,  etc.,  to  warrant  my  raising  them  to  a  generic  rank;  I  have  therefore  reduced 
them  all  to  the  old  genus  of  Hirundo. 


rrnri.h:  MM:  riff.  71 

HIRUNDO   STJBIS. 
Purple  Martin. 

ii  suhi.*  LINN.,  Syst.  Nat.,  10th  Ed.;  1758,  192. 
J'nxjiie  cryptoleuea  BAIHD,  Review  N.  A.  Birds;  1864,  277. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Size,  large.  Form,  robust.  Bill,  stout;  upper  mandible  considerably  arched.  Tail,  short  and 
moderately  forked.  Feet,  stout.  Sternum,  stoutly  built.  Tongue,  short,  thin,  horny,  triangular  in  form,  tip  rather 
deeply  cleft,  but  not  ciliated. 

COLOII.  Adult  mull-,  uniform  steely-blue  throughout,  with  wings  and  tail  brownish.  There  Is  a  narrow  white 
patch  on  the  sides  beneath  the  wings.  Tibia;  are  grayish. 

Adult  fi  male,  similar  to  the  male  above  but  grayish  beneath,  which  becomes  nearly  white  on  the  abdomen  and 
under  tail  coverts. 

Ynninj  male,  like  the  adult  female,  excepting  that  the  forehead  is  grayish  and  there  are  a  few  scattering  feathers 
of  steely-blue  beneath. 

TOMH;/ /f  mult;  with  the  top  of  the  head  grayish  and  with  considerable  white  beneath. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

I  have  a  specimen  of  the  so-called  P.  cryptoleuca  in  my  collection  which  was  taken  in  Florida,  in  May.  1872.     As 

the  only  difference  between   this  and   the  typical  subis  is  that  the  feathers  of  the  anal  region  have  white  bases 

i  of  grayish,  and  the  tail  Is  a  little  more  deeply  forked,  I  do  not  consider  it  entitled  to  a  specific  rank,  for  »itbii 

edingly  variable  in  this  respect.    Another  specimen  from  Florida,  taken  at  the  same  time,  has  the  bases  of  the 

feathers  of  the  anal  region  grayer  than  the  other,  and  a  third,  taken  late  in  April,  Is  exactly  like  northern  birds. 

The  first  two  mentioned  have  a  violet  tinge  on  the  upper  surface,  causing  a  richer  color,  which  is  what  we  should 

expect  from   southern  born  specimens.      This  species   is   readily  distinguished  from  all  other  North  American 

swallows  by  its  large  size  and  uniform  colors.    Found  breeding  throughout  the  United  States,  north  into  Canada. 

Winters  in  the  West  Indies  and  South  America. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  six  specimens. — Length,  8-27;  stretch,  16-45;  wing,  6-70;  tall,  3-00;  bill,  -57;  tarsus, 
•58.  Longest  specimen,  8-35;  greatest  extent  of  wings,  16-75;  longest  wing,  6-00;  tail,  3-10;  bill,  -50;  tarsus,  -50. 
Shortest  specimen,  8-25;  smallest  extent  of  wings,  16-30;  shortest  wing,  5-50;  tail,  2-75;  bill,  -45;  tarsus,  -45. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Xests,  placed  in  holes  of  trees  or  in  martin-boxes;  composed  of  dried  grasses  and  leaves  and  lined  with  feathers; 
the  structure  varying  in  size  with  the  apartment  in  which  it  is  placed. 

KIJIJS,  from  four  to  six  in  number,  oval  in  form,  white  in  color.  Dimensions,  from  -80  x  -66  to  -70  x  -60.  An 
abnormal  egg  of  this  species,  which  I  have  in  my  collection,  that  was  taken  by  Mr.  Ingersoll  at  Oberlin,  Ohio,  is 
very  large  in  size,  measuring  1-00  x  -80,  and  is  covered  by  minute  rounded  protuberances,  similar  to  those  occasionally 
seen  on  hens'  eggs,  but  it  is  of  the  usual  lorm. 

HABITS. 

The  first  time  I  ever  met  with  the  Purple  Martins  in  Florida  was  on  Biscayenne  Bay.  I  was 
rowing  along  the  shore  north  of  Miami,  in  company  with  Mr.  Ilenshaw,  when  we  observed  two 
of  these  birds  flying  about  a  dead  stub  in  the  piny  woods,  which  at  this  point  came  down  to  the 
shore  uninterrupted  by  a  hummock.  This  was  in  April,  and  they  were  evidently  searching  for 
a  breeding  place.  In  May,  1872,  Mr.  E.  C.  Greenwood  found  them  nesting  abundantly  on  the 
western  bank  of  Indian  River,  near  Fort  Capron.  This  style  of  building  appears  to  be  usual 
with  these  birds  while  in  the  wilderness,  but  in  the  more  settled  portions  of  the  South,  as  well  as 
in  the  North,  they  prefer  boxes  erected  for  their  benefit.  Indeed  they  invariably  flock  to  places 
where  such  accommodations  are  provided  for  them  and  avoid  all  others.  The  oll'-pring  of  those 
which  have  inhabited  a  certain  locality  will  also  return  and  take  up  their  abode  there,  so  that  a 
number  of  apartments  in  one  box  will  be  constantly  occupied.  If  other  domiciles  are  erected 
quite  near  the  same  spot  they  will  be  inhabited,  but  it  is  extremely  diflicult  to  induce  these  birds 


72  inn  UNDO  BicoLon. 

to  enter  a  new  house  if  it  stand  a  mile  or  more  from  those  occupied  by  the  colony,  therefore 
they  are  extremely  local  in  their  distribution.  I  know  of  localities  where  Martins  have  bred 
for  years,  while  they  could  never  be  induced  to  remain  in  another  section  which  was  but  a  mile 
distant,  although  I  erected  houses  in  suitable  situations.  They  frequently  appeared  there  in 
spring,  but  after  examining  the  place  and  flying  about  it  for  a  day  or  two,  invariably  returned 
to  the  old  locality.  Although  fond  of  any  particular  spot  they  may  be  easily  driven  from  it. 
If  a  few  birds  are  shot  in  early  spring,  upon  their  arrival,  the  survivors  will  disappear  and 
cannot  be  persuaded  to  reinhabit  the  house  from  which  they  have  been  expelled,  even  after  the 
lapse  of  many  years.  Accidents  occurring,  which  are  detrimental  to  them  although  not  caused 
through  the  agency  of  man,  appear  to  produce  the  same  effect.  Some  years  ago  the  Purple 
Martins,  which  bred  in  many  boxes  in  Cambridge,  arrived  from  the  south  quite  early,  induced  by 
unusually  warm  weather,  and  took  possession  of  their  respective  domiciles,  but  unfortunately 
the  instincts  which  prompted  them  to  come  north  so  soon  were  at  fault,  for  they  were  scarcely 
established  in  their  summer  houses  when  a  prolonged  cold  snap  came  on  and  many  of  the  poor 
Martins  were  frozen  to  death  in  their  houses.  The  remainder  left  at  once  and  there  have  been 
no  birds  of  this  kind  found  nesting  in  that  section  of  Cambridge  since. 

The  Purple  Martin  is  the  only  Swallow  with  which  I  am  acquainted,  that  will  readily  perch 
on  trees  which  are  covered  with  foliage,  alighting  amid  the  leaves  after  the  manner  of  nearly  all 
the  passerine  birds,  but  they  never  hop  from  -twig  to  twig.  The  song  of  the  Martin  is  loud  and 
cheerful ;  in  autumn,  when  they  are  more  generally  distributed  than  at  other  times,  these  clear 
notes  frequently  reach  the  ear  when  the  birds  are  almost  invisible  as  they  sail  high  in  air  with  a 
strong  and  graceful  flight.  Early  in  September,  these  birds  migrate  south,  but  do  not  remain  in 
Florida  all  winter,  and  not  one  is  to  be  seen  in  the  state  after  the  first  of  November. 

HIKUNDO  BICOLOK. 

White-bellied  Swallow. 

Hintndo  bicolor,  VIEJLL.,  Ois.  Am  ,  Sept.  1,  1807,  61. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  somewhat  robust.  Size,  not  large.  Upper  mandible,  considerably  curved.  Feet,  small.  Tail, 
but  slightly  forked.  '  Sternum,  with  the  keel  proportionately  longer  than  in  the  preceding.  Tongue,  horny  and 
triangular,  with  the  end  cleft. 

COLOR.  Adult  in  spring.  Above,  uniform  lustrous  greenish-blue,  with  the  wings  and  tail  brownish.  Beneath, 
including  under  tail  coverts,  pure  white.  Axillaries  and  under  wing  coverts,  slaty,  the  latter  mixed  with  white.  The 
sexes  are  similar,  with  the  exception  that  perhaps  the  female  is  greener  above.  In  winter  the  tertiaries  are  tipped 
with  white. 

The  young  males  also  have  the  tertiaries  tipped  with  white,  besides  not  being  as  bright  above. 

The  young  females  are  smoky-brown  above,  with  a  tinge  of  greenish  and  a  dark  band  across  the  breast. 

Nestlings  of  both  sexes  are  smoky-brown  above ;  white  beneath,  with  a  more  or  less  distinct  band  of  dusky  across 
the  breast;  the  sides  are  also  tinged  with  dusky. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Readily  known  by  the  uniform  color  above  and  below.  Distributed  throughout  the  United  States,  south  into 
Mexico.  Winters  in  the  more  southern  portions. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  thirty-two  specimens.— Length,  5-85;  stretch,  12-45;  wing,  4-55;  tail,  2-25;  bill,  -35; 
tarsus,  -45.  Longest  specimen,  6-25;  greatest  extent  of  wings,  13-35;  longest  wing,  4.93;  tail,  2-50;  bill.  -50;  tarsus, 
•75.  Shortest  specimen,  5-10;  smallest  extent  of  wings,  12-00;  shortest  wing,  4-10;  tail,  1-80;  bill,  -25;-  tarsus,  -40. 

DESCRIPTION   OF   NESTS  AND   ECUS. 

Nests,  placed  in  holes  of  trees,  bird  boxes,  etc. ;  composed  of  dried  grasses  and  lined  with  feathers.  Varying  In 
size  with  the  apartment  in  which  they  are  placed. 

Eggs,  six  in  number,  white  in  color;  form,  from  a  short  oval  to  a  long,  pointed  oval.  Dimensions,  from  -83  x  -55 
to  -63  x  -45. 


SWM.I.OW.  73 


HABITS. 

The  White-bellied  is  the  only  Swallow  that  I  have  ever  seen  in  Florida  during  winter. 
They  are  quite  abundant  there  but  as  they  move  across  the  country  in  large  straggling  flocks 
are  not  often  seen  in  one  locality  for  many  days  in  succession.  While  in  the  state  they  do  not 
utter  a  note,  but  skim  silently  over  the  large  inland  hikes,  or  sail  above  the  almost  limitless 
piny  woods.  In  early  spring  they  leave  for  the  north,  arriving  in  New  England  the  earliest  of 
all  the  Swallows.  Hen-  they  have  a  song  which  is,  however,  not  as  clear  and  warbling  as  that 
of  the  Barn  Swallow  ;  their  flight  is  also  heavier,  neither  do  they  move  as  swiftly.  These  birds 
breed  in  Martin  boxes,  holes  in  out-buildings,  or  in  hollow  s.ubs  ;  while  nesting  in  the  last  named 
situation,  they  usually  choose  a  hole  formed  by  nature,  but  I  found  a  colony  busily  engaged  in 
excavating  domiciles  in  partially  decayed  birch  stubs  which  stood  in  the  waters  of  Lake 
I'mbagog,  Maine.  The  work  was  performed  with  the  bills,  not  after  the  manner  of  Nuthatches, 
Titmice,  etc.,  but  by  simply  breaking  away  small  pieces  of  the  punky  wood  and  removing  them. 

The  White-bellied  Swallows  deposit  their  eggs  during  the  first  week  in  June;  the  young 
leave  the  nests  early  in  July;  after  this  time  they  all  congregate  on  the  seashore  in  vast 
flocks.  During  some  years  the  numbers  which  assemble  in  early  autumn  are  almost 
incredible,  for  I  have  seen  the  air  over  the  broad  marshes  of  Ipswich  so  filled  with  them  that  it 
was  impossible  to  discharge  a  gun  in  any  direction  without  killing  one  or  more.  I  always 
imagined  that  the  great  quantity  of  insects  which  occur  near  the  salt  water  in  the  latter  part  of 
summer,  was  the  cause  of  this  vast  concourse,  until  I  discovered  another  reason.  I  was  walking 
about  the  hills  near  the  coast  one  day  in  August,  when  I  observed  large  numbers  of  White 
bellied  Swallows  hovering  over  some  bayberry  bushes  (Myrica  cerifera),  which  grow  abundantly 
in  this  section.  Curious  to  know  what  the}'  were  doing  I  shot  several,  and  was  much  surprised 
to  find  their  crops  and  stomachs  filled  with  the  aromatic  berries.  This  fruit  is  about  the  size  of 
unground  black  peppers,  and  is  coated  with  a  waxy  substance,  of  which  the  bayberry-tallow  is 
made.  This  was  formerly  used  for  manufacturing  candles;  indeed  it  is  now  employed  for 
this  purpose  in  some  sections  of  the  country.  I  have  since  taken  many  specimens  and  found 
that  it  is  a  confirmed  habit  of  this  species  to  feed  on  the  bayberry.  An  examination  of  the  fruit 
in  the  process  of  digestion  shows  that  only  the  outer  waxy  covering  is  consumed ;  the  inner 
or  harder  portion  being  voided.  It  is  probable  that  this  substance  is  highly  nutritious,  as  the 
birds  become  very  fat  from  feeding  upon  it.  The  great  mass  of  White-bellied  Swallows  depart 
early  in  September,  but  a  few  remain  later  than  any  other  members  of  the  family.  The  last 
straggler,  however,  disappears  by  the  middle  of  the  mouth. 

HIRUNDO  HORREORUM. 

The  Barn  Swallow. 
Hirundo  horreorum  BARTON,  Fragments  N.  II.  I'enna. ;  1799,  17. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.'CH.  Form,  slender.  Size,  not  large.  Bill,  not  stout;  upper  mandible,  straight,  with  the  tips  slightly  curved. 
Feet,  small.  Tail,  long  and  very  deeply  forked;  the  two  outer  feathers  are  considerably  elongated  and  exceedingly 
narrow.  Sternum,  not  slightly  built,  and  precisely  similar  in  form  to  that  of  //.  subis.  Tongue,  rather  fleshy  and 
triangular;  deft  at  the  tip. 

COLOR.  Adult  male,  above,  uniform  steely-blue,  with  the  wings  and  tail  browner.  The  latter  has  a  subtoruiinal 
band  of  yellowish-white  caused  by  spots  upon  the  inner  webs  of  all  the  feathers  excepting  the  two  middle  ones. 
Forehead,  throat  and  upper  part  of  the  breast,  chestnut.  The  remaining  under  portions,  including  under  wing  and 
under  tail  coverts  rich  chestnut-brown.  The  steely-blue  of  the  back  extends  down  the  sides  of  the  upper  portions 
of  the  breast  and  frequently  forms  a  baud  quite  across  it. 

Adult  fi-male,  similar,  but  paler  beneath. 

Young  male,  similar  to  the  adult  female. 

BIRDS  OF  FLORIPA.  10 


74  HIIIUXDO  HOBEEOBVM. 

Young  female,  very  pale  beneath,  becoming  yellowish-white  on  those  parts  which  are  chestnut-brown  on  the 
adult. 

Nestlings  of  both  seres  are  much  duller  above,  Lave  the  frontal  band  narrower  and  are  very  pale  beneath  in 
comparison  with  the  adult,  but  some  female  specimens  are  as  deeply  colored  as  The  year-old  birds  of  the  same  sex. 
In  this  stage,  the  throat  and  upper  portion  of  the  breast  are  frequently  uniform  with  the  other  portions  beneath.  The 
outer  tail  feathers  are  not  as  elongated  nor  as  narrow  at  the  tips ;  these  feathers  being  acquired  after  the  tirst  moult. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Easily  distinguished  from  all  other  North  American  Swallows  by  the  elongated  tail  feathers.  The  intensity  of 
color  beneath  is  extremely  variable;  one  adult  male  now  before  me,  which  was  taken  at  Ipswich,  in  summer,  is  so 
exceedingly  rich  in  color  on  these  portions  tliat  the  lower  breast,  abdomen,  etc.,  are  nearly  as  dark  as  the  throat  and 
tipper  breast.  This  specimen  has  also  concealed  spots  of  chestnut  on  the  feathers  of  the  nape,  back  and  scapularies; 
indications  of  these  spots  occasionally  appear  on  other  specimens,  but  not  to  the  extent  seen  in  this  finely  colored 
bird.  The  blue  band  across  the  breast  is  also  quite  changeable ;  it  is  nearly  always  indicated  in  tlie  adult,  but 
sometimes  it  is  very  plainly  marked.  One  adult  male  taken  at  Ipswich  has  a  band  three-fourths  of  an  inch  wide, 
starting  on  either  side,  dividing  in  the  middle  of  the  breast  and  enclosing  a  spot  of  chestnut  which  contains  some 
blue  feathers.  Distributed  during  the  breeding  season  throughout  the  United  States  and  Canada,  wintering  in  the 
West  Indies  and  Central  America. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  fourteen  specimens. —  Length,  6-89;  stretch,  12-98;  wing,  4-85;  tail,  2-75;  bill, '45; 
tarsus,  -45.  Longest  specimen,  7-60;  greatest  extent  of  wings,  13-00;  longest  wing,  4-85;  tail,  3-19;  bill,  -55;  tarsus, 
•4:8.  Shortest  specimen,  6-35;  smallest  extent  of  wings,  4-66;  shortest  wing,  4-50;  tail,  2-15;  bill,  -40;  tarsus,  -35. 

DESCRIPTION   OF  NESTS   AND   EGGS. 

Nests,  fastened  against  beams,  etc.,  in  barns  and  out-buildings;  composed  of  mud  mixed  with  grasses  and  lined 
with  fine  grasses  and  feathers.  Dimensions:  external  diameter,  5  inches,  internal,  3;  external  depth,  2-50  inches, 
internal,  1-50. 

Eygs,  five  or  six  in  number,  Ion  g-oval  in  form,  rather  pointed ;  pure  white  in  color  spotted  and  blotched 
irregularly  with  reddish-brown  and  lilac. 

HABITS. 

On  some  frosty  morning  in  early  April,  before  the  snow  has  entirely  di sap ppeared,  two  or 
three  Barn  Swallows  may  be  seen  perched  on  the  roof  of  some  out-building,  looking  like  little 
balls,  for  each  feather  stands  at  right  angles  with  the  body  to  prevent  the  ingress  of  the  cold. 
Later  in  the  day  these  few  individuals  may  be  seen  roaming  about  in  the  clear  air ;  then,  after  a 
week  or  so  when  spring  is  fairly  set  in,  hundreds  are  rapidly  pursuing  the  minute  insects  and 
performing  various  rapid  and  elegant  aerial  evolutions.  Of  all  the  members  of  this  family  which 
inhabit  our  country,  the  Barn  Swallows  are  the  most  graceful  and  have  the  most  delightful  song. 
All  through  the  long  summer  days  they  fly  over  the  green  meadows  and  about  the  farmhouse, 
twittering  loudly  and  continuously  with  bubbling,  rippling  notes  which  sound  as  if  the  birds 
were  brimming  over  with  happiness  and  glee.  Darting  through  the  wide  doors  they  fill  the 
capacious  barn  with  their  enchanting  melody  as  they  warble  to  their  mates  who  sit  in  the  snug 
nests,  which  are  neatly  fastened  to  the  strong  beams  overhead.  The  females  peer  out  of  their 
featheMined  structures  and  gaze  quietly  upon  the  farmers  who  are  busily  engaged  in  filling 
the  broad  bins  with  fragrant  new  mown  hay. 

All  this  forms  a  well  known  picture  of  New  England  rustic  life  in  midsummer,  no  feature  of 
which  is  more  prominent  and  enjoyable  than  the  coming  and  going  of  the  Barn  Swallows.  These 
birds  lay  their  eggs  in  early  June,  and  late  in  July  the  young  emerge  from  the  nests  and  perch 
on  fences  or  buildings.  Soon  they  follow  their  parents  through  the  air  and  are  often  fed  by 
them  without  alighting,  the  two  coming  together  breast  to  breast  with  fluttering  wings,  when  the 
offspring  receive  the  supply  of  dipterous  insects  which  the  parent  has  collected  in  its  capacious 
month  ;  then  they  quickly  separate.  As  autumn  approaches,  the  Barn  Swallows  assemble  on 
the  coast  and  spend  a  short  season  flying  over  the  marshes,  but  by  the  first  week  in  September 
depart  for  the  south.  None,  as  far  as  my  knowledge  extends,  winter  in  Florida  or  breed  there, 
but  simply  pass  through  the  state  in  the  spring  and  fall  migrations. 


.vir  n.i.o  if.  75 


HIRUNDO  BIPARIA. 
Bank  Swallow. 

llirundo  ripari'i  I.  INN.,  S\-t.  Nat.,  1,  17C6,  84*. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Size,  small.  Form,  slender.  Upper  mandible,  slightly  arched.  Feet,  not  small  and  provided  with  a 
tuft  of  feathers  which  grow  from  the  heel.  Tail,  moderately  forked.  Sternum,  quite  similar  to  that  of  the  preceding 
species,  but  not  as  stoutly  built.  Tongue,  stout,  not  very  triangular,  horny  aud  quite  acuminate,  with  the  tip  cleft 
but  not  ciliated.  Tluj  nestlings  have  fleshy,  triangular  tongues. 

COI.OK.  Adult.  Above,  band  across  the  breast,  under  wing  coverts  and  sides,  slaty-brown;  with  the  wings 
darker  and  tips  of  the  feather*  of  back  hoary.  The  band  usually  extends  down  lu  a  point  on  the  breast. 
Remaining  under  portions,  pure  white.  The  young  are  similar. 

V.  *rlin>j.*,  with-  a  rufous  washing  above,  on  the  band  of  the  breast,  sides  and  white  of  throat,  which  Is 
occasionally  obscured  by  dusky.  Sexes,  alike.  Irides,  brown.  Bill,  black.  Feet,  brown  In  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Readily  distinguished  from  the  closely  allied  //.  serripennis  by  the  smaller  size  and  white  throat.  The  tuft  of 
feathers  on  the  heel  is  always  present,  but  is  frequently  represented  by  two  or  three  feathers;  there  are,  however, 
many  more  on  others,  and  in  some  young  birds  taken  at  Grand  Menan,  they  extend  with  very  little  Interruption 
along  the  back  of  the  tarsus  quite  to  the  tibial  joint.  Hank  Swallows  are  distributed  throughout  North  America 
during  the  breeding  season,  wintering  in  Mexico  and  the  West  Indies.  They  are  also  found  throughout  the  northern 
section  of  the  Old  World. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  seventeen  specimens.  —  Length,  5-25;  stretch,  10-76;  wing,  3-95;  tall,  1-95;  bill,  -25; 
tarsus,  -45.  Longest  specimen,  5-45;  greatest  extent  of  wings,  irid;  longest  wing,  4-20;  tall,  2-10;  bill,  -28;  tarsus, 
•j'X  Shortest  specimen,  5-00;  smallest  exteut  of  wings,  10-10;  shortest  wing,  3-00;  tail,  1-75;  bill,  -23;  tarsus,  -42. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

V'-y's,  placed  in  holes  formed  in  banks  of  earth,  composed  of  dried  gross,  lined  with  feathers.  They  are  very 
shallow.  Dimensions  :  external  diameter,  5  Inches,  internal,  4;  thickness,  1  Inch. 

Eggs,  from  four  to  six  in  number,  oval  in  form,  and  pure  white  In  color.     Dimensions,  from  -70  x  -45  to  -60  x  -40. 

HABITS. 

Although  Audubon  states  that  the  Bank  Swallow  is  abundant  in  Florida  during  winter,  yet 
I  have  never  seen  it  in  the  state  at  that  season.  It  arrives  about  the  first  of  April,  but  I  have 
not  found  it  at  all  common  and  do  not  think  that  any  ever  remain  to  breed.  These  are  the  last 
of  all  the  Swallows  to  make  their  appearance  in  New  England,  arriving  about  the  middle  of 
May.  They  then  quickly  repair  to  some  sandy  bank  and  begin  to  dig  burrows  in  which  to 
place  their  nests.  They  excavate  the  holes  with  their  feet,  aided  by  their  bills,  and  although 
these  members  are  seemingly  weak  the  birds  manage  to  get  on  quite  rapidly,  often  penetrating 
a  bank  to  the  depth  of  three  or  four  feet  in  a  few  days.  These  birds  are  highly  gregarious  and 
from  five  hundred  to  a  thousand  pairs  may  be  found  breeding  in  a  favorable  locality.  They  are 
quite  numerous  in  the  interior  but  seem  to  have  a  predilection  for  the  coast,  and  will  even  inhabit 
islands;  in  fact  I  found  a  small  colony  nesting  on  a  lonely  islet,  one  of  the  Magdalen  (iroiip, 
called  Shagg  Rock,  which  stands  in  the  midst  of  the  Gulf  of  St.  Lawrence,  more  than  a  hundred 
miles  from  the  mainland.  This  rock  rose  abruptly  from  the  water  to  the  height  of  ninety 
feet,  but  the  top  was  covered  with  soil,  portions  of  which  overhung  the  water,  affording  tin; 
Swallows  a  fine  opportunity  to  build.  The  rocky  face  of  the  cliff  was  inhabited  by  Cormorants  ; 
hundreds  of  Terns,  that  were  breeding  on  the  upper  surface,  hovered  confusedly  about  and  filled 
the  air  with  their  harsh,  continuous  cries,  but  amid  all  this  discord  the  soft  twitter  of  the  Bank 
Swallows  could  be  heard  as  they  flew  quietly  about  their  strangely  chosen  homes. 

Either  this  species  do  not  mate  until  they  begin  to  construct  their  nests  or  else  they  are 


76 

polygamous,  for  it  is  quite  common  to  see  two  or  three  males  in  pursuit  of  a  single  female,  hut 
I  think  the  former  hypothesis  more  probable,  as  both  sexes  incubate.  The  Bank  Swallows 
bring  out  their  young  early  in  July,  and  by  the  latter  part  of  that  month  they  accompany  their 
parents  in  their  aerial  flight  in  search  of  insects;  later,  in  August,  they  all  disappear,  being  the 
first  of  till  the  Swallows  to  depart  for  the  south. 

HIRUNDO  SERRIPENNIS. 
Rough-winged  Swallow. 

Hirundo  serripennis  ADD.,  Orn.  Biog.,  iv,  1838,  593. 

4 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form  quite  robust.  Size,  not  large.  Bill,  medium,  and  slightly  curved  at  tip  of  upper  mandible.  Feet 
not  as  large  as  in  the  preceding.  Tail,  slightly  forked.  The  outer  webs  of  the  outer  primaries  provided  with  hooks, 
which  curve  forward. 

COLOR.  Adult,  above,  uniform,  smoky-brown.  Chin,  throat,  under  wing  coverts,  axillaries,  sides  and  flanks, 
pale  smoky-broT\n.  Remaining  under  parts,  including  under  tail  coverts,  white. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

This  species  is  larger  than  H.  riparia  ;  it  also  differs  from  it  in  having  no  feathers  on  the  heel,  but  is  provided 
with  sharp  hooks  on  the  outer  webs  of  the  outer  primaries.  These  appendages  are  more  prominent  near  the  middle 
of  the  feather,  being  scarcely  perceptible  at  the  base,  then  grow  larger,  reaching  the  maximum  in  the  centre, 
gradually  diminish  toward  the  terminal  portion,  until  the  extreme  tip  is  perfectly  devoid  of  them.  Bank  Swallows 
occasionally  have  indications  of  this  singular  character,  especially  young  birds.  This  is  readily  seen  by  comparing 
the  outer  primary  web  of  some  which  I  now  have  before  me,  with  that  portion  of  the  wing  of  H.  serripennis  where 
the  hooks  are  nearly  obsolete.  I  have  never  seen  a  nestling  of  H.  serripennis,  but  the  hooks  are  said  to  be  less 
prominent  on  their  wings.  Neither  have  I  seen  the  tongue  or  sternum,  but  think  they  will  not  differ  essentially  from 
H.  riparia.  The  specimen  which  I  have  described  was  kindly  loaned  me  by  Mr.  Brewster.  Distributed,  during  the 
breeding  season,  throughout  the  United  States  exclusive  of  New  England.  Winters  in  South  America. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Measurements  of  Mr.  Brewster's  two  specimens,  taken  from  the  skin  : — No.  1 ;  length,  5-00;  wing,  4-25;  tail,  2-15; 
bill,  -25;  tarsus,  -40.  No.  2;  length,  5-00;  wing,  4-45;  tail,  1-85;  bill,  -2C;  tarsus,  -41. 

DESCRIPTION   OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Xests.  The  following  description  of  the  nests  was  kindly  given  by  Mr.  Ridgway.  Flat,  or  ladle-shaped,  with 
only  a  slight  depression.  Composed  of  coarse  grasses  and  roots,  the  lining  consisting  of  grass  blades. 

Eggs,  four  in  number,  rather  long  and  pointed  in  form,  pure  white  in  color.  Dimensions  of  two  specimens  in 
Mr.  Brewster's  cabin4ft,  -70x-55  and  -65x-50. 

HABITS. 

The  quaint  and  ancient  city  of  St.  Augustine  is  situated  on  an  arm  of  the  ocean ; 
consequently  it  is  necessary  to  protect  the  lower  section  by  a  sea-wall,  which  extends  the  entire 
length  of  the  town.  This  wall,  being  broad  upon  the  top,  is  used  as  a  promenade  by  the 
inhabitants.  While  sauntering  along  this  walk  one  day  in  April,  I  observed  some  Swallows 
alighting  in  front  of  me.  I  saw  at  once  that  they  were  a  species  which  I  had  never  seen  before, 
but  a  closer  view  proved  them  to  be  Rough- winged  Swallows.  At  first  there  were  only  four  or 
five  to  be  seen,  but  in  a  few  days  there  were  quite  a  number  flying  about  the  place.  This  is  the 
only  time  I  ever  met  with  this  species  living,  and  I  have  never  found  it  breeding  in  the  state  ; 
but  having  met  Mr.  Allen,  in  Jacksonville,  a  few  weeks  later  the  same  season,  he  informed 
me  that  he  found  a  small  colony  evidently  about  to  breed  on  some  bluffs  along  the  St.  John's 
river  not  far  from  the  mouth.  This  species  is  said  to  breed  in  holes  in  buildings,  under 
bridges,  etc.  Mr.  Ridgway,  writing  to  me  of  them,  says,  "In  southern  Illinois  they  nest  in 
communities  in  company  with  H.  riparia,  occupying  adjoining  holes  and  having  entirely  the 
same  habits,  but  are  much  more  numerous  there  than  the  common  Bank  Swallow." 


• 


'•/..VMS  BIRD.  77 


FAMILY  X.     AMPELHXE.     THE  CHATTERERS. 

Bated  mainly  upon  the  single  genus  Ampelis,  the  characters  are  as  follows:  Bill,  short  and  triangular;  gape,  wide, 
nearly  as  much  so  as  in  the  Ilirundinidtr.  Wings,  quite  long.  Tail,  square  and  nut  emarginate..  Sternum,  quite  similar 
to  that  of  tht  preceding  family.  The  expansion  of  the  furcula  does  not  approach  the  keel  nearly  as  closely,  however,  and 
the  tip  i  if  ttir  ki  tl  is  not  as  pointed,  neither  does  it  project  as  far  forward.  Marginal  indentations  of  Ampelidat  are  deeper 
than  those  of  the  .ViriiMurs,  and  the  coracoid  bones  are  not  set  on  at  such  a  wide  angle. 

A  peculiar  family,  whose  proper  place  in  the  systematlst's  catalogue  is  at  present  doubtful. 


GENUS   I.     AMPELIS.     THE   WAXW1NGS. 

GEN.  Cn.  Head,  crested.  Plumage,  soft,  silky,  and  well  blended.  Tipsof  secondaries,  provided  with  a  horny  expansion, 
which  rrsemiili-s  ml  M  iiliny-irar.  MiTiittl  characters,  as  described  above. 

Tliis  is  a  singular  genus  which  should,  judging  from  the  anatomical  and  osteologlcal  characters,  be  placed  quite 
near  thr  order  <'ln>nntorea.  Still  the  sterna  very  closely  resemble  those  of  llirundinida:.  This  latter  named  family 
cannot  be  «.-i>nsiili -n -<\  as  clamatorial  birds,  but  they  are  now  in  my  opinion  placed  much  farther  from  this  order 
(Clumatureg')  than  is  consistent  with  certain  characters  exhibited  in  the  sterna  which  will  be  mentioned  at  some 
future  time. 

AMPELIS   CEDRORUM. 

Cedar  Bird. 
Ampelis  cedrorum  SCLATEB,  P.  Z.  S.,  1856,  299  (Cordova). 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  robust.  Size,  medium.  Bill,  not  large.  Sternum,  quite  stoutly  built.  Tongue,  triangular, 
with  the  base  llesliy,  but  becoming  thin  and  horny,  the  tip  being  bifid  and  provided  with  coarse  cilia. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Top  of  head  and  crest,  deep  brown,  which  gradually  but  imperceptibly  changes  along  the  back 
into  the  slaty  of  the  upper  tail  coverts  and  top  of  tail,  which  is  tipped  with  yellow.  Wings,  with  the  exposed 
portions,  excepting  the  tips  of  primaries,  slaty ;  remaining  parts,  dark  brown.  Chin,  deep  chocolate,  gradually 
changing  along  the  under  parts  into  the  pale  yellow  of  the  abdomen.  Under  wing  coverts  and  axillarics, 
smoky-brown.  Under  tail  coverts,  dirty-white.  Secondaries,  and  occasionally  the  tail,  tipped  with  the  red  horny 
expansion  of  the  shaft  of  the  feathers. 

Young  birds  are  paler  and  generally  lack  the  red  tips  of  the  wings.  The  yellow  marking  of  the  tall  is  also 
narrower. 

Xestlinys  are  not  only  quite  slaty,  but  are  streaked  longitudinally  underneath  with  dusky.  Sexes,  similar.  Irides, 
brown.  Bill  and  feet,  black  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

The  well  known  Cedar  Bird  may  readily  be  distinguished  from  Ampelis  garrula  by  the  smaller  size,  white  under 
tail  coverts  and  absence  of  white  markings  on  the  wings,  but  in  regard  to  this  latter  character  It  may  be  well  to 
state  that  rarely  specimens  of  A.  cedrorum  may  be  found,  with  longitudinal  stripes  of  white  on  the  tips  of  the 
primaries,  although  I  never  saw  any  indications  of  a  white  bar  upon  the  wings.  The  young  generally  lack  the  red 
tippings  of  the  secondaries,  yet  I  have  seen  nestlings  which  were  provided  with  them  on  both  wings  and  tail.  The 
proportion  of  adults  which  have  red  tipped  tails  is,  as  far  as  I  have  observed,  about  one  per  cent.,  while  those  with 
white  markings  on  the  wings  are  much  rarer.  Some  localities  appear  to  produce  many  specimens  in  both  of  these 
conditions,  whereas  they  are  scarcely  to  be  found  in  others.  I  have  collected  quite  a  number  thus  marked  about 
Newton.  Mass.,  yet  I  never  found  a  single  specimen  at  Ipswich.  I  can  find  no  difference  between  individuals  taken 
in  Florida  and  those  taken  in  New  England,  excepting  that  I  never  saw  one  from  the  former  locality  which  hail  I  lie 
red  tippings,  and  I  have  taken  a  considerable  number  there.  Distributed  as  a  resident  species  or  an  irregular 
migrant  throughout  North  America  north  to  Hudson's  Bay. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  thirty-two  specimens.  Length,  7-20;  stretch,  ll'GS;  wing,  2-75;  tail,  2-25;  bill,  -42; 
tarsus,  -f>5.  Longest  specimen,  7-50;  greatest  extent'of  wings,  12-25;  longest  wing,  4-00;  tall,  2-75;  bill,  -45; 
tarsus,  -70.  Shortest  specimen,  6-75;  smallest  extent  of  wings,  11-00;  shortest  wing,  3-60;  tail,  2-00;  bill, -27; 
tarsus,  -L'J. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Xests,  composed  of  cedar  hark,  fibrous  roots  and  dried  grasses,  lined  with  finer  roots  or  grasses.  Dimensions  : 
external  diameter,  4  inches,  internal,  3;  external  depth,  3  inches,  internal,  2-50. 


78  VIREO   OLIVACEUS. 

Eggs,  oval  in  form,  bluish- white  in  color,  with  the  larger  ends  covered  with  round  spots  of  black;  there  are  also 
spots  showing  beneath  the  surface.  The  smaller  ends  are  occasionally  marked  with  black.  Dimensions,  from 
•90  x  -65  to  -80  x  60. 

HABITS. 

The  singular  lisping  notes  of  the  Cedar  Bird  may  be  heard  during  winter  almost  anywhere  in 
Florida  north  of  Lake  Monroe.  They  move  in  large  flocks  here  as  is  their  custom  elsewhere, 
but  mainly  frequent  open  places  near  settlements.  As  their  food  at  that  time  consists  mostly  of 
insects,  they  doubtless  find  a  large  supply  in  those  localities.  I  do  not  think  they  breed  in  the 
state  but  linger  until  May,  when  they  go  farther  north.  The  migrating  movements  of  this 
species  in  eastern  Massachusetts  are  quite  singular.  In  May,  when  the  apple  trees  are  in  bloom, 
they  appear  in  great  numbers  and  subsist  upon  the  larvte  of  various  species  of  Lepidoptera, 
which  infest  these  trees,  occasionally  interlarding  their  repast  with  the  petals  and  stamens  of  the 
blossoms.  About  the  middle  of  June,  they  build  their  nests,  the  young  are  out  in  July,  and 
later  may  be  seen  iu  company  with  their  parents  chasing  insects.  They  are  especially  abundant 
at  this  time  in  the  vicinity  of  bodies  of  fresh  water,  and  will  often  alight  upon  lily-leaves  and 
other  aquatic  plants,  in  order  to  secure  their  prey ;  or  will  take  their  food  by  plunging 
downward  from  a  limb  which  overhangs  the  water  and  hovering  for  a  moment  over  the  surface. 
By  the  first  of  September,  they  are  gone  and  we  seldom  see  them  again  until  the  following 
February,  then  when  the  cedar  and  savin  berries  are  fully  ripe,  they  appear  iu  immense  flocks 
and  feed  upon  them.  They  will  then  also  eat  largely  of  the  fruit  of  the  mountain  ash  and 
asparagus.  By  the  middle  of  March,  they  once  more  disappear  and  we  do  not  see  them  again 
until  the  following  June.  These  birds  usually  place  their  nests  on  the  limbs  of  apple  trees  or 
in  their  favorite  cedars.  The  parents  are  very  solicitous  for  the  safety  of  their  eggs  or  young, 
and  will  alight  quite  near  the  intruder,  continually  uttering  their  sharp  hissing  notes.  While 
incubating  they  pay  very  little  attention  to  the  presence  of  man ;  indeed  I  once  knew  a  pair  that 
constructed  their  nest  iu  a  small  red  cedar,  which  stood  near  a  path  along  which  many  people 
were  constantly  passing,  yet  the  female  kept  her  place  although  the  heads  of  pedestrians  came 
within  two  or  three  feet  of  her ;  in  fact  she  became  so  accustomed  to  all  this  bustle  that  it  was 
only  by  endeavoring  to  take  her  iu  the  hand  that  she  could  be  induced  to  fly. 


FAMILY   XI.     VIREONID^].     THE  VIREOS.     . 

Bill,  not  wide  at  base  nor  deeply  cleft;  but  curved  and  notched  at  tip.  Coracoid  bones,  nearly  equal  in  length  to  the 
top  of  the  keel.  Keel,  moderately  high,  equaling  in  length  one-half  the  width  of  sternum. 

These  are  birds  of  plain  markings,  being  greenish  above  and  yellow  or  white  beneath;  but,  like  many  species 
with  inconspicuous  plumage,  they  are  fine  songsters. 


GENUS  I.     VIREO.     THE  GREENLETS. 
GEN.  CH.     Sternal  characters  as  given  abore.     Wings,  long.     Tail,  moderate.     Sill,  shorter  than  the  head. 

VIREO  OLIVACEUS. 
Red-eyed  Vireo. 

Vireo  olivacevs  VIEILL.,  Bon.,  Obs.  Wils. ;  1826,  124. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  rather  slender.  Size,  moderate.  Sternum,  not  stoutly  built.  Tongue,  thin  and  horny,  deeply 
cleft  at  the  end,  with  the  extreme  tip  provided  with  minute  cilia.  In  young  birds  the  tongue  is  not  as  deeply  cleft, 
and  the  cilia  extend  along  the  sides. 

COLOR.    Adult  male.    Above,  olivaceous-green,  with  the  wing  and  tail,  excepting  on  the  outer  web,  which  is 


RED-EYED  VIREO.  7!> 

like  the  back,  dark  brown.     Top  of  head,  slaty-blue.    Superciliary  stripe,  dirty  white,  preceded  above  by  a  narrow 
line  of  black.     A  dusky  line  extends  from  the  base  of  the  bill,  through  tin-  eye,  to  some  distance  behind  It.     Under 
parts,  pure  white,  with  tin-  sides.  Hanks,  under  wing  coverts,  axillaries  and  under  tail  coverts,  greenish.     Irides,  red. 
Ailii''  ">"l  i/oitnij  in  nl!  fiiiijfs,  similar,  but   paler,  with  the  black  markings  about  tlie  head  often  nearly 

obsolete.     The  irides  are  quite  brown,  especially  in  the  young.     In  all  stages  the  bill  is  dark  brown  on  the  upper 
mandible,  and  bluish  on  the  lower.     The  feet  are  blue. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Hcadily  known  from  all  other  Vireos  by  the  slaty-blue  head,  accompanied  by  the  white  and  black  superciliary 
line.  At  one  time  I  was  inclined  to  consider  the  1'.  brirbatula  as  a  valid  species,  but  after  carefully  studying 
southern-born  Vireos  and  comparing  them  with  more  northern  specimens  of  the  same  species,  find  there  Is  but  one 
character  upon  which  l.ur/'i'tiil'i  can  lie  consistently  ha^ed  ;  this  is  tin-  dusky  maxillary  stripe,  which,  in  the  specimen 
before  me.  taken  in  Oiba  and  kindly  loaned  me  by  the  Smithsonian  Institute,  is  barely  perceptible.  The  size  of  the 
bill  is  nothing  more  than  might  be  expected  from  its  southern  range.  In  fact  I  have  skins  of  V.  Xoveboracensis, 
from  Key  West,  where  they  were  evidently  resident,  that  exhibit  as  great  proportional  differences  In  length.  The 
under  mandibles  of  these  are  considerably  swollen,  giving  the  bills  a  wider  appearance;  the  tips  are  also  elongated. 
These  peculiarities  are  what  give  the  barbatuln  its  large  bill.  Southern  Xoreboractnsis  are  rather  more  dusky  than 
those  from  the  North,  but  as  there  are  no  indications  of  a  maxillary  line  this  duskiness  may  not  take  that  form.  I 
have  never  seen  any  northern  \'.  olivaceus  with  any  dusky  maxillary  lines,  or  any  approach  to  one,  yet  I  think  could 
birds  be  taken  breeding  in  intermediate  localities  they  would  exhibit  traces  of  it,  thereby  forming  the  connecting 
links.  Although  I  am  now  inclined  to  consider  barbatula  and  olivaceus  as  one  species,  I  have  scarcely  seen  enough 
of  the  former,  or  a  sntlicient  series  of  the  latter  from  more  southern  localities,  to  render  this  decision  Una);  but  as 
the  two,  if  really  separate,  must  closely  agree  in  habit,  choose  to  consider  them  as  one  for  the  present.  Distributed 
during  summer  throughout  eastern  North  America  west  to  the  Rocky  Mountains,  wintering  in  the  West  Indies  and 
South  America. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurement  of  sixteen  specimens.  Length,  6-25;  stretch,  10-10;  wing,  8-25;  tail,  2-25;  bill,  -53; 
tarsus.  -i;;l.  Longest  specimen,  G-50;  greatest  extent  of  wings,  10-05 ;  longest  wing,  3-48;  tail,  3-00;  bill,  -65;  tarsus, 
•f.5.  Shortest  specimen,  G'OO;  smallest  extent  of  wiugs,  9-88;  shortest  wing,  3-20;  tail,  2-10;  bill,  -GG;  tarsus,  -GO. 

DESCRIPTION   OF   NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

•x,  pensile,  placed  in  trees  or  bushes.  Composed  of  strips  of  bark  or  dried  grasses,  while  the  whole  Is 
neatly  overlaid  with  cobwebs;  lined  with  finer  grasses.  Dimensions:  external  diameter,  3  inches,  internal,  2; 
external  depth.  2.  internal,  1-50. 

/.;/!/«.  four  in  number,  oval  in  form,  pure  white  in  color,  spotted  rather  sparsely  with  deep  umber.  Dimensions, 
from  -85  x  CO  to  -80  X  -55. 

HABITS. 

Throughout  the  entire  extent  of  New  England,  even  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  the  larger 
cities,  are  patches  of  woodbind  of  varied  extent,  and  many  of  them  are  composed  of  ancient  trees 
which  once  partly  formed  the  vast  primeval  forest  that  in  former  times  overspread  the  land. 
It  is  very  pleasant  in  summer  to  wander  beneath  the  shades  of  these  sylvan  patriarchs;  for,  uo 
matter  how  brightly  Ihe  sun  may  he  shining  upon  the  broad  open  Holds  and  meadows,  the  moment 
we  enter  the  woods  we  seem  transported  to  another  sphere.  Without,  the  air  is  hot  and  dry  ; 
now,  a  cool,  refreshing  breeze  sweeps  through  the  dimly  lighted  vistas,  slightly  moving  the 
ferns  which  <rrow  at  the  bases  of  the  gigantic  trunks  that  stretch  their  arms  high  overhead, 
where  the  deep  green  foliage  sweeps  to  and  fro  disclosing  glimpses  of  the  blue  sk}'.  A  murmur 
pervades  the  air,  caused  by  the  rustling  leaves,  the  hum  of  insects  and  the  songs  of  birds.  The 
experienced  ear  at  once  detects  the  notes  of  the  various  Thrushes  and  those  of  other  species,  but 
the  last  one  noticed  will  be  that  of  the  Red-eyed  Vireo.  There  may  be  several  of  these  birds 
singing  nt  one  time  quite  near,  yet  so  nearly  do  the  gently  given  lays  accord  with  the  general 
harmoiiv  around,  that  they  mingle  with  the  whole  and  are  not  observed,  but  when  a  Vireo  that 
has  been  continually  singing  pauses  for  a  moment,  its  voice  is  missed  and  one  is  apt  to  notice 
when  it  commences  again. 

When  the  attention  is  attracted  and  one  wishes  to  see  the  author  of  these  melodious  strains, 
it  is  exceedingly  difficult  to  catch  .-ight  of  the  little  green-backed  birds  for  they  generally  remain 


80  VIBEO   NOVEBORACENSIS. 

high  in  the  tree  tops,  where  their  leisurely  movements  correspond  with  their  slowly  given  song. 
Although  the  Red-eyed  Vireos  are  generally  found  at  such  an  elevation,  yet 'they  often  place 
their  nests  quite  near  the  ground.  They  usually  select  a  swaying  oak  or  maple  and  build  their 
pensile  nests  in  the  forks  of  slender  boughs.  During  this  time,  and  in  fact  throughout  the  entire 
breeding  season,  both  birds  keep  together,  exhibiting  considerable  solicitude  for  each  other's 
safety.  If  one  is  shot  and  falls  to  the  ground  the  survivor  alights  near  it  and  evinces  intense 
sorrow  by  every  note  and  action.  These  Vireos  continue  to  sing  until  the  middle  of  September, 
but  do  not  give  the  full  song  after  July.  By  the  first  of  October,  they  depart  for  the  south.  I 
have  never  met  with  this  species  in  Florida,  but  Mr.  Boardinan  has  seen  it  upon  one  or  two 
occasions.  I  have  never  up  to  the  present  time  met  with  the  singular  West  Indian  form,  but 
judge  from  all  accounts  that  it  has  similar  habits  to  its  northern  representative. 

VIREO    NOVEBORACENSIS. 
White-eyed  Vireo. 

.  Vireo  Noveboracensii  BON.,  Obs.,  Wils. ;  1825. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Form,  quite  robust.  Size,  rather  small.  Tongue,  thin,  horny,  but  not  very  acuminate  and  slightly  cleft  at  tip; 
but  in  the  single  specimen  before  me,  taken  from  an  adult  bird,  there  is  not  the  slightest  appearance  of  any  cilia; 
they  would,  however,  quite  likely  be  present  in  younger  specimens. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Uniform  yellowish-green;  brightest  on  the  forehead.  Wings  and  tail  brownish,  edged  with 
same  color  as  that  of  the  back.  Greater  and  lesser  wing  coverts,  tipped  with  white,  forming  bars.  The  outer  webs 
of  the  tertiaries  are  edged  with  white  and  the  wings  are  lined  with  it.  Stripe  at  base  of  bill,  ring  around  the  eye, 
sides,  flanks,  under  tail  coverts,  under  wing  coverts  and  axillaries  greenish-yellow.  Remaining  under  portions, 
white.  Irides,  white. 

Young  and  nestlings,  similar  to  the  adult  but  paler,  and  with  a  suffusion  of  slaty  above.  The  white  markings  on 
the  wings  are  also  more  extended.  In  these  stages  the  irides  are  yellowish.  Sexes,  similar.  In  all  stages  the  bill 
is  dark  brown  on  the  upper  mandible,  bluish  on  the  lower,  and  the  feet  are  blue. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Readily  known  by  the  uniform  greenish-yellow  above,  accompanied  by  the  bars  on  the  wings  and  the  white 
irides.  Specimens  from  Florida  which  breed  there  are,  as  remarked  under  head  of  V.  olivaceus,  rather  more  dusky 
and  have  larger  bills.  Distributed  during  the  breeding  season  from  the  Rocky  Mountains  to  the  Atlantic,  north 
to  Maine. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  four  specimens.  Length,  5-25;  stretch,  8-25;  wing,  2-45:  tail,  205;  bill,  -45;  tarsus, 
•75.  Longest  specimen,  5-50;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  8-45;  longest  wing,  2-55;  tail,  2-10;  bill,  -50;  tarsus,  -80. 
Shortest  specimen,  5-00;  smallest  extent  of  wings,  7-50;  shortest  wing,  2-40;  tail,  2-00;  bill,  -40;  tarsus,  -70. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  peusile,  placed  on  low  bushes.  The  following  description  is  taken  from  a  nest  found  in  Florida,  May  8, 
1872.  Composed  of  fragments  of  palmetto  fronds,  leaves  and  Spanish  moss,  fastened  together  with  spider's  webs 
and  lined  with  flue  grasses.  External  diameter,  3  inches,  internal,  1-75;  external  depth,  2-50  inches,  internal,  1-75. 

Eggs,  four  in  number,  oval  in  form,  pure  white  in  color,  spotted  very  sparsely  with  minute  dots,  more  numerous 
on  the  larger  ends.  Dimensions,  from  -75  x  -55  to  -70  x  -50. 

HABITS. 

We  landed  on  Key  West  one  sultry  day,  about  noon,  and  after  resting  two  or  three  hours,  I 
wandered  out  to  the  borders  of  the  town.  I  had  scarcely  entered  the  tangled  thicket  which  skirts 
the  eastern  side  of  the  cultivated  district,  when  I  heard  the  peculiar  notes  of  the  White-eyed 
Vireo.  They  were  quite  abundant  there,  as  indeed  they  are  in  every  swampy  undergrowth 
throughout  Florida,  from  the  Keys  northward,  and  strangely  enough  they  sing  during  the  entire 
winter  in  all  these  localities.  Many  of  them  appear  to  be  constant  residents  here  and  breed  about 


SOLITARY  VlltKO.     BLUK   ///•:.!  Itl-'.n    VIREO.  81 

the  first  of  May.  Although  quite  generally  distributed  in  this  section,  they  are  rather  local  in 
Xe\v  England,  being  exceedingly  rare  in  .some  localities,  while  commonly  found  in  others.  In 
the  North  as  in  the  South  these  birds  are  found  in  close  swampy  thickets,  where  they  may  be  at 
once  detected  by  their  singular  note.  Mr.  Philip  II.  Gosse,  in  his  "Birds  of  Jamaica,"  says  that 
the  song  of  the  "Whip  Tom  Kelly"  (  I".  Ixtrlin(ula)  does  not  in  the  least  resemble  the  syllables 
of  which  its  name  is  composed  ;  I  have  thought  that  perhaps  the  originator  of  the  name  heard 
the  White-eyed  Vireo,  while  he  had  the  b  n-!>  I'nln  in  mind,  for  the  song  of  Noveboracensis  quite 
closely  resembles  these  words  pronounced  with  a  decided  accent  on  the  "Kelly."  Besides  these' 
notes  they  emit  a  querulous  one  of  alarm  or  annoyance  when  intruded  upon.  'These  birds  nest 
in  Massachusetts  in  June,  bring  out  their  young  in  July,  and  depart  south  early  in  autumn. 

VIREO    SOLITARIUS. 

Solitary  Vireo.    Blue-headed  Vireo. 

Vireo  solilarius  VIEILI,.,  Nouv.  Diet.,  xi ;  1817. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Si-.  Cit.  Form,  robust.  Si/.e,  medium.  Bill,  quite  short.  Sternum,  rather  strongly  built.  Tongue,  thin, 
horny,  rather  acuminate;  tip,  quite  deeply  cleft  and  provided  with  cilia  which  extend  along  the  sides  for  a  short 
distance. 

COLOK.  Ailnlt.  Above,  very  dark  olivaceous-green,  with  the  wings  and  tail  dark  brown  edged  with  greenish. 
Win;;  coverts,  tipped  with  white.  forming  bars.  The  outer  webs  of  the  tertiaries,  outer  and  inner  webs  of  outer  tail 
feathers  and  inner  webs  of  many  others  are  also  edged  with  it.  Top  and  sides  of  head,  dark  slaty-blue.  Under  wing 
coverts,  axillarics.  sides  ami  11  inks,  yellowish-green.  Line  from  bill  to  eye,  ring  around  the  latter  and  under  parts, 
including  under  tail  coverts,  pure  white. 

Young  and  ntstliii'j*.  paler.  The  green  of  the  back  is  obscured  with  dusky,  and  the  top  of  the  head  with 
greenish.  Tin;  white  of  the  wings  and  tail  is  rather  more  extended.  The  under  parts  are  also  washed  with 
greenish.  Sexes,  similar.  Irides,  brdwn.  Bill,  dark  brown  on  the  upper  mandible,  bluish  on  the  lower.  Feet,  blue 
in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Easily  known  by  the  conspicuous  blue  head  and  white  ring  around  the  eye.  This  latter  character  Is  quite 
variable,  being  larger  in  some  specimens  than  in  others.  Northern  United  States  during  the  breeding  season; 
winters  in  more  southern  sections. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  six  specimens.  Length,  5-55;  stretch,  9-20;  wing,  3'00;  tail,  2-20;  bill,  -45;  tarsus, 
•7t.  I.onire^r  specimen,  6-00;  greatest  extent  of  wings,  9-75 ;  longest  wing,  3-30;  tail,  2-40;  bill,  -49;  tarsus,  -78. 
Shortest  specimen,  5-00;  smallest  extent  of  wings,  8-35;  shortest  wing,  2-80;  tail,  1'94;  bill,  -40;  tarsus,  -70. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

\>-*t.  A  specimen  found  by  Mr.  Brewster  about  ten  feet  from  the  ground  in  an  oak  was  composed  of  fibrous 
bark  covered  with  that  of  birch;  lined  with  pine  leaves.  Dimensions:  external  diameter,  3  inches,  internal,  2; 
external  depth,  2  inches,  internal,  1-50. 

Eggs,  from  Mr.  Brewster's  nest,  four  in  number,  oval  in  form,  pure  white  in  color,  sparsely  spotted  with  black. 
Dimensions,  from  -78  x-  55  to  -80  x  -57.  Mr.  Brewster  thinks  the  eggs  of  this  species  are  apt  to  be  rounder  than  those 
of  other  Vireos. 

HABITS. 

The  solitary  Vireos  are  quite  abundant  in  the  hummocks  of  the  more  northern  sections  of 
Florida,  and  although  seldom  seen  in  the  piny  woods  of  these  parts,  I  never  found  them  elsewhere 
in  the  vicinity  of  Miami.  They  usually  accompany  the  various  species  of  Warblers  and  are 
always  silent.  They  migrate  northward  quite  early  in  spring,  being  the  first  of  the  family  which 
appear  in  Xew  England,  for  they  are  often  seen  during  the  latter  part  of  April.  Here  they  are 
no  longer  noiseless,  but  make  the  woods  ring  with  their  loud  and  often  repeated  song.  These 
birds  are  truly  a  sylvan  species,  seldom  being  found,  while  in  the  north,  out  of  the  thick  groves. 

BIRDS  OF  FLORIDA.  11 


82  COLLURIO  LUDOVICIANUS. 

They  are  also,  as  their  name  implies,  solitary,  for  it  is  difficult  to  find  more  than  a  single  pair  in 
any  one  locality  at  a  given  time.  Although  some  remain  to  breed  in  Massachusetts,  yet  the 
majority  pass  on  farther  north.  The  nests,  like  those  of  the  Red-eyed  Vireos,  are  placed  in  the 
fork  of  a  swaying  limb.  While  breeding  the  birds  are  quite  attached  to  each  other  and  if  one 
is  killed  the  other  will  remain  near  the  spot  for  a  considerable  length  of  time.  This  species 
migrates  late  in  September,  reaching  Florida  in  early  November. 


FAMILY  XII.     LANIID^E.     THE  SHRIKES. 

Bill,  short,  stout ;  upper  mandible  strongly  curved  and  deeply  notched.  Sternum,  almost  precisely  similar  in  form  to 
that  of  the  Vireonidte.  Wings,  proportionately  short  and  rounded.  Tail,  long  and  also  rounded. 

Although  the  sternum  of  this  family  closely  resembles  that  of  the  preceding,  showing  their  affinity,  yet  all 
of  our  species  may  readily  be  distinguished  from  the  Vireontdw  by  the  more  strongly  curved  and  deeply  notched 
bill.  The  wings  are  proportionately  shorter  and  the  tail  longer. 

GENUS  I.     COLLURIO.    THE  BUTCHER  BIRDS. 

GEN.  Cn.  Bluish  or  brownish- ash  above;  beneath,  white,  banded  with  black,  in  some  stages.  Wings  and  tail  marked 
with  black  and  white.  Other  characters  as  given  above. 

The  peculiar  bills  of  these  birds  give  them  a  hawk-like  aspect,  yet  their  other  anatomical  and  osteological 
features  are  those  of  the  passerine  birds,  while  their  well  executed  songs  proclaim  them  to  be  true  Osciues. 

COLLURIO  LUDOVICIANUS. 
Loggerhead  Shrike. 

Collurio  Ludovicianus  BAIRD,  Review  of  American  Birds,  1866,  443. 
Collurio  excubitoroides  BAIHD,  Review  of  American  Birds,  186G,  445. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  robust.  Size,  medium.  Sternum,  stoutly  built.  Tongue,  thin,  horny  and  acuminate;  with 
the  end  bifid  and  provided  with  cilia,  which  in  young  specimens  extend  along  the  sides. 

COLOU.  Adult.  Above,  slaty-blue,  darkest  on  the  head  and  lightest  on  the  rump,  which  in  some  specimens 
becomes  nearly  white.  Line  on  the  forehead,  stripe  extending  through  the  eye  and  down  on  the  neck,  wings,  and 
tail,  black.  Outer  webs  of  tertiaries,  tips  of  secondaries,  basal  third  of  primaries,  terminal  band  on  all,  excepting 
the  two  central  tail  feathers  and  under  portions  of  body,  including  under  tail  coverts,  white.  Sides,  flanks,  axillaries 
and  under  wing  coverts,  bluish-ash. 

Young,  similar,  but  browner  above  and  obscurely  barred  below  with  dusky,  especially  on  the  breast. 

Nestlings  differ  in  having  the  two  central  as  well  as  the  other  tail  feathers  tipped  with  white.  The  white 
on  the  secondaries  is  marked  with  yellowish,  while  there  are  indications  of  yellowish  barrings  above  the  terminal 
markings.  Both  rows  of  upper  wing  coverts  are  finely  barred  With  yellowish-white.  The  remaining  upper  and 
entire  lower  parts,  excepting  the  throat  and  abdomen,  crossed  with  fine  wavy  lines  of  dusky. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Only  known  from  the  closely  allied  C.borealis  by  the  smaller  size  and  continuous  line  over  the  forehead; 
otherwise  the  markings  of  these  two  species  in  adult  and  nestling  plumage  are  very  similar.  The  young  of  the 
northern  species  are  browner  above  than  the  same  stage  of  Ludovicianus  and  the  dusky  lines  below  are  much  more 
prominent.  The  whiter  rump  and  upper  tail  coverts,  together  with  other  minor  differences  exhibited  by  specimens 
of  this  species  taken  west,  are  too  slight  characters  upon  which  to  base  a  species,  especially  when  specimens  are 
constantly  found  that  form  a  perfect  chain  of  gradation  between  the  two  varieties.  Therefore  I  have  not  hesitated 
to  place  the  name  excubitoroides  as  a  synonyme  of  Ludovicianus.  Distributed  as  a  resident  and  partly  migratory 
species  throughout  Southern  and  Central  United  States,  straggling  to  Mass.  (H.  A.  Purdie.) 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  seven  specimens.  Length,  9-20;  stretch,  12-35;  wing,  3-85;  tail,  3-90;  bill,  -70; 
tarsus,  1-05.  Longest  specimen,  9-50;  greatest  extent  of  wings,  13-20;  longest  wing,  3-90;  tail,  4-00;  bill,  -75; 
tarsus,  1-20.  Shortest  specimen,  8.75;  smallest  extent  of  wings,  12-25;  shortest  wing,  3-75;  tail,  3-75;  bill,  -65; 
tarsus,  -95. 


LOQGBBOEAD 


DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

t.  \  speeimen  now  before  me,  which  was  taken  In  Florida  from  a  pine  tree  forty  feet  from  the  ground,  Is 
eomp  i-n-il  of  roots  anil  dricil  irrasses,  among  which  is  interwoven  cotton  that  the  birds  procured  from  a  supply 
wliicli  w.-is  taken  from  a  vessel  by  tin?  wreckers  an  I  spread  out  to  dry.  It  is  lined  with  flue  grasses  and  cotton. 
Dimensions:  external  diameter,  6  inches,  internal,  4;  external  depth,  2-75  inches,  internal,  1-50. 

EM*,  four  to  six  in  number,  oval  in  form,  grayish-white  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  with  reddish-brown  and 
lilac.  This  marking  is  often  distributed  irregularly  over  the  surface,  but  sometimes  the  spots  are  more  numerous 
on  the  larger  end.  Dimensions  from  -80x  -70  to  1-OOx  •75. 

• 

HABITS. 

There  was  no  bird  for  which  I  looked  with  greater  interest  than  the  Loggerhead  Shrike. 
The  first  specimen  which  I  ever  saw  was  perched  on  the  top  of  a  stake  which  stood  in  a  vacant 
lot  near  Jacksonville  but  which  is  now  occupied  by  houses.  The  bird  was  busily  engaged  in 
taking  his  dinner  of  grasshoppers  which  he  captured  by  diving  downwards  from  his  elevated 
position,  and,  after  seizing  them  in  his  strong  bill,  he  returned  to  his  former  position  to  devour 
them.  These  and  other  insects  appear  to  form  the  only  food  of  this  species  in  Florida;  at  least 
such  is  the  result  of  1113'  observations,  after  having  seen  many  specimens  while  living,  and  after 
disserting  two  or  three  scores  that  had  been  shot.  lean  therefore  say  in  favor  of  the  Shrikes 
that  I  have  never  si-en  them  attempt  to  catch  small  birds  although  they  were  abundant,  nor  have 
I  found  aught  else  than  insectivorous  food  in  their  stomachs.  Another  good  proof  of  their 
barmlessness  to  the  smaller  species  maybe  seen  in  the  fact  that  the  Warblers,  Sparrows,  etc., 
never  appear  to  exhibit  any  fear  of  the  Shrike,  yet  we  have  the  best  of  evidence  that  in  other 
sections  they  do,  at  least  occasionally,  catch  little  birds  ;  this  may  happen,  however,  when  insects 
arc  scarce,  which  seldom  occurs  in  Florida.  Another  peculiarity  of  these  birds  in  this  section 
is,  that  they  do  not  have  the  general  habit  of  impaling  insects  upon  thorn  bushes,  etc.,  although 
they  are  reported  as  so  doing  in  other  states.  Indeed  I  can  recall  but  one  or  two  instances 
where  I  have  seen  them  thus  employed ;  the  abundance  of  food  may  also  be  the  cause  of  this. 

It  is  a  universal  habit  with  the  Loggerhead  to  resort  to  localities  like  that  in  which  I  found 
my  tirst  specimen,  especially  in  the  neighborhood  of  settlements,  and  one  is  almost  certain  to 
find  a  pair  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  any  lonely  house  which  is  built  in  the  woods  if  it  has  a 
small  clearing  about  it.  In  the  wilder  portions  where  there  are  no  inhabitants  they  resort  to  the 
edges  of  the  open  savannas  or  prairies,  but  it  is  difficult  to  find  more  than  two  in  the  same 
locality.  They  are  quite  unsuspicious  when  accustomed  to  the  presence  of  man,  but  in  the 
wilderness  are  very  shy.  The  Shrikes  breed  in  April,  generally  placing  their  nests  in  trees  at 
some  distance  from  the  ground.  The  only  one  which  I  ever  found  was  in  a  fork  of  a  branch  on 
a  pine  tree  more  than  forty  feet  from  the  ground.  The  structure  was  pointed  out  to  me  by  some 
wreckers,  who  had  a  house  within  a  few  rods  of  the  place,  and  who  kindly  assisted  me  in 
procuring  the  eggs,  which  was  not  an  easy  task  as  the  birds  had  placed  their  domicile  upon  a 
slender  limb  at  some  distance  from  the  trunk.  I  managed,  however,  to  secure  it  by  means  of 
a  long  cleft  stick  which  I  pushed  under  it,  as  I  clung  to  the  tree,  and  raising  it  from  its 
place  drew  it  towards  me  until  within  reach.  This  performance  was  rendered  somewhat 
perilous  by  the  wind  which,  as  it  was  blowing  almost  a  gale  at  the  time,  nearly  threw  me  from 
the  tree.  The  birds  were  very  solicitous  for  the  safety  of  their  home,  for  they  flew  excitedly 
about,  alighting  upon  the  neighboring  trees  and  uttering  their  harsh  alarm  notes.  This  guttural 
sound,  usually  expressive  of  annoyance,  is  occasionally  given  during  winter  in  place  of  the  song, 
which  is  quite  fine  although  not  equal  to  that  of  the  Northern  Shrike.  While  giving  this  melody, 
the  bird  is  perched  in  an  elevated  situation,  resembling  Hie  Mocking  Bird  in  this  respect.  The 
general  coloration  and  manner  of  flight  of  the  Loggerhead  are  also  like  that  of  the  latter  named 
species,  but  one  who  is  at  all  familiar  with  the  haljits  of  these  tvyo  birds  would  readily  detect 


84  CERTHIOLA  f LAVE  OLA. 

the  Shrike  by  his  more  erect  carriage  while  sitting,  and  stouter,  shorter  form  while  flying.  The 
Loggerhead  breeds  in  Florida  in  the  latter  part  of  April,  and  I  have  taken  the  newly  fledged 
young  about  the  15th  of  May. 


FAMILY  XIII.     CCEEEBID^E.     THE  HONEY  CEEEPERS. 

Sill,  not  notched,  equal  in  length  to  the  head  and  very  acuminate,  with  both  mandibles  considerably  arched.  Tongite 
thin' and  horny,  cleft  for  one-third  of  its  terminal  length;  while  the  tip  is  provided  with  long  delicate  cilia,  which  extend 
along  the  sides. 

The  position  of  this  family  is  doubtful,  but  I  have  placed  it  near  the  Tanayridx,  as  presenting  some  characters 
which  are  similar  to  those  of  that  family.  I  have  never  seen  a  sternum  of  any  of  the  species,  and  therefore  cannot 
judge  whether  they  are  similar  to  those  of  the  succeeding  family.  The  tongues  are  peculiar,  being  pencillate  and 
quite  different  from  those  of  any  other  birds  that  I  have  examined. 

GENUS  I.     CERTHIOLA.     THE  YELLOW-HUMPED   CREEPER. 
GEN.  CH.     Wings,  long.     Tail,  short.    Feet,  largn. 

CERTHIOLA  FLAVEOLA. 

Yellow-rump  ed  Creeper. 
"  Certhiola  flareola  SUNDEV^LL,  1835;"  GOSSE,  Birds  of  Jamaica,  1847,  84. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.    Form,  slender.     Size,  small.    Bill,  moderately  long. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Above,  dark  plumbeous.  Spot  on  the  base  of  tail  and  tips  of  tail  feathers,  cxctptirg  the  two 
central,  white.  Chin  and  throat  dark  ash.  Under  wing  coverts,  axillaries,  under  tail  and  superciliary  stripe, 
white.  Remaining  under  parts  bright  yellow,  which  become  green  on  the  abdomen  and  flanks. 

Young.  Lighter  above  than  the  adult,  and  with  the  tertiaries  and  secondaries  narrowly  tipped  with  white. 
Throat,  white  in  place  of  dark  ash,  while  the  flanks  and  abdomen  are  dirty  white.  Bill  and  ftet  black  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Readily  known  from  any  other  f-peCies  by  the  above  description.  I  have  no  specimens  marked  for  sex,  but  judge 
that  the  female  is  similar  to  the  male.  A  native  of  the  West  Indies;  but  a  single  instance  on  record  of  its  being 
taken  in  Florida;  this  one  was  found  by  Dr.  Wurdeman  on  Indian  Key,  Jan.  31,  1858. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Two  specimens  in  my  collection  measure  as  follows  ; — No.  942,  taken  by  Dr.  Bryant ;  Length,  4-50 ;  wing,  2-50 ;  tail, 
1*60;  bill,  -62;  tarsus,  -75.  A  specimen  from  St.  Thomas  measures: — Length,  4-45;  wing,  2-25;  tail,  1-40;  bill,  -50; 
tarsus,  -60. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  dome-shaped,  composed  of  bits  of  palm  leaves  and  dried  grasses  lined  with  fine  grasses.  Dimensions : 
external  diameter,  (i  inches,  internal,  3. 

Eggs,  four  in  number,  roundish-oval  in  form,  •white  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  with  reddish-brown. 

HABITS. 

Probably  every  American  ornithologist  is  familiar  with  the  name  of  Indian  Key,  for  nearly 
every  naturalist  who  has  visited  this  section  of  the  country  has  labelled  many  of  his  specimens 
as  coming  from  this  spot.  Therefore  through  reading  about  the  numerous  birds  that  were  said 
to  have  been  taken  there,  1  came  to  look  upon  the  place  as  a  wonderful  collecting  ground,  and 
was  quite  anxious  to  see  it.  About  four  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  of  January  4,  1871,  this  desire 
was  gratified,  for  I  found  myself  off  the  island  on  board  a  little  coasting  vessel  which  carries  the 
mail  between  Key  West  and  Miami.  The  wind  being  ahead  the  captain  decided  not  to  go  any 


PL  A  i  r.  m. 


CER^HIOLA  BAHAMENSIS. 
Yellow-rumped  Creeper.Adulb. 


>/  .in//:/.'  /,-/•:/<  /;//.•/>.  S.~> 

farther  that  night,  so  when  within  a  few  hundred  yards  of  land  the  anchor  was  let  go,  the  chain 
rattled  out,  the  schooner  swung  around  and  headed  up  to  the  eastward  facing  the  strong  current 
which  was  sweeping  from  the  ocean  into  the  Gulf  of  Mexico.  The  sails,  which  had  been 
lowered,  were  now  nicely  furled,  the  boat  was  dropped  into  the  clear  water,  and  in  a  few 
moments  we  \\ere  landing  on  the  land  which  we  had  so  long  wished  to  visit. 

I  was  much  disappointed  in  the  Key  as  it  is  very  small,  containing  but  six  acres  of  land,  and 
is  nearly  destitute  of  vegetation,  being  composed  of  lijnc  rock  which  is  covered  with  very  little 
soil.  There  are  three  tall  cocoanut  trees  growing  there,  and  at  the  time  of  our  first  visit  five  or 
six  bunches  of  low  shrubs,  but  no  other  trees  or  bushes  of  any  kind.  This  being  the  existing 
state  of  things  \\c  >aw  at  once  that  there  must  have  been  some  mistake  in  accrediting  so  many 
species  to  this  desolate  Key,  while  there  are  large  and  fertile  islands  lying  on  either  side,  where 
nearly  all  of  these  rare  birds  nm-t  have  been  taken. 

Among  those  to  which  special  interest  is  attached  is  the  Yellow-rumped  Creeper.  Dr. 
Wurdeman  found  it  not  uncommon  in  this  section  some  years  ago,  but  I  am  confident  that  it  is 
not  a  regular  visitor  as  I  have  looked  for  it  in  vain  among  the  Keys  later  in  the  season  when  it 
ought  to  occur. 

FAMILY  XIV.     TANAGKIDJE.     THE  TANAGERS. 

•i-d  mainly  upon  the  genus  Pyrangn,  the  characters  are  as  follows : — Bill  large,  upper  mandible  slightly  curved  and 
'  t'til  nut  In/i'i.  «tiijltily  emarginate.    Coracoid  bonet  shorter  than  the  top  of  the  keel,  which  is  higher 
tltnn  inn -It'll/  /If  iri'ltli  nf  tli'   - 

This  family  embraces  many  species,  a  greater  part  of  which  are  inhabitants  of  the  tropics.    The  Tanagers  are 
-<  ly  allied  to  the  Sparrows;   in  fact  there  are  some  genera  iu  both  families  which  are  so  nearly  alike  that  it  Is 
diflicult  t»  decide  as  to  which  division  they  belong. 

GENUS  I.     PYRAXGA.     THE  TOOTH-BILLED  TANAGERS. 

(.is.  CH.     Commissure  of  upper  mandible  provided  with  a  moderately  acute,  but  prominent  tooth.     Other  characters 

PYRANGA  -ESTIVA. 
Summer  Red  Bird. 

Fyranga  lestira  VIEH.L,  Nouv.  Diet.,  xxvlli,  1819,  291. 

Pyranga  Cooperii  KIDOWAY,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phil.,  June,  18G9,  130. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sr.  CH.  Form,  slender.  Size,  medium.  Sternum,  not  stoutly  built.  Tongue,  thlo,  horny,  somewhat 
acuminate,  bitld,  and  provided  on  the  end  with  coarse  cilia. 

Culm:.     .!•'»  .     Uniform  vermilion  red,  darker  above,  brightest  on  the  bead  and  lighter  below. 

Inner  webs  of  win-;  feathers  and  tips  of  primaries  brownish. 

,'ile  at  all  seasons  and  male  in  winter.    Olive-green  above,  more  yellowish  beneath.    Wings,  brown  as  in  the 
spring  male. 

/  i if  loth  sexes,  similar  to  the  female,  but  more  ochrey  below. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Adult  mule  readily  known  by  the  uniform  color.  The  female  differs  from  P.  rubra  in  having  a  larger  )>ill  and  in 
being  more  yellowish  below.  The  male  of  tin  >.<•.. ml  year  is  frequently  marked  in  patches  with  the  green  of  the 
preeedingyear.  DiMi  United  in  summer  throughout  southern  I'nited  States,  wintering  in  South  Amu 

DIMENSIONS. 

Averai;.-  measurements  of  nine  specimens  from  Florida.  Length,  7-18 ;  stretch,  1 1-c.". ;  win-;,  a-cii;  tail,  3-00. 
bill,  -~'2  :  tarsus,  -71.  Longest  specimen.  7-sii:  :jrr:ite-t  i  \ient  of  \\iiiL'-.  IL'-IL';  longest,  win::.  :','.KI;  tail,  ,'!-lo:  I, ill, 
•80;  tarsus.  -75.  Shortest  specimen,  "'DO;  smallest  extent  of  winn",  1 1  -."jo ;  shortest  win::.  ::-4j  ;  tail,  2-iiO;  bill, 


86  CYANOSPIZA  amis. 


DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

The  following  4s  a  description  of  a  specimen  taken  at  Mt.  Carinel,  Illinois,  May  28,  1866,  by  Mr.  R.  Ridgway, 
who  has  kindly  written  it  out  for  me  : — 

"Nest,  deeply  saucer-shaped,  the  walls  very  thin,  four  inches  wide  by  two  and  one-half  deep  externally,  and 
three  by  two  internally.  Composed  entirely  of  fine  wire  grasses,  the  lining  of  grass  tops.  Situated  at  the  extremity 
of  a  horizontal  branch  of  an  apple  tree  in  orchard." 

Eggs,  four  in  number,  oval  in  form,  blue  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  with  reddish-brown  and  umber. 
Dimensions  from  -85  x  -70  to  -90  x  -75. 

HABITS. 

When  the  cold  north  winds  cease  to  blow  and  the  air  in  the  piny  woods  is  redolent  with  the 
perfume  of  the  sundew,  creeping  mimosa,  and  other  delicate  plants,  which  only  bloom,  even  in 
this  mild  climate,  late  in  spring,  the  voices  of  the  Summer  Tanagers  are  heard  in  the  tops  of  the 
high  trees,  when  their  songs  are  full  of  wild  melody  in  perfect  keeping  with  the  surroundings. 
I  have  never  met  with  these  birds  elsewhere  than  in  the  more  open  woods  of  the  pine  barrens, 
where  they  are  solitary,  shy  and  retiring.  Indeed  so  closely  do  they  conceal  themselves  in  the 
thick  foliage,  that  were  it  not  for  the  loud  song  notes,  which  are  constantly  repeated,  it  would  be 
difficult  to  discover  them.  The  males  arrive  about  April  first  and  are  soon  followed  by  the 
females.  I  have  never  found  a  nest  of  this  species,  but  judge  that  in  Florida  they  must  build  ill 
the  tops  of  the  pine  trees.  Mr.  Ridgway,  who  is  familiar  with  the  breeding  habits  of  this 
species  in  Illinois,  writes  me  that  "the  nest  is  usually  situated  at  the  extremity  of  the  horizontal 
branch  of  an  oak  or  hickory  tree,  generally  by  the  roadside,  or  in  an  open."  The  Summer 
Red  Birds  have  all  left  Florida  by  the  end  of  October. 


FAMILY  XV.     FRINGILLID2E.     THE  FINCHES,  SPARROWS,  ETC. 

Bill  more  or  less  cone-shaped  and  unnotched.     Coracoid  bones,  shorter  than  the  top  of  the  keel,  or  equal  to  it  in  length  • 
out  never  longer.     Marginal  indentations  equalling  the  height  of  keel. 

This  family  is  represented  largely  in  the  Middle  States,  where  all  of  the  members  may  be  recognized  by  the 
conical  bill,  combined  with  the  sternal  characters  given  above,  but  in  other  countries  species  may  be  found  which 
grade  into  the  Tanagers  on  the  one  hand,  and  into  the  Icteridte  on  the  other.  The  arrangement  of  genera  as  given 
by  previous  authors  not  being  in  accordance  with  the  sternal  characters,  I  have,  after  carefully  studying  the  sterna  of 
many  of  our  species,  attempted  what  appears  to  me  a  more  natural  grouping. 

GENUS  I.      CYANOSPIZA.     THE  BLUE  SPARROWS. 

GEN.  CH.  Coracoid  bones,  a  little  shorter  than  the  top  of  keel,  which  is  considerably  higher  than  one-half  the  width 
of  the  sternum.  Plumage  of  adult  males  conspicuously  marked  with  blue  or  other  bright  colors. 

The  bright  colors  and  sternal  characters  of  this  genus  show  that  it  is  closely  allied  to  the  preceding  family,  while 
the  habits  of  at  least  some  of  the  species  resemble  those  of  some  of  the  true  sparrows.  I  have  therefore  placed 
these  beautiful  birds  at  the  head  of  the  Fringillida:. 

CYANOSPIZA  CIEIS. 
Nonpareil. 

Cyanospiza  ciris  BAIUD,  Birds  N.  A. ;  1858,  503. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Size,  small.  Form,  somewhat  robust.  Upper  mandible,  considerably  arched.  Wings,  not  short.  Tail, 
moderately  long  and  somewhat  rounded.  Sternum,  stoutly  built.  Tongue,  fleshy  and  triangular,  with  the  tip  bifld 
and  furnished  with  short,  coarse  cilia. 

COLOK.  Adult  male,  top  and  sides  of  head  and  neck  rich  purplish-blue.  Middle  of  back  and  greater  wing 
coverts  bright  yellowish-green.  Remaining  upper  parts,  ring  around  eye  and  entire  under  portions,  including  under 
tail  coverts,  carmine.  Wings  and  tail,  purplish  with  the  inner  webs  of  the  former  brown.  Under  wing  coverts  rosy. 


THE  BLACK-HEADED  FJXCU.  S7 

Adult  female,  dark  green  throughout,  but  with  a  yellowish  tinge  beneath.     Inner  webs  of  wing  feathers,  brown. 
Yoitinj  -/  I'oth  »  »*.     Similar  to  the  adult  female,  but  more  dusky  above,  and  yellowish  beneath.    Irides,  bill  and 

feet  brown  in  ;ill  .stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Easily  known  in  the  adult  stage  by  the  bright  colors  as  given  above,  while  the  young  male  and  female  are  greener 
than  the  same  sex  in  closely  allied  species,  found  within  our  limits.  Although  the  adult  females  arc  normally  as 
described,  yet  I  have  a  specimen  in  my  collection  which  is  as  brightly  colored  as  any  male  I  rver  saw.  and  I  have 
heard  <>f  at  least  one  similar  specimen.  Distributed  throughout  the  extreme  Southern  States  In  summer;  winters  In 
Southern  Florida  and  Mexico. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  thirteen  specimens.  Length,  5-20;  stretch,  8-20;  wing,  2-65;  tall,  2-25;  bill,  -40; 
tarsus,  -67.  Longest  specimen,  6-50;  greatest  extent  of  wings,  8-50;  lougest  wing,  2-85;  tall,  2-45;  bill,  -46;  tarsus, 
•7.->.  Shortest  specimen,  5-00;  smallest  extent  of  wings,  8-00;  shortest  wing,  2-00;  tall,  2-00;  bill,  -40;  tarsus,  -61. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

The  following  descriptions  were  taken  from  specimens  In  the  collection  of  the  Boston  Society  of  Natural  History, 
for  an  examination  of  which  I  am  indebted  to  Mr.  Emerton. 

.\ i-sts,  composed  of  tine  grasses  lined  with  horse  hairs  and  finer  grasses.  Dimensions:  external  diameter,  3 
inches,  internal.  2 •">();  external  depth,  1-50  inches,  internal,  1. 

i'l/fjs,  four  in  number,  rather  round  in  form,  ashy-white,  spotted  and  blotched  with  brown,  lilac  and  umber. 
Dimensions,  from  -GO  x  -55  to  -55  x  '45. 

HABITS. 

TJie  songs  of  the  beautiful  Nonpareil  may  be  heard  in  the  neighborhood  of  almost  any 
tangled  thicket  throughout  the  entire  extent  of  Florida  after  the  first  of  May ;  but  before  this 
they  are  only  to  be  seen  on  the  Keys  or  in  the  extreme  southern  portions  of  the  mainland.  We 
found  them  very  abundant  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  Miami  early  in  January,  but  did  not 
hear  the  song  until  late  in  March. 

This  species  is  always  shy  and  retiring,  seldom  appearing  in  the  open,  but  remaining  in  the 
dense  thorny  undergrowth  which  covers  all  waste  places  in  Florida,  especially  if  the  soil  has 
been  cultivated.  Whenever  the  birds  perceive  an  intruder  they  retire  into  the  depths  of  these 
fastnesses,  and  it  then  requires  considerable  beating  to  drive  them  out;  when  they  at  once  dart 
into  the  nearest  cover.  The  adult  males  are  especially  shy,  and  seldom  show  themselves. 
Even  while  singing  they  remain  concealed,  and  although  we  were  thus  furnished  with  a  clew  to 
their  whereabouts,  it  was  with  the  utmost  difficulty  that  we  caught  sight  of  the  authors  of  the 
harmonious  strains  which  nearly  always  greeted  our  cars  when  we  were  in  the  vicinity  of  their 
homes.  During  the  latter  part  of  May  the  males  may  be  seen  playfully  chasing  the  females, 
but  I  do  not  think  they  breed  until  June. 

GENUS  II.     PHONirARA.     THE  LITTLE  FINCHES. 

GKN.  C«.  Coracoid  bones  a  little  shorter  than  the  top  of  keel,  which  but  slightly  exceeds  in  height  one-half  the  width 
of  the  sternum.  Size,  small. 

Members  of  this  genus  may  be  distinguished  by  the  small  size,  combined  with  the  sternal  characters  given 
above. 

PHONIPARA  ZENA. 

The  Black-headed  Pinch. 
Phonipara  Zena  LINN.,  Syst.  Nat. 

DESCRIPTION. 
Plate  II.      Upper  figure,  male;  lower,  female.    Plant,  Lantana  Camara. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  not  robust.  Size,  small.  Bill,  short,  but  with  the  upper  mandible  arched.  Wings  and  tall, 
short;  the  latter  rounded.  Sternum,  not  stoutly  built. 

COLOR.     Adult  male.    Top  and  sides  of  head,  black;  becoming  olivaceous  on  the  back  of  neck.     Remainder  of 


88  I'llOXIPAEA  ZENA. 

upper  parts,  olivaceous-green,  with  the  inner  web  of  tail  and  wings,  brown.  Under  portions,  including  under 
wing  coverts,  black ;  with  the  abdomen  and  flank  tinged  with  olivaceous  and  sprinkled  with  white.  Under  tail 
coverts,  olivaceous,  with  each  feather  edged  with  white. 

Young  male,  lacks  the  black  of  the  top  of  the  head,  and  the  same  color  beneath  is  not  as  extended. 

Female.  Olivaceous  above,  paler  beneath,  becoming  grayish  on  the  abdomen  and  flanks.  Irides,  bill  and  feet 
brown  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

This  little  Finch,  of  which  we  procured  a  single  female  specimen  in  Florida,  may  be  distinguished  from  all  other 
North  American  species  by  its  small  size,  combined  with  the  peculiar  form  and  color,  as  described  above.  It  is  an 
inhabitant  of  the  West  Indies  and  adjacent  islands.  This  is  the  only  instance  on  record  of  its  being  captured  within 
the  limits  of  the  United  States. 

MEASUREMENTS. 

Dimensions  of  the  single  specimen  taken  at  Miami.    Length,  4-20;  stretch,  6-50;  wing,  2-06;  tail,  1-75;  bill,  -35; 

tarsus,  -55. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

The  following  description  was  kindly  sent  to  me  by  Mr.  Ridgway : — 

"Nest,  collected  in  Spanishtown,  Jamaica,  May  4,  1862  by  W.  T.  March.  Shoe-shaped.  Length, '5  inches;  height, 
3  inches ;  entrance,  2  Inches  in  diameter. 

Eggs,  four  in  number,  -70x'50;  ground  dull  white  ;  faintly  sprinkled  —  more  dense  in  a  ring  round  larger  end  — 
with  small  brown  dots.  Resemble  very  nearly  eggs  of  Spizella pusilla." 

HABITS. 

Although  there  are  now  but  a  few  houses  at  Miami  or  vicinity,  yet  this  section  has  been 
settled  many  years.  The  inhabitants  who  formerly  occupied  this  spot  have  left  many  evidences 
of  their  presence  in  the  shape  of  ruinous  walls,  old  wells,  etc.  Tradition  points  to  this  place 
as  being  the  haunt  of  pirates,  and  we  were  informed  upon  reliable  authority  that  one  of 
those  infamous  men  lived  here  until  quite  recently.  Indeed,  there  are  individuals  now  living 
who  have  seen  him.  He  was  a  Spaniard  named  Yusippie,  and  was  the  leader  of  a  band  of 
blood-stained  villains  who  lived  upon  the  banks  of  the  Miami,  while  the  river  formed  a  fine 
harbor  in  which  to  moor  their  vessels,  that  they  might  not  be  seen  from  the  open  ocean. 

Among  the  traces  which  these  Spaniards  have  left  behind  them  are  evidences  of  cultivation 
of  the  soil.  The  ground  has  been  cleared  for  some  distance  back  of  the  old  fort,  but  is  now 
mainly  grown  up  to  bushes  and  trees ;  there  arc,  however,  frequent  glades  in  the  midst  of  these 
thickets  which  are  entirely  void  of  shrubs,  being  only  covered  with  grass  and  low  herbage. 
These  spaces  vary  from  a  few  yards  to  several  rods  in  diameter,  and  are  closely  surrounded 
by  foliage.  The  trees  and  bushes  are  so  thickly  covered  with  vines  and  creeping  plants  that 
their  forms  are  entirely  concealed  and  they  resemble  rolling  clouds  of  living  green  rising  in 
huge  billows  one  above  the  other.  This  deciduous  mass  is  thickly  starred  with  the  large,  white 
flowers  of  the  Ipomcea  Bona-Nox  and  the  purple  blossoms  of  the  wild  convolvulus,  while  the 
orange  and  yellow  Lantana  Gamara  fills  the  air  with  a  peculiar  fragrance.  As  can  readily  be 
imagined  these  dense  thickets  were  filled  with  birds,  and  therefore  we  frequently  visited  the 
lovely  spots  for  the  purpose  of  taking  the  various  kinds  found  there. 

Mr.  Henshaw  was  collecting  here  with  me  on  the  19th  of  January,  1871,  when  his  quick 
eye  detected  a  small  bird  among  the  thick  bushes,  and  he  instantly  shot  it.  After  making  his 
way  into  the  thicket  and  searching  for  a  time  he  returned,  bearing  his  prize,  but  with  a  puzzled 
expression  on  his  countenance,  that  instantly  communicated  itself  to  mine  when  I  saw  the  little 
"ray  bird  which  he  held  in  his  hand,  for  it  was  a  species  which  I  had  never  beheld.  It  proved 
to  be  the  Black-headed  Finch,  the  first  and,  up  to  this  date,  the  only  specimen  ever  taken  in 
the  United  States..  As  Mr.  Henshaw  brushed  through  the  lantanas  to  secure  the  bird,  the 
spicy  odor  of  the  crushed  leaves  filled  the  air  and  floated  around  us  as  we  were  examining  the 
specimen  ;  therefore  the  PJionipara  Zena  is  ever  associated  in  my  mind  with  the  shrub  upon 
which  it  is  figured,  and  thanks  to  the  care  of  my  artist  and  engraver,  both  the  bird  and  plant 
are  placed  before  the  reader  in  a  highly  creditable  manner. 


CHRYSOMITRIS  TRISTIS.  g9 

>ii-:xusm.  CIIKYSOMITKIS.  THE  GOLDFINCHES. 

f  :,:N :.  (  n.  Bill,  mall  and  pointed.  Winy,,  long.  Tail,  forked.  Coracoid*,  shorter  than  the  top  of  keel,  which  i,  but 
Ktlle  higher  toon  mi--  half  the  width  of  sternum.  Size,  small. 

All  the  species  within  our  limits  an-  more  or  less  conspicuously  colored  with  yellow,  excepting  pintu  which  has  also 
pale-yellow  marking!!  on  the  wings  and  tail. 

• 

CHEYSOMITRI3  TRISTIS. 
Common  American  Goldfinch. 
Chrysomitris  tristis  BON.,  List,  1838. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Si'.  CH.     Form,  rather  robust.    Tongue,  quite  thick,  tipped  with  hair-like,  horny  fihers.     Sternum  us  given  above. 

\>hi!t  ,:u,l,  in  spriny.     Bright  l;'mon-yellow.  Top  of  head,  wings  and  tail, black.     Lesser  w  introverts,  tips  of 
.T-.niii','  Mrs,  ..uter  edges  of  secon;lari,-s,  tips  of  primaries,  elongated  spots  on  inner  webs  of  terminal  portion  of 
1,-athcrs.  upper  and  under  tail  coverts  and  under  wing  coverts,  white. 

Adult  fnnnlr  iii  spriny.  Greenish-brown,  above  an  1  yellowLsh-grcen,  beneath.  The  wings  and  tail  are  brown,  marked 
with  white,  v.  :.ieh  is  more  restricted  than  in  the  male,  and  Ls  frequently  of  a  smoky  tinge. 

Adult  inn'i-  in  irintrr.     Similar  to  the  Spring  fjmale  above  but  smoky-white  beneath,  with  the  front  and  sides  of  the 

and  rump,  more  or  less  tinged  with  yellow.    The  white  markings  are  broader  and  more  extended. 
Adult  frmalc  in  irintcr.     Similar  to  the  male  but  grayer  above  and  inclined  to  be  reddish-brown  on  the  rum])  and  lower 
buck,  wl.il.'  tlic  y,  IIowWi  is  scarcely  perceptible. 

ing.     Summer  males  of  the  preceding  year  exhibit  a  grayish  patch,  of  a  greater  or  less  extent,  on  the  upper  back. 
There  are  Cr;-,|U  'ntly  a  few  greenish  feathers  in  the  black  of  the  head.     The  females  of  the  same  age  are  more  reddish  above. 
1  n-ii  n:/  oftht  i,'iir.    Both  sexes  are  highly  tinged,  above  and  below,  with  reddish-brown;  while  the  white  markings  of 
tin-  vi  ings  an  1  tail  are  replaced  by  this  rusty  color. 

.Y.  .</,';'« ;, ••,-.    Do  not  differ  from  the  above,  excepting  that  the  throat  Ls  destitute  of  feathers  long  after  the  other  portions 
body  are  covered.     Contrary  to  the  rule,  even  in  this  Family,  nestlings  do  not  moult  the  first  autumn. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

There  i;  n  i  diiTic  ulty  in  recognizing  this  species  in  the  adult  stage,  and  the  young  may  always  be  distinguished  by  the 
wing  an  1  tail  markings  as  given.     There  Ls  no  species  which  has  come  under 'my  observation  where  then'  is  absolutely  so 
:  iation  as  in  the  present.     In  a  series  tf  some  eighty  summer  skins,  now  before  me,  the  yellow  varies  slightly  in 
i-  partly  due  to  age.     The  black  tf  the  head  is  also  more  restricted  in  some  than  in  others,  aside  from  these 
locations,  however,  there  is  a  singular  uniformity  of  coloration;  while  in  winter  there  is  but  little  more;  variation. 
A  very  large  specimen  from  Utah,  in  the  bright  plumage  of  early  summer,  has  the  black  of  the  head  less  extended  than 
usual.  \v!  :  r  with  its  uncommon  size  gives  it  a  peculiar  appearance.     Late  in  mmmer  the  wear  of  the  white  edges 

r  blacker  than  earlier  in  the  season.     The  adults  undergo  an  entire  change  of  plumage  in  the  autumn, 
but  in  spring  the  feathers  of  the  wings  and  tail  are  retained  while  the  remainder  of  the  body  acquires  a  new  dress.    It  is 
worthy  that  this  is  the  only  species  among  Fringilline  birds,  which  I  have  examined,  that  i-  n  ;t  streaked  beneath  in 
!umage,  but  I  cannot  find  any  indication  of  those  markings  even  in  the  nestlings  where  they  usually  ap- 
pear in  -ii,  >  i  -  which  are  unmarked  when  adult. 

Distributed  in  summer  throughout  northern  and  middle  North  America;  winters  in  the  middle  and  southern  portions. 
The  n-.rtheni  ran,'  •,  during  winter,  varies  somewhat  in  different  seasons,  being  governed  by  the  supply  of  food,  which  Ls 
largely  regulated  by  the  depth  of  snow. 

DIMENSIONS. 

A\   r  .; .,;  Ilt-  ,  f  twcnty-f.;ur  specimens.     Length,  5'fiO;  stretch,  9'05;  wing,  2'85;  tail,  1-85;  bill,'48;  tarsus 

'•I"'.     I-  n          -:>-'ciiiH'n,6-00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  9'50;  longer  wine.  TOO;  tail,  2-07;  bill, -50;  tarsus,  ;57.     Shortest 
'•iien.  l-T.'i;  ••iiiall.-st  extent  of  wing,  8'75:  shortest  wing.  2'00;  tail,  I'OO;  bill,  -\j;  tarsus, -40. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

*.  placed  in  trees.    They  are  compact  structures  composed  outwardly  of  fibrous  bark,  leaves,  weeds,  and  thistle 
r  smoothly  lined  with  silvery-white  thistle  down  than  with  any  other  material,  when  they  present  a 
very  pretty  a  .  t>ut  spec  hn-n-  li.'fjre  me  vary  in  being  lined  with  fine  roots,  horse  hair,  or  fern  cotton.     Three  HP- 

partly  f  f .  oninion  cotton,  while  one  has  r::  ing  n  -ally  woven  into  the  external  portion.     Dimension 

.  3-00,  internal,  2'00.     External  depth,  2'25  internal,  1-25. 

.  fmr  in  nuiii'i.'T  oval  in  form,  pale  bluish-green  in  color  unspotted,  in  all  that  I  have  examined.     Dimensions 
from  -Gjx-30  to  '70x'53. 

WRDS  OF   FLORIDA.  13 


90  GOLDFINCH. 


HABITS. 

It  \vill  be  difficult  to  find,  even  among  those  preeminently  gregarious  birds  the  Spar- 
rows, a  species  more  inclined  to  associate  in  flocks,  at  all  seasons,  than  the  Goldfinches. 
In  winter,  when  all  the  earth  is  covered  deep  with  new-fallen  snow,  and  naught  is  to  be 
seen  but  the  billowy  drifts  excepting  the  partly  shrouded  trees  or  an  occasional  patch  of 
weed-tops,  appearing  above  the  silvery  sheet,  where  the  whistling  wind,  rushing  over 
some  unprotected  knoll,  has  swept  a  portion  of  the  snow  away.  This  scanty  outcropping  of 
dead  herbage  would  be  inconspicuous  enough  when  the  ground  was  brown  and  bare,  but  is 
now  quite  noticeable  when  seen  on  the  immaculate  surface.  But  other  eyes  are  looking  at 
what  to  us  seems  but  a  blemish  in  so  fair  a  landscape,  looking  eagerly  too,  for,  coming 
from  afar,  borne  through  the  frosty  atmosphere,  may  be  heard  a  faint  sound,  now  near- 
er and  louder  until  the  air  is  full  of  pleasant,  lively,  bird  notes,  then  suddenly,  as  if  born 
out  of  the  blue  sky  above,  a  hundred  Goldfinches  come  dropping  down  in  a  small  cloud 
upon  what  to  them  is  an  oasis  in  a  desert.  Each  weed  stalk  is  immediately  occupied  by 
a  cluster  of  little  brown-backed  birds  which  are  silent  enough  now,  being  busily  engaged 
in  abstracting  what  few  seeds  old  Boreas  has  left  on  the  branches.  They  are  hungry  and 
exactly  like  all  animals  in  this  condition,  not  excepting  man,  attend  exclusively  to  the 
business  of  feeding  until  at  least  partly  full.  One  can  approach  quite  near  them  at  such 
times,  for  they  will  be  very  little  inclined  to  leave  their  breakfast,  only  occasionally  paus- 
ing to  answer  the  call  of  some  passing  straggler  who  is  endeavoring  to  find  the  flock,  but 
later  in  the  day  they  are  more  prone  to  be  startled.  Then  the  slightest  sound  will  cause 
one  or  more  to  jump  on  wing  with  the  sharp  note  of  alarm,  when  at  once,  without  further 
warning,  the  whole  flock  is  in  air.  After  circling  a  few  times  about  the  spot,  going  high- 
er and  higher,  they  at  length  take  their  departure,  moving  quite  rapidly,  sounding  their 
notes  as  they  rise  and  fall  in  the  undulating  flight  which  is  characteristic  of  this  species. 
It  is  extremely  probable  that  the  same  flock  will  not  visit  that  locality  again  for  days  or 
even  months,  for  Goldfinches  are  exceedingly  nomadic  in  winter. 

As  spring  advances,  and  the  Goldfinches  which  have  migrated  southward  are  return- 
ing, the  entire  country  is  full  of  them.  The  birds  linger  for  a  time,  while  in  the  brown 
plumage,  in  immense  flocks,  then,  as  the  weather  becomes  wanner,  break  up  into  smaller 
companies,  and  with  the  brightening  summer  put  on  their  gala  dress,  assuming  it  seeming- 
ly at  once,  for  so  rapidly  does  the  moult  take  place  that  the  new  plumage  is  acquired  in 
less  than  a  week. 

I  have  said  that  they  appear  in  gala  attire,  and  this  is  true  in  a  stricter  sense  than 
can  be  applied  to  most  birds,  for  with  the  Goldfinches  the  long,  bright  days  of  June,  when 
almost  all  other  birds  are  occupied  with  domestic  cares,  are  passed  as  one  joyous  festival. 
Thus  they  wander  about  in  small  flocks  until  July  when  the  duties  of  incubation  begin. 
In  the  more  settled  districts  the  nests  are  usually  placed  in  ornamental  or  shade  trees  by 
road-sides.  I  recently  counted  five  nests,  all  in  trees  which  stood  along  some  four-hun- 
dred yards  of  walk.  The  neat  domiciles  are  built  in  the  terminal  fork  of  some  high  limb, 
and  the  eggs  are  deposited  from  the  first  week  in  July  to  the  first  of  August. 

The  young  appear  late  enough  for  the  parents  to  furnish  them  with  newly-ripened 
seeds  which  then  abound  upon  various  plants.  I  have  always  found  this  species  feeding 


Clin  YSOMITR1S  PINUS.  91 

iXclusively  upon  .seeds,  and  as  they  cannot  find  sufficient  of  this  food  earlier  in  the  season 
breed  late.  The  young  accompany  the  adults  early  in  September,  when  they  flock  to  old 
fields  which  are  grown  up  to  thistles.  Even  during  the  breeding  season  the  males  show 
an  inclination  to  flock,  and  as  they  are  then  full  of  melody,  each  singing  with  a  continuous, 
warbling,  song,  of  many  minutes' duration,  the  effect  produced  by  a  concert  of  voices  is 
very  line.  The  males  also  have  a  singular  habit  of  flying  about  the  neighborhood  of  the 
nests,  in  huge  circles,  emitting  a  peculiar  note  tvhich  is  louder  and  clearer  than  that  given 
at  other  seasons.  Both  sexes  are  remarkably  fond  of  bathing  in  summer,  yet  they  cannot 
lie  considered  as  cleanly  for  their  feathers  are  frequently  bedaubed  with  a  gummy  sub- 
tr.uee,  from  seeds. 

The  southward  migration  begins  shortly  after  the  autumnal  moult,  which  occurs  about 
the  first  of  September.  As  before  remarked  the  winter  range  is  regulated  largely  by  the 
snow-fall,  for,  when  deep,  it  renders  the  seeds  inaccessible  upon  which  the  birds  depend 
for  a  sustenance.  During  such  seasons  Goldfinches  may  be  found  as  far  south  as  Florida. 
1  even  saw  them  at  Miami,  in  large  numbers,  in  the  winter  of  1870-71.  While  in  the 
above  mentioned  State  they  feed  largely  on  the  new  seeds  of  maples  which  appear  early 
in  January.  They  leave  for  the  North  in  March. 

I  should  have  stated  that  the  eggs  are  from  four  to  six  in  number;  five  being  found 
nearly  as  often  as  four,  but  six  are  more  rare. 

CHBYSOMITRIS  PINUS. 

Pine  Goldfinch. 
Chrysomitris pinus  BON.,  Consp.,  1850,  515. 

DESCRIPTION.  - 

SP.  Cn.  Form,tjuite  robust.  Tongue,  not  very  thick,  horny,  but  having  onlyavery  slight  indication  of  the  hnir- 
like  terminal  fibers.  Sternum  similar  to  that  of  tristis  but  proportionately  a  little  broader  and  with  the  keel  a  trifle  higher. 
Bill,  quite  uccuminate. 

COLOR.  Adult  in  summer.  Grayish-white  above  and  below,  streaked  with  dusky,  but  lighter  beneath.  Basal  portion 
of  wings  and  tail,  excepting  outer  webs  of  first  three  primaries,  and  narrow  edges  of  outer  webs  of  primaries,  sulphur-yellow. 
I  mliT  win;;  covert*,  edges  and  tips  of  greater  wing  coverts  and  of  tertiaries,  white. 

Adult  in  winter.    Similar  to  the  summer  plumage,  but  exhibiting  n  rufous  tinge  above  and  below. 

Youny  and  Nestlings.  Differ  from  the  winter  adult  in  being  more  strongly  tinged  with  rufous.  Sexes  similar  in  all 
stages  of  plumage. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Readily  known  by  the  ever  present  sulphur-yellow  markings  of  the  wings  and  tail.  Some  specimens  show  a  tinge  of  yel- 
low .in  the  alxloinen.  Breeds  from  Northern  New  England  to  the  Arctic  Circle;  winters  from  Maine  to  Florida.  The  spec- 
inn  n  from  Miami  is  somewhat  smaller  in  size  and  darker  in  color  than  more  northern  skins. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements.     Length.  5'25;  stretch,  8-80;  wing,  2'85;  tail,  1'60;  bill,  '42;  tarsus,  -55.     Longest  specimen, 
,'reatcst  extent  of  wing,  9' 10;  longest  wing,  3'00;  tail,  1'05;  bill,  "45;  tarsus,  '60.    Smallest  specimen,  (  from  Miami, ) 
length,  4-jO;  stretch,  8-40;  wing,  2'90;  tail,  1-70;  bill,  '35;  tarsus,  -50. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  trees.  The  following  description  is  taken  from  a  specimen,  now  in  the  Smithsonian  In-ti:utc,  which 
wa-  f, ,un>l  at  Parley's  Park,  Wahsatch  Mountains,  Utah,  by  Mr.  Ridgway,  who  has  kindly  written  it  for  me.  "The  very 
bulky  structure  is  composed  of  fine  strips  of  bark,  mostly  gathered  from  coniferous  and  aspen  tree*;  the  lining  licini;  of  the 
lame  material  but  mixed  with  a  little  willow  down.  Dimensions;  external  diameter,  2'50,  internal,  2'00.  External  depth, 
2-00,  internal,  I'OO." 


92  PINE  GOLDFINCH. 

Ei/ys,  four  in  number,  bluish-white  in  color,  sparcely  dotted  and  lined  with  black.    Dimensions,  from  '65  x  '45  to 
71x-50. 

HABITS, 

Near  the  banks  of  the  Miami  River,  not  far  from  Fort  Dallas  was  a  small  spring.  It 
was  overarched  by  guava  trees,  which  had  grown  wild  from  lack  of  cultivation,  while  a 
convolvulus  had  hung  its  verdant,  flower-starred  festoons  from  the  branches.  Giant  ferns 
with  broadly  pinnated  fronds,  five  feet  in  length,  grew  on  the  margin  and  rank  grasses 
waved  beside  them.  Thus  the  sparkling  Avaters  were  surrounded  by  a  luxuriant  vegeta- 
tion, never  seen  in  the  North,  yet  there  was  room  beneath  for  the  birds  to  find  a  conven- 
ient bathing  place.  The  Goldfinches  soon  found  it,evcn  though  it  did  present  a  very  differ- 
ent aspect  from  the  willow-margined  brooks,  to  which  they  had  been  accustomed  in  a  more 
boreal  clime,  and,  when  the  sun  was  high,  visited  the  shady  nook  in  flocks.  I  had  long 
been  familiar  with  this  species  in  Florida,  but  I  was  surprised  to  hear  the  call  note  of  the 
Pine  Finch  so  far  from  its  usual  range.  There  were  but  a  few,  however,  and  they  did  not 
remain  very  long. 

The  Pine  Goldfinch,  like  the  preceding  species,  is  very  irregular  in  its  migrations, 
and  the  instance  related  above  is  the  only  one  which  has  come  under  my  observation  of  its 
occurrence  anywhere  in  Florida.  Even'in  Massachusetts  it  is  not  found  regularly  in  any 
numbers;  for  example,  during  the  winter  of  1859- GO  it  was  abundant  but  was  not  com- 
mon again  until  1868,  when  it  remained  until  the  following  June.  When  in  New  Eng- 
land it  feeds  largely  on  birch  and  fir  seeds,  thus  is  not  dependent  upon  weeds  which  are 
often  covered  with  snow.  Its  migrations  are  therefore  regulated  solely  by  the  food  sup- 
ply, and  when  the  seed  crop,  of  the  trees  mentioned,  fails  it  moves  southward  in  search  of 
other  means  of  sustenance. 

As  spring  advances  the  Pine  Finch  retreats  to  the  evergreen  forests  of  the  mountain- 
ous districts  where  it  is  much  more  at  home  than  in  the  cultivated  sections.  They  breed 
in  these  wild,  elevated,  regions;  Mr.  Ridgway's  nest,  already  described,  was  found  in  the 
Wahsatch  Mountains  at  an  altitude  of  9000  feet.  It  was  placed  on  the  horizontal  limb  of 
a  fir,  twenty  feet  from  the  ground.  This  was  taken  June  23,  but  as  Mr.  Brewstcr  found 
it  breeding  at  the  White  Mountains,  New  Hampshire,  in  August,  it  is  extremely  probable 
that  this  species,  like  the  Goldfinch,  is  obliged  to  await  the  ripening  of  certain  seeds  before 
attempting  to  rear  its  young,  which  will  account  for  local  variation  in  the  time  of  nesting. 

The  call  notes  and  song  of  the  Pine .  Finch  are  quite  similar  to  those  of  the  preceding 
species,  but  have  such  a  peculiar,  husky,  intonation  that  they  may  be  readily  distinguished 
at  all  times. 


GENUS  IV.  JDNCO.  THE  SXOW  BIRDS. 

GEN.  Cn.  Bill,  pointed.  Wings ,  quite  long .  Tail,  sliyhtly  forked,  but  with  the  outer  feathers  a  little  shorter  than  the 
others.  Coracoids,  shorter  than  (he  top  of  keel,  which  is  somewhat  higher  than  one  half  the  width  of  sternum.  Size,  not 
very  small. 

All  the  species  are  dull  in  color,  unstreaked,  above  or  below,  in  the  adult  stage  of  plumage.  The  outer  tail  feathers 
are  always  white. 

There  is  scarcely  a  genus,  throughout  the  entire  Family,  where  the  species  so  completely  intergradc,  in  some  stages  of 
plumage,  as  the  present;  indeed  it  is  extremely  difficult  to  decide  whether  some  should  be  considered  as  species  or  only  as 
local  races. 


JUNCO  HYEMAL1S. 


JTTNCO  HYEMALIS. 

Black  Snowbird. 
Junco  hycmalfs  SCLATER,  Pro.  Zool.  Soc.,  1857,  7. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  quite  robust.  Tongue,  fleshy,  not  very  horny  at  tip,  which  ia  provided  with  short,  terminal,  hair-like 
fillers.  Sternum.  a<  given  under  generic  characters.  Bill,  quite  sharp. 

Co  1.011.  Ailult  malr  in  suinmrr.  Upper  portion  of  body,  including  wings  and  tail,  neck,  breast  and  sides,  slaty-blnck, 
darkest  anteriorly.  Belly,  abdomen,  flanks,  under  tnil  coverts,  under  wing  coverts  and  extreme  outer  edges  of  primaries, 
white.  Four  outer  tail  foathers  are  always  white  and  two  others  are  more  or  less  so  colored.  Bill,  pinkish,  darker  at  tip 
iiml  base  of  upper  mandible.  Feet,  brown. 

Ft  malr  in  sprint/.  Similar  to  the  spring  male  but  having  the  slaty-black  overwashed  with  rufous.  Only  two  outer 
tail  1'. 'aiders  are  wholly  white. 

Adult  in  winter  and  Youny.  Adult  malis  in  winter  show  more  or  less  rufous,  while  the  females  are  more  highly  ting- 
ed with  it  than  in  the  spring.  The  young  are  well  washed  with  rufous  for  the  first  year  and  the  white  of  the  tail  Ls  much 

extended. 

_Y<  .tt/inys.     Are  thickly  streaked,  above  and  below,  with  dusky,  when  they  present  a  peculiar  appearance 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Specimens,  of  the  same  age  and  sex,  vary  considerably  in  amount  of  rufous,  especially  above.  The  extension  of  the 
while  '.n  the  tail  is  also  \ariable,  but  I  never  saw  more  than  four  feathers  wholly  white;  a  specimen,  however,  now  lie-lorn 
me,  has  the  n;'xt  pair  nearly  immaculate,  there  being  only  a  basal  spot  en  the  inner  webs  and  a  very  small  terminal  one  on 
fne  miter.  This  specimen  is  also  remarkable  as  being  the  only  one  which  I  ever  examined  from  the  East  that  had  any  in- 
dieaiicm  of  win:;  liars;  in  this  case  there  are  two  which  are  quite  distinct.  This  bird  is  very  dark  in  color  and  altogether 

•«  hat  resembles  "Aikenii." 

The  present  Aperies  may  be  distinguished  by  the  dark  sides  and  absenceof  any  decidedly  red  dorsal  patch,  such  as  is  to 
i  in  Ori'i/,iniu  and  allied  specias.  Distributed,  in  summer,  throughout  Northern  New  England,  Canada,  and  along 
the  highlands  and  mountain  ranges  of  Eastern  United  States,  at  least  as  far  south  as  Virginia.  Winters  from  the  Atlantic 
to  the  liocky  Mountains  between  the  latitudes  of  Florida  and  Massachusetts. 

DIMENSIONS. 

.\\erairi'  measurements  of  twenty  eight  specimens.  Length,  6'25;  stretch,  9'80;  wing,  3'00;  tail,  2-60;  bill,  '42;  tarsus, 
•?."i.  Longest  specimen,  7'00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  lO'OO;  longest  wing,  3'15;  tail,  2'75;  bill,  '50;  tarsus, '80.  Smallest 
specimen,  6'00;  stretch,  9'50;  wing,  2'80;  tail,  2-50;  bill,  '40:  tarsus,  -70. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  on  the  ground.  Composed  of  fine  grasses  and  lined  with  the  same  material.  Dimensions;  external  di- 
ameter, 4-00,  internal,  3-00.  External  depth,  2'00,  internal,  I'OO. 

Eyys,  four  or  fiv  -  in  number,  oval  in  form,  varying  from  white  to  bluish-white  in  color,  spotted  with  reddish-brown  and 
lilac.  Dimensions,  from  '70 x  -55  to  '75  x  '60. 

HABITS. 

On  December  31,  187G,  I  was  standing  on  the  deck  of  the  yacht  Nina,  sailing  down 
Calibogue  Sound,  before  a  fine  breeze.  We  moved  swiftly  pasta  point  of  land,  which 
shut  out  a  view  to  the  eastward,  then  the  open  ocean  came  into  sight,  and,  in  the  dis- 
tance, just  to  the  southward,  I  recognized  Tybee  Light  at  the  mouth  of  the  Savannah 
River!  Nearer,  to  the  right  of  when;  the  Sound  opens  into  the  sea,  lay  Daufuskic  Island. 
It  was  covcrcil  with  an  exuberant  growth  of  trees,  mainly  palmettos  and  live  oaks,  which 
formed  a  wall  of  verdure,  against  which  the  white  tower  of  the  range  beacon  stood  out  in 
strong  relief;  while  the  keeper's  dwelling  peeped  out  from  among  the  green  foliage.  The 
whole  was  fronted  by  a  clean  sandy  beach,  which  rose  abruptly  from  the  sparkling  water, 
funning  a  neat  foreground  for  one  of  the  prettiest  pictures  that  I  had  ever  seen.  Sweeping 


94  SLACK  SNOWBIRD. 

onward,  almost  to  the  light,  we  turned  suddenly  to  the  right  and  entered  a  creek,  which 
leads  back  of  the  island,  along  which  we  glided,  for  a  mile  or  so,  then  cast  anchor  near  a 
large  plantation.  Going  ashore  we  landed  in  a  fine  grove  of  live  oaks  which  were  heavi- 
ly draped  with  long  streamers  of  Spanish  moss.  These  were  hung  so  thickly  that,  to- 
gether with  the  dense  foliage,  they  rendered  the  light  quite  obscure,  and  it  was  not  until  I 
had  gone  some  distance  that  I  observed  that  I  had  entered  one  of  those  small  cemetarics, 
so  common  in  the  South.  Emerging  from  those  gloomy  shades  I  entered  an  adjacent  cot- 
ton field,  from  which  a  large  flock  of  Sparrows  started.  Among  them  were  several  Snow- 
birds, which,  true  to  their  instinct,  instantly  made  for  the  trees  and  concealed  themselves 
in  the  long  moss.  This  is  the  farthest  point  south  that  I  have  ever  found  them,  but  Mr. 
Boardman  records  them  as  common  in  Florida  during  some  seasons. 

As  above  intimated,  the  Snowbirds  intuitively  seek  protection  by  concealment,  when 
disturbed.  They  always  exhibit  this  trait,  and,  in  sections  where  there  are  no  heavily  fo- 
liaged  trees,  of  which  they  can  avail  themselves,  will  take  shelter  under  brush  heaps  or 
in  thickets.  This  habit  is  acquired  while  they  are  among  the  spruces  and  hemlocks  of 
their  northern  homes. 

In  the  South,  and  during  the  autumnal  migration,  the  males  have  no  other  notes  than 
the  sharp  cry  of  alarm,  which  is  often  repeated  several  times  in  rapid  succession  until  it 
becomes  almost  a  twitter,  but  during  the  northern  journey  they  indulge  in  a  very  melo- 
dious warble.  This  lay  is  only  heard  on  those  still,  April  mornings,  when  all  the  earth  is 
steeped  in  sunshine;  when  the  bursting  buds  are  disclosing  the  delicately  tinted  leaves; 
when  the  grass  on  the  southern  slopes  is  showing  its  most  brilliant  green,  and  the  balmy 
breath  of  the  coming  spring  is  quietly  awakening  all  vegetation  to  a  renewed  life;  then  the 
Snowbirds,  as  if  influenced  by  the  surrounding  tranquillity,  gently  pour  forth  their  low 
melody.  Then  we  hear  them  at  their  best,  for  strangely  enough  when  the  summer  has 
fairly  come,  and  all  other  birds  are  full  of  harmony,  our  little  white-breasted  friends  for- 
get the  pleasant  strains  that  they  practiced  earlier  in  the  season,  and  only  trill  a  series  of 
harsh  chipping  notes,  which,  when  compared  with  their  former  efforts,  is  to  say  the  least, 
very  inharmonious. 

This  species  usually  breeds  on  the  ground,  but  Mr.  H.  B.  Bailey  found  a  nest  at  Up- 
ton, Maine,  placed  on  the  limb  of  a  spruce,  four  feet  from  the  ground.  The  eggs  are  de- 
posited about  the  first  week  in  June,  but  a  second  litter  is  sometimes  laid  in  July.  The 
young  accompany  their  parents  when  they  associate  with  the  White-throated  and  other 
Sparrows,  migrating  with  them  in  September,  and  remaining  with  them,  often  in  flocks, 
all  winter. 


GENUS  V.  SPIZELLA.  THE  TRUE  SPARROWS. 

GEN.  OH.  Bill,  pointed.  Wings,  long.  Tail,  slightly  forked.  Coracoids,  shorter  than  the  top  of  keel,  which  is 
higher  than  one  half  the  width  of  sternum.  Size,  -medium,  never  very  small. 

All  the  species  are  dull  in  color,  streaked  above,  but  not  below,  in  the  adult  stage  of  plumage.  There  are  never  any 
conspicuous  white  markings  on  the  tail. 

There  are  quite  a  large  number  of  species  in  this  genus  but  they  are  quite  easily  distinguished,  as  the  specific  charac- 
ters are  very  distinct. 


SPIZELLA  SOCIAL1S.  95 

SPIZELLA   SOCIALIS. 

Chipping  Sparrow. 
Spi:ella  socialis  BON.,  List,  1838. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sr.  CH.  Form,  rather  slender.  Size,  medium.  Tongue,  horny,  provided  with  the  terminal,  Imir-like  fibers.  Upper 
mandible,  slightly  curved.  Sternum,  as  given  under  generic  characters. 

COM  PH.  Ailuit  in  summer.  Top  of  head,  back,  outer  edges  of  upper  wing  coverts,  and  other  wing  feathers,  chestnut, 
brightest  (,n  the  head,  but  with  the  occiput  slightly,  and  the  back  broadly,  streaked  with  black.  Neck  above,  forming  a 
i-ollar,  through  which  the  black  extends,  rump,  upper  tail  coverts,  outer  edges  of  tail  feathers,  ear  coverts,  side*  of  neck, 
and  sides,  ashy.  Wing?  and  tail,  brownish-black.  Forehead,  line  from  bill,  passing  through  eye,  nnd  bill,  black.  Medi- 
an lin.',  through  Muck  of  forehead,  superciliary  line,  throat,  under  wing  coverts,  under  tail  coverts,  tips  of  upper  wing  cov- 
ert--, f  pniiin^  liars,  white.  Remainder  of  under  parts,  ashy-white,  darkest  across  the  breast.  Feet  light-brown. 

Adull  in  irintrr.  Differs  from  the  above  in  having  the  crown  overcast  with  blackish,  and  the  chestnut  of  the  crown  is 
extended  down  cm  the  neek,  almost  obscuring  the  collar.  The  lines  of  black  above  are  not  as  clearly  defined,  but  there  Is 
1  m  ish]  1'.  l:iw.  The  Mil  is  reddish,  especially  on  the  under  mandible. 

Young.  In  this  stage  the  top  of  the  head,  and  usually  the  rump,  are  more  or  less  streaked  with  black.  The  marking 
of  the  f  ire'iead  is  n  it  as  prominent. 

You iiij  of  the  i/inr  in  autumn.  Show  hut  little  chestnut  on  the  crown,  but  are  mere  rufous  on  the  wings,  the  white 
bars  b.'ini;  r. •placed  by  reddish. 

.\istlinys.  Arc  similar  to  the  above,  but  are  streaked  below,  on  all  portions, excepting  the  abdomen,  even  the  throat 
and  -idc-s  ,  if  head,  including  superciliary  stripe,  are  so  marked.  The  throat  is  yellowish,  and  the  sides  are  reddish.  The 
an'  similar  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Specimens  van'  greatly  in  amount  of  chestnut  on  the  back,  where  the  black  usually  predominates,  but  I  have  seen  a 
bird  which  had  the  buck  almost  wholly  chestnut.  The  black  of  the  forehead  also  varies  in  width.  It  is  always  present,  but 
in  some  specimens  the  white  median  line  becomes  much  extended,  reaching  over  a  greater  portion  of  the  anterior  crown. 
There  is  sometimes  a  slight  trace  of  chestnut  on  the  ear  coverts. 

Kradily  known  in  the  adult  and  young  stages  by  the  chestnut  crown,  black  forehead  and  white  median  line.  The  nest- 
lings always  show  an  indication  of  the  reddish  crown.  This  species  may  be  distinguished  frompiailla  in  having  less  red  a- 
Imve.  The  ever  present  black  line  through  the  eye  is  a  characteristic  marking.  Distributed,  while  breeding,  across  the 
i 'on  tin  -nt  from  the  latitude  of  South  Carolina,  north,  at  least  to  that  of  Canada.  Winters  from  the  Carolina*  south  ward  to 
Cuba,  but  is  not  common  below  Middle  Florida. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  fifteen  specimens.     Length ,  5'45;   stretch ,  8'50;  wing,  2'65;  tail,  2*35;  bill, '38;  tarsus, -03. 
:  -pecimen,  5'60;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  8'75;  longest  wing,  2'75;  tail,  2'60;  bill,  '42;  tarsus,  '73.    Shortest  speci- 
men, 5'40;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  8' 15;  shortest  wing,  2' 12;  tail,  2'20;  bill,  '35:  tarsus,  '55. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nrst>,  placed  in  trees.  They  are  compact  structures,  composed  outwardly  of  fine  roots,  lined  with  horse  hair.  Dimen- 
sions; external  diameter,  3-25,  internal,  2'00.  External  depth,  1'75,  internal,  1-00. 

Eyys,  four  or  five  in  number,  oval  in  form,  blue  in  color,  spotted,  dotted  nnd  lined  with  black  and  lilac.  Specimens  va- 
ry from  the  above  in  being  marked  with  reddish-brown,  but  it  Is  usual  to  find  some  spots  or  dots  of  black.  I  once  had  a  set 
that  was  unspotted.  Dimensions,  from  '75  x  '50  to  '80  x  '55. 

HABITS. 

One  can  scarcely  enter  a  field  of  a  plantation,  in  Northern  Florida,  which  is  overgrown 
with  woods,  without  starting  large  flocks  of  birds.  Usually  a  large  proportion  of  them  will 
be  Chipping  Sparrows.  They  remain  all  winter  enjoying  the  bright  sunshine  of  this  mag- 
nificent climate,  spending  their  time  in  comparative  idleness;  for  seeds  are  abundant,  and 
it  requires  but  a  slight  effort  to  obtain  them.  It  is  quite  noticeable  that  the  birds  of  this 


96  CHIPPING  SPARROW. 

species  found  as  far  south  as  Blue  Spring,  Florida,  arc  mostly  young,  but  further  north, 
in  the  Carolinas,  where  these  birds  are  exceedingly  abundant,  the  adults  predominate. 
I  have  mentioned,  on  page  29  of  this  work,  that  the  adults  of  many  birds  wandered  more 
than  the  immature,  b»t  this  species  appears  to  reverse  that  rule.  The  adults  remain  be- 
hind, in  the  colder  climate,  but  the  young  push  onward  toward  the  warmer  section  of  the 
country. 

While  in  their  winter  quarters,  the  Chipping  Sparrows  have  no  characteristic  habits, 
other  than  those  exhibited  by  many  of  the  Fringilline  birds;  neither  do  they  have  any  note, 
save  the  ordinary  chirp  of  alarm.  Then,  to  recognize  them,  one  must  observe  quite  closely. 
By  the  middle  of  April,  when  they  arrive  in  Massachusetts,  they  forget  the  life  of  inactiv- 
ity which  they  led  in  the  enervating  climate  where  they  passed  the  winter,  and  display 
much  energy.  At  first  the  lively  chipping  song  of  the  males  is  only  to  be  heard  at  inter- 
vals along  the  hedge-rows  which  form  a  favorite  perch  for  the  birds,  but  a  few  days  later 
every  garden  and  lawn,  throughout  the  State,  will  have  its  attendant  fay  in  the  form  of  a 
Chipping  Sparrow. 

They  watch  their  domains  very  closely,  seldom  leaving  the  immediate  vicinity  of  the 
dwelling's.  As  a  natural  result,  from  associating  so  much  with  human  beings,  these  lit- 
tle Sparrows  become  exceedingly  tame,  being,  in  fact,  half  domesticated.  They  will  hop 
familiarly  about  the  porch  in  search  of  crumbs  and  other  bits  of  food,  occasionally  display- 
ing enough  confidence  in  their  friends  to  even  venture  across  the  threshold  of  the  open 
door. 

About  the  middle  of  May  the  females  can  be  seen  gathering  material  for  their  prettily 
constructed  nests,  which  are  often  placed  on  some  tree  in  close  proximity  ti>  the  house. 
The  eggs  are  deposited  about  June  1,  the  young  making  their  appearance  by  the  15.  At 
this  time  the  Chipping  Sparrows  are  nearly  insectivorous,  feeding  largely  on  such  destruc- 
tive insect  larvae  as  the  canker  and  currant  worms.  Although  thus  conferring  a  benefit 
upon  mankind,  they  are  not  always  as  useful,  for  they  are  accused,  and  I  fear  justly,  of 
killing  honey-bees  for  food.  I  have  frequently  seen  several  of  them  thus  employed  at  one 
time.  They  would  alight  on  the  top  of  the  hives  or  on  some  over-hanging  limb,  and  dart 
down  at  the  returning  or  departing  bees,  like  Flycatchers,  then,  having  secured  their  prey, 
would  alight  on  the  ground  in  order  to  beat  it  in  pieces  before  swallowing  it.  I  have  ob- 
served that  the  Chipping  Sparrows  assemble  in  the  neighborhood  of  apiaries,  in  consid- 
erable numbers.  I  have  found  twenty  or  more  nests,  in  a  single  season,  all  built  in  an 
orchard,  near  which  stood  several  hives. 

In  spite  of  the  above-mentioned  mischievous  propensity,  our  lively  little  friends  are 
general  favorites,  usually  finding  a  hearty  welcome,  and  will  amply  reward  the  husband- 
man, for  the  protection  which  he  affords  them,  by  destroying  large  quantities  of  exceed- 
ingly noxious  insects. 

By  September,  the  young  and  adults  flock  to  the  cultivated  fields  in  order  to  feed  on 
the  newly-ripened  seeds  of  weeds,  which  once  more  form  their  principal  diet.  They  then 
associate  with  large  numbers  of  other  birds,  such  as  the  Field  and  Savannah  Sparrows. 
Grass  Finch,  and  many  other  members  of  this  family,  departing  with  them  when  they  mi- 
grate southward. 


SPIZELLA  PUSILLA.  97 


SPIZELLA  PUSILLA. 
Field  Sparrow. 

•  Spizella pusilla  BON.,  List,  1838. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Si-.  Cn.  Form,  nit  her  slender.  Size,  medium.  Tongue,  horny,  provided  with  the  terminal,  hair-like  fibers.  Keel, 
lower  tlmn  that  ofxorialis,  hut  tlie  ooraeoids  are  longer.  Upper  mandible,  slightly  curved. 

COLOR.  Ai/ull  in  summer .  Upper  portion  of body,  including  outer  edges  of  wing  feathers,  and  spot  on  the  sides  of  the 
head,  reddish-brown,  palest  on  the  rum]).  There  is  an  indication  of  an  ashy  collar.  The  wings  and  tail  are  brown  with  the 
inner  eil^es  df  the  feathers  of  the  latter,  ashy.  Tips  of  wing  coverts,  forming  bars,  white.  Under  portions,  dirty-white, 
with  the  maxillaries,  breast,  side*  and  flanks  tinged  with  rufous.  Ear  coverts,  ashy.  Bill,  red.  Feet,  pale-brown. 

Adult  in  winter.  The  reddish-brown  alxivc  is  over-washed  with  dusky.  There  is  more  rufous  below,  where  the  white 
is  (Hirer,  but  the  white  bars  of  the  wings  are  inclined  to  be  reddish. 

Youny.  In  this  stage  the  crown  shows  traces  of  ashy,  and  the  feathers  of  the  back  are  edged  with  it.  The  bill  is  dus- 
ky, especially  mi  the  upper  mandible. 

Yininy  of  the  year  in  autumn.  Are  very  dusky  above,  but  with  the  outer  edges  of  the  wing  feathers  broadly  margined 
with  reddish:  even  the  ashy  edgings  of  the  tail  are  replaced  by  it.  The  entire  under  portions,  including  under  tail  coverts, 
are  -iii^i-d  with  rufous,  brightest  on  the  sides,  throat  and  breast. 

X'Xtiinys.  Are  similar  to  the  above,  but  are  streaked  below,  on  all  portions, excepting  the  abdomen.  The  sexes  are 
similar  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Specimens  vary  a  very  little  in  the  shade  of  reddish-brown.  The  ashy  collar  is  sometimes  quite  prominent,  extending 
across  the  m>ck,  and  there  is  an  indication  nf  a  median  line,  of  the  same  color,  extending  from  the  bill  to  the  occiput. 

Readily  known,  when  adult,  by  the  rufous  color  above,  and  by  the  general  suffusion  of  rufous  in  the  younger  stages. 
Pi-trihuti-d,  while  breeding,  from  the  Atlantic  Ocean  to  the  Mississippi  River,  between  the  latitudes  of  the  White  Mount- 
ains and  South  Carolina.  Winters  from  the  Carolinas  to  Middle  Florida. 

DIMENSIONS. 

-\\erage  measurements  of  fifteen  specimens.  Length,  5'60;  stretch,  8' 15;  wing,  2*55;  tail,  2*45;  bill,  '38;  tarsus,  '73. 
Longest  specimen,  S'OS;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  8-50;  longest  wing,  2'75;  tail,  2'60;  bill, '40;  tarsus, -73.  Shortest  speci- 
men, .V2~>;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  7'75;  shortest  wing,  2- 12;  tail,  2'20;  bill,  '35;  tarsus,  '65. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  low  bushes  or  on  the  ground.  They  are  loosely  constructed ,  being  composed  of  fine  grasses  and  weeds, 
lined  with  grass  and  horse  hair.  Dimensions;  external  diameter,  3'50,  internal,  2~50.  External  depth,  1-75,  internal,  I'OO. 

Ey</s,  four  or  five  in  number,  oval  in  form,  bluish-white  in  color,  spotted,  and  blotched  with  reddish-brown  and  lilac. 
Dimensions,  from  '61  x  '50  to  '70 x  '55. 

HABITS. 

By  the  middle  of  April,  when  spring  has  fairly  opened,  when  the  warm,  south  wind 
i  umes  in  gentle  puffs  that  scarcely  move  the  autumnal  leaves  which  are  still  clinging  to 
the  oaks,  the  peculiar  song  of  the  Field  Sparrow  may  be  heard  coming  from  the  low  ce- 
dars which  grow  along  steep,  gravelly  hill-sides  or  on  barren  tracts  of  land.  This  lay  is 
one  of  the  sweetest  that  I  ever  heard.  It  consists  of  eight  or  ten  notes  which  commence 
low,  gradually  growing  louder,  then  become  softer,  when  a  series  of  more  distinct  chirps 
arc  given,  and  the  perl'ormaiice  ends  abruptly.  The  first  part  of  the  song  is  exceedingly 
fine,  hut  the  latter  portion  is  not  as  pleasing  and  the  sudden  termination  is  somewhat  disap- 
pointing. The  bird  while  singing  is  perched  on  some  elevated  situation,  and  seems  to  en- 
ter into  the  business  in  hand  with  all  his  might. 

These  melodious  strains  are  so  striking  that  they  produce  a  favorable  impression  even 

BIRDS   OF  FLORIDA.  13 


98  ZONOTRACHIA  ALBJCOLLIS. 

upon  those  who  do  not  usually  notice  birds.  But  to  the  lover  of  Nature,  this  song  be- 
comes so  associated  with  the  peculiar  location  in  which  it  is  heard,  where  the  warm  summer 
air  is  redolent  with  the  spicy  odor  of  the  cedar  and  savin,  that  it  is  as  much  a  portion  of 
the  characteristic  New  England  scenery  as  the  tree-covered  hills  themselves.  Individuals 
vary  slightly  in  notes,  even  in  Massachusetts,  but  I  was  surprised  to  hear  these  Sparrows 
giving  an  entirely  different  song  at  Watsontown,  Pennsylvania,  in  August. 

I  have  found  the  nests  in  a  low  bush  but  they  are  sometimes  placed  on  the  ground;  the 
eggs  are  laid  during  the  latter  part  of  May  and  a  second  litter  is  deposited  later.  The  birds 
are  quite  shy  even  when  breeding.  The  males  will  cease  singing  when  disturbed  and  dart 
into  the  nearest  thicket  from  which  it  is  difficult  to  start  them.  When  forced  to  take 
wing  they  will  instantly  shoot  into  another  place  of  concealment.  By  September  the  birds 
leave  the  wooded  section  and  assemble  with  other  Sparrows  in  the  cultivated  fields.  They 
migrate  a  little  later  in  the  season,  but  rarely  go  as  far  south  as  Middle  Florida. 

GENUS  VI.    ZONOTRACIIIA.    THE  ZONE-THROATED  SPARROWS. 

GEN.  Cn.  Bill,  rather  pointed.  Wings,  about  equal  in  lenyth  to  the  tail  which  is  sliyhtly  forked,  but  with  the  outer 
feathers  shortened.  Sternum,  similar  to  that  of  Spizella,  but  a  little  broader, proportionately.  Size,  larye. 

The  throats  or  crowns  of  all  the  species  are  conspicuously  marked  with  white,  black,  or  yellow,  often  with  a  combina- 
tion of  all  three  colors.  No  prominent  white  markings  en  the  tail. 

ZONOTBACHIA  ALBICOLLIS. 

White-throated  Sparrow. 
Zonolrachia  albicollis  BON.,  Consp.,  1850,478. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  Tongue,  thick  and  fleshy,  but  furnished  with  a  terminal,  bifid  fringe  of  fine  cilia. 
Sternum,  as  given  under  generic  characters. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Upper  portion  of  body,  including  outer  edges  of  wing  and  tail  feathers  and  upper  wing  coverts,  chest- 
nut, palest  on  the  rump,  with  the  back  streaked  with  rufous  and  black.  Wings  and  tail  dark-brown.  Tips  of  wing  cov- 
erts, white,  forming  bars.  Top  of  head,  black,  with  a  median  line  extending  from  bill  to  occiput,  and  one  on  either  side, 
starting  from  over  the  middle  of  eye  and  extending  to  occiput,  throat,  under  wing  coverts,  abdomen  and  under  tail  coverts, 
white,  with  the  latter  tinged  with  yellow  and  streaked  with  dusky.  Remaining  under  portions,  lores,  sides  of  head  below 
line  of  eye,  ashy,  darkest  anteriorly,  with  the  sides  and  flanks  tinged  with  chestnut.  Line  from  bill  to  over  middle  of  eye 
and  edge  of  wing,  near  shoulder,  bright  yellow.  Bill,  bluish.  Feet  pale-brown. 

Young.  The  yellow  line  of  the  sides  of  head  is  less  extended.  The  black  and  white  of  the  crown  show  traces  of  chest- 
nut. The  white  throat  is  somewhat  obscured  with  dusky,  and  the  breast  is  crossed  with  faint,  wavy  lines  of  the  same  color. 
There  is  less  chestnut  on  the  sides,  and  the  wing  bars  are  narrower. 

Young  of  the  year.  Differs  in  having  the  crown  dusky  and  chestnut,  with  the  white  lines  replaced  by  pale-rufous  ting- 
ed with  dusky.  The  wing  bars  are  also  rufous.  The  white  throat  is  more  or  less  obscured  with  rufous.  There  are  black 
maxillary  lines  and  the  breast  is  streaked  with  dusky.  The  yellow  lines  of  the  head  are  somewhat  restricted  and  obscured 
with  dusky. 

Nestlinys.  Differ  from  the  above  in  being  finely  streaked  below,  on  all  parts,  excepting  the  abdomen,with  dusky,  and 
•  the  white  overwashed  with  yellowish.  Sexes  similar  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Individuals  vary  but  little  in  color,  the  ashy  of  the  breast  is  occasionally  lighter  and  there  is  sometimes  an  indication 
of  a  dusky  spot  on  the  middle  of  the  breast.  Readily  known  in  the  more  adult  stages  by  the  black,  white  and  yellow  mark- 
ings of  the  top  of  the  head.  Nestlings  are  much  more  diflicult  to  determine  and  as  I  have  none  of  the  allied  species  in- this 
stage  at  hand,  cannot  speak  with  certainty  of  the  differences,  but  should  judge  that  albicollis  is  more  rufous  above.  The 
females  are  apt  to  be  duller. 

Distributed,  while  breeding,  from  Northern  Massachusetts,  to  the  far  North,  through  the  Eastern  and  Middle  districts. 
Winters  from  the  latitude  of  North  Carolina  to  Central  Florida,  between  the  Atlantic  Ocean  and  the  Mississippi  River. 


WHITE-TimOATED  SPARROW.  99 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  fifteen  specimens.  T.i'ngtli,  G  35;  stretch.  0-55;  wing,  3'05;  tail,  2'85;  bill, '48;  tarsus, '90. 
Lou-:---!  -]»•<  i'urii.  7-:!.~>;  irreate^t  extent  of  win;;,  9-80;  l.'U^i  wing,  3'10;  tail,  3'00;  bill,  '65;  tarsus,  '95.  Shortest  speci- 
nieii.  li-30;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  8'80;  shortest  wing,  2-82;  tail,  2'60;  bill,  -50;  tarsus,  -81. 

DESCKIPTIOX  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

A'*  NA«.  jilaeed  on  tlic  ground.  They  are  rather  compart  structures,  composed  of  dried  grasses  and  fine  roots,  lined  with 
l:oi-M'  l.air  ati'l  :;r,i-s.  Dimensions;  external  ilianieter,  4-00,  internal,  2'75.  External  depth,  2'50,  internal,  T75. 

Eyys,  I'nir  or  !'.v<-  in  number,  oval  in  f.irin,  bluish-white  in  color,  spotted,  blotched,  and  dotted  with  reddish-brown  and 
lilac.  Dimensions,  from  '80  x  '00  to  "90 x  '05. 

HABITS. 

The  hammock  edges  in  Florida  are  almost  always  occupied  by  birds  of  several  spe- 
cies. Prominent  among  them  are  the  White-throated  Sparrows  but  they  are  confined  to 
the  Middle  and  Northern  sections  of  the  state.  I  did  not  find  very  many  of  them  at  Blue 
Springs,  and  none  south  of  this  point.  But  they  were  abundant  along  the  borders  of  the 
extensive  cotton  plantations  on  the  Sea  Islands  of  the  Carolinas  and  Georgia.  While 
there,  however,  they  have  no  special  habits  by  which  they  can  readily  be  distinguished 
from  many  other  of  the  more  arboreal,  Fringilline  birds;  yet  they  never  lose  some  pecu- 
liarities by  which  the  close  observer  can  always  identify  them.  The  sharp  chirp  of  alarm 
that  is  given  while  the  birds  are  in  concealment,  or  while  they  peer  cautiously  out  to  watch 
the  intruder,  is  one  of  the  chief  characteristics  which  the  White-throated  Sparrows  retain 
at  all  seasons. 

While  passing  through  the  Middle  and  New  England  States,  when  on  their  north- 
ward migration,  they  do  not  always  frequent  the  wooded  portions,  but  move  in  straggling 
flocks  along  the  hedges  and  fence  rows  of  the  more  cultivated  sections.  The  mild  but  in- 
vigorating weather  of  early  May  apparently  awakens  a  desire  in  the  birds  to  sing,  and 
then  they  begin  to  practice  the  first  notes  of  their  fine  melody.  But  it  is  not  until  later, 
when  they  arrive  in  the  evergreen  forests  which  form  their  summer  resorts,  that  the  song 
is  heard  at  full  length. 

Then  in  the  early  mornings  of  June  when  the  purple  mist  hangs  over  the  mountains, 
where  the  delicate  ferns  which  wave  by  the  ever  murmuring  brooks  are  sparkling  with  dew 
drops,  when  the  freshly  grown  leaves  of  the  overhanging  foliage  are  showing  their  loveliest 
green,  the  melodious  strains  of  the  White-throated  Sparrows  may  be  heard  to  perfection. 
This  lay  consists  of  several  sweet,  prolonged  whistles,  and  is  somewhat  plaintive,  but  very 
pleasing.  Not  only  do  our  little  musicians  perform  through  the  cooler  hours  of  the  morn- 
ing, but  the  sultry  noon-time  also  finds  them  singing.  They  arc  more  silent  when  the  sun 
declines  toward  the  West,  but  begin  again  in  the  cool  of  evening.  Thus  they  are  almost 
untiring  in  their  efforts  through  the  day,  and,  as  if  not  satisfied,  will  frequently  burst  in-' 
to  full  song  during  the  night.  But  when  the  rocky  mountain  tops  arc  gleaming  in  the 
brilliant  moon-light,  and  the  silvery  beams  arc  finding  their  way  through  the  openings  in 
the  shadowy  forests,  illuminating  the  little  glades  which  form  the  homes  of  the  Sparrows, 
they  are  especially  musical.  Then  when  all  else  is  silent,  save  the  occasional  melancholy 
notes  of  the  Whip-poor-will  or  the  distant  hoot  of  some  Owl,  the  effect  produced  by  this 
incomparable  song  is  surpassingly  beautiful. 


100  PASSERCULUS  SAVANNA. 

The  nests  are  placed  on  the  ground,  usually  in  some  open  spot  and  frequently  by  the 
way-side.  The  eggs  are  laid  by  the  first  week  in  June,  but  a  second  litter  is  deposited 
later.  The  singularly  marked  young  in  their  first  plumage,  accompany  their  parents  in 
August,  but  these  small  communities  assemble  in  flocks  by  the  first  of  September,  then 
commence  their  southward  migration.  Even  as  late  in  the  season  as  that  the  males  cannot 
resist  the  temptation  of  singing,  and  on  very  fine  autumnal  days  one  or  two  of  the  sweet 
notes  of  their  summer  performance  can  occasionally  be  heard,  but  the  complete  song  is  nev- 
er given  at  that  time. 

GENUS  VH.    PASSERCULUS.    THE  GRASS  SPARROWS. 

GEN.  CH.  Bill,  rather  pointed.  Winys,  lonycr  than  the  tail  which  is  slightly  forked ',  but  with  the  outer  feathers  short- 
ened. Tcrtiarics,  longer  than  secondaries.  Sternum,  narrower  than  that  of  Zonolrachia,  but  with  the  keel  a  little  hiyhcr, 
and  the  coracoids  shorter,  proportionately.  Size,  medium. 

There  is  usualy  a  yellow  superciliary  line.  All  the  species  are  streaked  above  and  below.  No  prominent  white  mark- 
ings on  the  tail. 

PASSERCULUS  SAVANNA. 

Savannah.  Sparrow. 
Parsserculus  savanna  BON.,  List,  1838. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  rather  slender.  Size,  medium.  Tongue,  horny,  provided  with  the  terminal,  hair-like  fibers.  Ster- 
num as  given  under  generic  characters. 

COLOR.  Adult  in  summer.  Upper  portion  of  body,  including  wings  and  tail,  dark-brown,  with  the  edges  of  all  the 
feathers,  excepting  anterior  crown,  whitish  or  pale-rufous.  There  are  indications  of  whitish  wing  bars.  A  median  line  of 
yellowish-white  extends  from  bill  to  occiput,  where  it  is  mixed  with  dark-brown.  Superciliary  lino  and  ring  around  eye, 
yellow.  Lores  and  car  coverts,  dusky,  with  the  feathers  back  of  the  latter  whitish,  mixed  with  dark-brown.  Under  por- 
tions, including  under  wing  coverts,  white,  streaked  with  dark-brown  on  all  portion?,  excepting  abdomen  and  under  tail 
coverts.  Edge  of  wing,  white.  Bill,  brown,  lower  mandible,  lighter.  Feet,  pale-brown. 

Adult  in  winter.  Differs  from  the  above  in  being  overwashed  with  yellowish-rufous  below  and  on  the  sides  of  the  head. 
The  yellow  superciliary  line  is  nut  as  extended. 

Youni/.  The  yellow  over  the  eye  is  much  restricted.  The  dark-brown  above  is  lighter  and  the  streakings  below  are 
edged  with  rufous.  The  ear  coverts  are  also  overwashed  with  rufous. 

Young  of  the  year.  Show  but  little  of  the  yellow  line.  There  is  strong  overwashing  of  rufous  above  and  below.  The 
occiput  is  frequently  tinged  with  yellow. 

Nestlinys.  Are  more  finely  streaked  below  where  there  is  a  strong  tinge  of  yellowish.  There  is  no  indication  what- 
ever of  the  yellow  superciliary  line.  Sexes  similar  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Specimens  vary  considerably  in  shade  of  color,  and  also  in  size.  Sometimes  the  markings  above  are  very  pale,  and 
there  are  comparatively  few  streaks  below,  but  others  will  be  extremely  dark  above  and  more  heavily  streaked  below, 
when  there  is  often  a  central  spot  on  the  breast.  The  throat  is  sometimes  white,  then  the  streakings  unite  and  form  max- 
illary lines. 

Distinguished  from  princeps  by  the  smaller  size  and  darker  color;  from  ros/ratus  by  the  smaller  bill.  Known  from  other 
Sparrows  by  the  yellow  superciliary  line,  combined  with  the  white  edge  of  the  wing  and  streakings  below.  Distributed, 
in  summer,  throughout  the  Continent,  from  the  latitude  of  Pennsylvania  to  the  far  North.  Winters  from  the  latitude  of 
Washington,  south  to  Florida  and  Mexico. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  forty  specimens  from  Florida  and  New  England.  Length,  5'75;  stretch,  9'45;  wing,2'75;  tail, 
1-90;  bill,  -45;  tarsus, -82.  Longest  specimen,  G'27;  greatest  extent  of  wins;,  D'GO;  longest  wing,  3'00;  tail,  2-25;  Mil, '49; 
tarsus,  '87.  Shortest  specimen,  5'25;  smallest  extent  uf  wing,  7'95;  shortest  wing,  2'50;  tail, 1*81;  bill,  '45;  tarsus,  '70. 


PASSERCULUS  PRWCEPS.  101 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

.Y'-.</.«.  placed  i  m  the  ground,  composed  of  grass  loosely  arranged  and  lined  with  finer.  .Dimensions;  external  diameter, 
3-51),  internal,  'J'iV  External  depth,  2'00,  internal,  1'25. 

/•/.<.  fuir  nr  li\e  in  iniuilicr,  mal  in  f>rm,  bluish-white  in  color,  thickly  blotched,  and  some  portions  nearly  covered, 
with  rcddish-liriiwii.  Some  c^s,  however,  arc'  markeil  with  very  distinct  f-'pots  of  umber  and  I  have  occasionally  seen  them 
with  t'ic  same  color.  Dimensions  from  77'  x  'CO  to  '87  x  '65. 


HABITS. 

The  savannahs  of  Florida  arc  wide  spread  plains,  cither  fresh  or  salt.  The  former  are  cov- 
ered with  a  luxuriant  growth  of  grass  often  six  feet  high,  while  on  the  latter  the  herbage  is 
shorter,  and  consists  of  several  species  of  plants  among  which  is  the  peculiar  sea  purslane, 
(Scsuvium  portal  acastr  urn.)  This  creeping  herb  quite  covers  the  ground  in  many  localities 
and  the  red,  succulent  leaves  yield  a  peculiar  spicy  scent  when  crushed  beneath  the  feet. 
This  aromatic  odor  always  reminds  me  of  the  marshes  of  Indian  River,  for  it  was  there  that 
I  first  saw  the  plant  growing  to  perfection.  These  salt  plains  arc  the  resorts  of  many  birds, 
but  none  are  more  abundant  there  than  the  little  Sparrows  which  I  have  under  consider- 
ation, and  which  derive  their  common  and  specific  names  from  their  habit  of  frequenting 
.savannahs.  Many  other  species  of  the  family  are  arboreal,  but  none  among  them  are  so 
fond  of  open,  grassy  sections  as  the  Savannah  Sparrows.  In  Florida  they  arc  abundant 
in  the  marshy  country  along  the  sea  board  or  rivers  of  the  interior,  and  are  common  on 
the  plantations  of  Georgia  and  the  Carolinas.  In  Pennsylvania  they  are  found  in  the  rich 
interval  lands,  in  Massachusetts  and  Maine  they  swarm  along  the  sand  hills  and  marshes 
of  the  coast,  and  I  have  even  found  them  on  the  grassy  hill  sides  of  the  Magdalen  Islands, 
(iult'ofSt.  Lawrence.  They  arc  retiring  inhabit,  often  running  a  long  distance  before 
Hying.  The  males,  however,  are  fond  of  perching  on  a  low  limb  of  a  tree  or  fence  top  to 
give  their  peculiar  lay,  which  consists  of  a  few  lisping  notes  terminating  in  a  faint  warble; 
the  whole  performance  being  rather  an  unsatisfactory  apology  for  a  song. 

The  nests  are  built  on  the  ground  in  open  fields,  along  the  edges  of  the  sand  hills,  or 
on  the  marshes.  There  is  very  little  attempt  at  concealment,  but  as  the  females  sit  closely 
it  is  exceedingly  difficult  to  flush  them,  and  when  forced  to  leave  they  will  frequently  run 
some  distance  before  rising,  often  feigning  lameness  in  order  to  attract  attention  from  the 
nests.  The  eggs  are  deposited  about  the  first  of  June  and  a  second  litter  in  July.  They 
breed  a  little  later  on  the  Magdalen  Islands  where  I  should  judge  that  they  only  rear  one 
brood.  They  leave  Florida  early  in  May,  arriving'in  New  England  about  the  middle  of 
April,  and  remain  until  the  first  of  November. 

PASSERCULUS  PRINCEPS. 

Pallid  Sparrow. 
Passerculus  princepi  MAVNARD,  American  Naturalists,  Vol.,  VI,  1872,  637. 

DESCRIPTION. 
Plate  III.     Adult  in  spring. 

SP.  CH.     Form,  rather  robust.     Size,  large.     Tongue,  somewhat  fleshy,  horny  at  tip  which  i<  pmvided  with  a  terminal 
fringe  of  cilia.    Sternum,  with  the  keel  a  little  higher  and  the  coracoids  a  trifle  longer,  than  those  vf  savanna. 


102  PALLID  SPARROW. 

COLOR.  Adult  in  summer.  Upper  portion  of  body  yellowish-white,  with  the  centers  of  the  feathers  dark-brown,  en- 
circled by  rufous.  Top  of  head,  yellowish-rufous,  streaked  with  dark-brown,  but  a  median  line  of  yellowish-white  extends 
from  the  bill  to  occiput.  Wings  and  tail,  brown,  with  the  outer  edges  of  all  the  feathers  whitish.  There  is  cnly  a  faint 
indication  of  onp  wing  bar.  Pure-white  beneath  witli  the  maxillaries,  breast,  sides,  and  flanks,  streaked  with  In-own  which 
is  edged  with  rufous.  Ring  around  eye  and  superciliary  line,  yellow.  Edge  of  wing,  white,  tinged  with  pale-yellow. 

Young.  Quite  rufous  above,  where  the  colors  are  more  suffused.  There  is  also  no  yellow  superciliary  line,  and  the 
bend  of  the  wing  is  white.  Sexes  similar  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

There  is  usually  a  clustering  of  streakings  on  the  breast  forming  a  central  spot,  otherwise  there  is  a  uniformity  of  col- 
or. Known  from  all  other  allied  species  by  its  pale  color  and  large  size.  It  might  be  confoundad  with  roslratus,  however, 
were  it  not  for  the  large  bill  of  the  latter.  Found  in  the  winter  along  the  coast  of  Massachusetts,  south  to  Lung  Island. 
Doubtless  breeds  on  some  of  the  islands  off  the  coast  of  Arctic  America.  A  Ithough  princeps  is  not  a  bird  of  Florida ,  I  have 
ventured  to  insert  this  description  with  the  plate,  considering  the  species  of  sufficient  importance  to  justify  this  course. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements.     Length,  6'25;  stretch,  11  '00;  wing,  3'28;  tail,  2'50;  bill,  '46;  tarsus,  -95.     Longest  specimen, 
6-30;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  11-20;  longest  wing,  3'30;  tail,  2'60;  bill,  -52;  tarsus,  I'OO.    Shortest  specimen,  6'20;  small- 
est extent  of  wing,  10'90:  shortest  wing,  3'10;  tail,  2'40;  bill,  '40;  tarsus,  '90. 
» 

HABITS. 

On  December  4,  1808,  I  was  walking  over  the  Ipswich  sand  hills  in  search  of  Lapland 
Buntings,  when  a  little  bird  rose  wildly  from  the  beach  grass  in  front  of  me,  I  took  a  snap 
shot  and  killed  the  first  specimen  of  Passerculus  princeps  ever  brought  to  notice.  For  two 
years  this  was  the  only  specimen  in  existence.  I  took  two  more,  October  14  and  15,  1871, 
also  on  the  Ipswich  sand  hills,  then  two  were  taken  on  Long  Island  and  were  sent  to  me 
by  Mr.  H.  Herrick  for  identification.  After  this  several  were  obtained  at  Ipswich  but  it 
was  not  until  April  4,  1874,  that  I  saw  the  bird  in  its  full  spring  plumage.  This  speci- 
men (a  male)  of  which  I  give  a  plate,  I  shot  on  a  tree  at  Ipswich,  about  a  mile  from  the 
beach.  Mr.  Wm.  Brewster  has  since  obtained  a  fine  female  at  Point  Lepreaux,  N.  B.  on 
April  11,  1876.  A  third  which  was  obtained  at  Cape  Elizabeth,  March  15,  1875,  is  in 
the  collection  of  Mr.  N.  C.  Brown  of  Portland.  Mr.  Jesse  Warren  found  them  quite  com- 
mon at  Brant  Rock  in  the  autumn  some  two  years  ago.  Mr.  C.  II.  Merriam  obtained  one 
at  New  Haven,  November  4,  1875,  and  Mr.  H.  B.  Bailey  records  it  from  Gravesend,  L.  I. 
Thus  it  will  be  seen  that  the  Pallid  Sparrow  may  be  found  all  along  the  coast  from 
New  Brunswick  to  Long  Island,  and  probably  south  of  that  point.  Mr.  Brown  also  saw  it 
at  Lake  Umbagog,  N.  H.,  but  I  think  its  occurrence  so  far  inland  is  quite  exceptional,  as 
it  is  without  doubt  a  maritime  species  breeding  on  islands  and  sandy  beaches  of  the  far 
North.  I  was  disappointed  at  not  finding  it  on  the  Magdalen  Islands,  Gulf  of  St.  Law- 
rence, where  I  obtained  nothing  but  typical  savanna.  Thus  its  nesting  habits  arc  entirely 
unknown.  Neither  did  I  ever  hear  it  utter  a  note  except  the  chirp  of  alarm  which  does 
not  differ  from  that  of  the  Savannah.  In  habits  princeps  also  resembles  the  latter  named 
species  somewhat  but  is  quite  timid,  rising  at  long  gun  shot  it  will  dart  quickly  over  the 
tops  of  the  sand  hills  and  alight  in  some  thick  patch  of  beach  grass  through  which  it  runs 
nimbly.  I  have  sometimes  seen  it  on  the  salt  marshes  associating  with  the  Savannahs  and 
occasionally  in  apple  orchards  a  short  distance  from  the  ocean,  but  it  chooses  those  wind- 
swept, sandy  wastes  which  occupy  so  much  of  the  sea  coast  of  New  England  and  adjacent 
sections.  I  know  of  but  few  of  the  Sparrows  that  can  be  more  readily  distinguished  than 
this  species,  which  is  due  to  its  pale  tints  and  large  size. 


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PO(ECETES  GPAMJNEUS.  103 

GENUS  VIII.     POCECETES.    THE  HAY- WINGED  SPARROWS. 

CKX.  CH.  Bill,  '/"'/<•  thick  Imt  pointed.  \Vings,  longer  than  the  tail,  which  is  considerably  forked,  but  with  the  outer 
feathert  ttighily  shortened,  Tir/iaries,  about  equal  in  length  to  the  secondaries.  Sternum,  proportionately  narrower  than 
that  of  Passcrru/vs,  trilh  the  keel  higher,  and  tin  roracoids  shorter.  Size,  medium. 

The  shoulders  are  prominently  marked  with  chestnut,  and  the  outer  tail  feathers  are  white.  There  is  no  yellow  super- 
ciliary line.  All  the  species  are  streaked  above  and  below. 

POCECETES  GRAMINEUS. 

Bay-winged  Sparrow. 
Pooaetes  gramineus  BAIRD.  Birds  N.  A.;  1858,  447. 

DESCRIFflON. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  Tongue,  very  thin  and  horny,  bifid  at  the  extremity  but  without  the  terminal 
cilia.  Sternum,  as  given  above. 

COLOR.  At/ult  in  summer.  Yellowish-rufous  above,  streaked  every  where  but  more  broadly  on  the  back ,  witli  dark- 
lirown.  Wiu^s  mid  tail,  dark-brown,  with  the  outer  edges  of  all  the  feathers  yellowish-rufous.  Shoulders,  chestnut. 
There  are  two  whitish  wing  bars.  Beneath,  including  under  wing  coverts,  yellowish-white,  streaked  on  the  throat,  breast, 

-.  and  flanks,  with  dark-brown.  Outer  webs  of  two  outer  tail  feathers,  terminal  portion  of  inner  webs,  andasmall  spot 
on  next  pair,  pure  white.  Bill,  brown,  lighter  on  lower  numdible.  Feet,  brown. 

Adult  in  winter.  Quite  similar  to  the  above,  but  there  is  a  tinge  of  yellowish-rufous  across  the  breast  and  on  the  sides 
and  flanks.  The  streakings  above  are  broader. 

Young.  In  this  stage  there  is  a  general  suffusion  of  yellowish-rufous  above  and  below,  while  the  white  of  the  tail  is 
nitrified  tn  the  outer  feathers.  The  chestnut  of  the  shoulders  is  streaked  with  dusky. 

.Y<  sllini/s.  Are  finely  streaked  on  all  portions  excepting  abdomen  and  under  tail  coverts  with  dusky.  The  shoulders 
show  but  little  chestnut  and  there  is  but  a  slight  indication  of  wing  bars  which  are  rufous. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

There  is  a  general  uniformity  of  color  but  occasionally  there  will  be  fewer  streaks  below  when  they  will  be  narrower. 
The  throat  is  .-oinetimes  white,  when  the  streakings  form  maxillary  lines.  Known  from  all  other  sparrows  by  the  white 
of  the  tail  combined  with  the  streakings  above  and  below.  Distributed  in  summer  across  the  Continent,  from  the  latitude 
of  Pennsylvania,  north  at  least  to  that  of  Canada.  Winters  from  the  latitude  of  Virginia,  south  to  Middle  Florida. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  twenty  specimens.  Length,  6'29;  stretch,  10'64;  wing,  3'22;  tail,  2'42;  bill, '85;  tarsus, 
•55.  Long---!  specimen,  6'67;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  IMS;  longest  wing,  3'43;  tail,  2'70;  bill,  '88;  tarsus,  ;60.  Shortest 
specimen,  5'50;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  10-25;  shortest  wing,  3'00;  tail,  2'30;  bill,  '80;  tarsus,  -50. 

• 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  on  the  ground.  They  are  slight  structures,  composed  of  dried  grass.  Dimensions;  external  diameter, 
3'00,  internal,  2-50.  External  depth,  2'00,  internal,  1'80. 

Eggs,  oval  in  form, 'ashy-white  in  color,  spotted,  blotched,  and  lined,  with  black,  brown,  and  umber.  The  lines  are 
irregular  in  shape  and  are  usually  darker  than  the  other  markings.  Dimensions,  from  '70  x  '55  to  '70  x  '60. 

HABITS. 

By  the  middle  of  March,  when  the  icy  covering  which  has  enshrouded  the  earth  all 
winter  is  commencing  to  yield  before  the  solvent  rays  of  a  genial  sun,  and  the  glittering 
surface  is  checkered  with  ever  widening  spots  and  patches,  the  song  of  the  Bay-winged 
"Sparrow  can  IK-  hoard.  At  first  there  are  but  one  or  two,  but  they  soon  increase  in  number 
and  make  the  air  of  the  early  spring  morning  vocal  with  their  fine  melodies.  This  lay  is 
not  unlike  that  of  the  Song  Sparrow,  or  at  least  the  first  few  notes  are  quite  similar,  but 
the  termination  is  entirely  different,  being  a  kind  of  disconnected  warble,  yet  the  effect  is 
wonderfully  pleasing. 

This  species  like  the  Savannah  is  extremely  fond  of  the  grassy  sections  but  does  not 


104  CHONDESTES  GRAMMACA. 

occur  as  commonly  on  the  sea  shore,  in  fact  I  never  found  it  breeding  on  the  salt  marshes. 
It  frequently  chooses  rye  or  other  grain  fields  in  which  to  build  its  nests  that  are  placed 
on  the  ground,  usually  in  some  slight  depression  of  the  soil,  but  without  any  attempt  at 
concealment.  Indeed  the  birds  appear  to  avoid  spots  that  are  thickly  covered  with  herb- 
age, and  when  they  select  greensward  will  place  their  domicile  on  the  most  barren  portion 
where  there  is  a  sparse  growth  of  grass.  The  eggs  arc  laid  about  the  first  of  May,  the 
Bay-wing  being  one  of  the  earliest  among  the  Sparrows  to  breed,  and  then  another  litter  is 
deposited  later. 

The  brown-backed  female  sits  closely  and  is  extremely  difficult  to  distinguish  when 
on  the  nest,  so  that  one  may  pass  quite  near  the  spot  without  noticing  her.  When  start- 
ed she  will  run  away,  seldom  attempting  to  fly  until  she  has  gone  some  distance.  Both 
sexes  exhibit  great  solicitude  upon  being  disturbed  and  the  females  will  feign  lameness 
like  the  Savannah.  The  Bay-wings  migrate  with  the  other  Sparrows  and  go  as  far  south 
as  Middle  Florida,  but  are  never  found  off  the  plantations  where  they  spend  their  time  run- 
ning about  beneath  the  cotton-plants  or  through  the  sugar-cane  in  search  of  fallen  seeds, 
occasionally  catching  insects,  and  to  all  appearance  feeling  as  much  at  home  as  when  in. 
the  corn  fields  of  New  England. 

GENUS  IX    CHONDESTES.    THE  PRAIRIE  SPARROWS. 

GEX.  CH.  Bill,  rather  pointed.  Wings,  longer  than  the  tail  which  is  well  rounded.  Tertiaries,  shorter  than  second- 
aries. Sternum,  similar  to  that  of  Poo-cctcs,  but  is  a  little  wider  proportionately.  Size,  large. 

Nearly  all  the  tail  feathers  are  prominently  marked  with  white.  Superciliary  line,  white.  No  streaking*  below  in  the 
adult  stages  but  there  is  a  central  spot  on  the  breast. 

CHONDESTES  GRAMMACA. 

Lark  Finch. 
Chondestes  grammaca  Bon.,  List,  1838. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  rather  slender.  Size,  large.  'Tongue,  thin  and  horny  but  with  no  terminal  fringe.  Sternum,  as  given 
under  generic  characters. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Upper  portion  of  body,  yellowish-rufous,  streaked  on  the  back  and  nape  with  dark-brown.  Wings,  and 
two  central  tail  feathers,  brown,  with  the  outer  edges  of  all  the  feathers  yellowish-rufous,  remainder  of  tail,  black,  with  the 
outer  webs  of  outer  feathers  and  terminal  portion  of  all  but  central  pair,  white.  Top  of  head  and  ear  coverts,  chestnut. 
Median  line  from  bill  to  occiput,  superciliary  line,  crescent  below  eye,  yellowish-white.  Beneath,  white,  tinged  on  the 
breast,  sides,  and  flanks,  with  yellowish.  Forehead,  line  through  eye,  spot  under  white  crescent,  maxillary,  and  spot  on 
center  of  breast,  black.  Edge  of  wing,  white.  Bill,  brown,  lighter  at  base  of  lower  mandible.  Feet,  pale-brown. 

Young.  The  white  on  the  tail  is  less  extended.  The  black  is  not  as  distinct  and  the  under  portions  are  overwashed 
with  yellowish. 

Nestlings.  Are  streaked  on  the  breast.  There  is  no  indication  of  bars  on  the  wing  and  the  colors  above  are  more  suf- 
fused. Sexes  quite  similar  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  by  the  white  of  the  tail  taken  in  connection  with  the  chestnut,  black,  and  white  markings  of  the  head.  The 
tongue,  like  that  of  Pooscetes  gramineus  Is  much  slenderer  than  those  of  other  members  of  this  family  which  I  have  exam 
ined  and  is  also  remarkable  in  having  no  terminal  cilia  or  hair-like  fibers;  there  is  a  general  uniformity  of  coloration,  but  the 
chestnut  of  the  head  varies  slightly  in  individuals.  Distributed  through  the  United  States  west  of  the  Ohio,  wintering  in 
the  more  southern  portions.  It  has,  however,  been  seen  at  Washington  by  Mr.  Ridgway  in  August, 1877.  One  was  taken 
at  Gloucester  in  the  autumn,  some  thirty  years  ago,  and  I  had  one  brought  in  that  was  taken  near  my  place  on  November 
22,  1877.  Prof.  Baird  wrote  me  some  three  years  since  that  a  specimen  was  obtained  in  the  autuum  by  Mr.  W.  B. 
near  Sarasota  Bay,  Florida.  This  species  appears  to  be  spreading  eastward. 


LARK  FINCH.  105 

DIMENSIONS. 

airi'  measurement*  of  twenty  four  specimen-;.  Length,  (V.W;  «t retch,  1(V95;  wing,  2'65;  tail,  2'85;  bill, '53;  tarsus. 
•?.").  1.  ii',ri'-t  -I'.viincii,  (>-~:>;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  ll'CO;  1<  ngest  wing,  3-75:  tail,  2'C5;  bill,  '55;  tarsus,  '72.  Shortest 
sjiei  imeii.  ">•?">;  smallest  extent  uf  wing,  O'Tj;  shortest  wing,  -•?.");  tail,  2'78;  bill, '50;  tarsus,'70. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  XESTS  AND  EGGS. 

.V -f/s.  ]ilaee«l  on  the  ground  or  in  trees,  OonpOMd cf grMBN  and  weeds  lined  with  fine  grass,  fibrous  roots  and  horse-hair. 
Dimensions;  external  diameter,  4'00,  internal,  2-75.  Kxternal  depth,  2'00,  internal,  I'OO. 

-.  fiur  to  six  in  number,  rather  round  in  form,  white  in  color,  marked  with  faint  spots  <>f  lilac,  lined  and  blotched 
with  brown  and  umber.  These  lines  are  irregular  in  width  and  are  deposited  in  a  similar  manner  to  those  of  the  Orioles 
and  Blnekbiidx  to  which  they  bear  a  much  closer  resemblance  tl.an  to  those  of  other  Sparrows  or  Finches.  Dimensions 
from  -75X-C5.  to  -85x'70. 

i 

HABITS. 

As  I  have  never  been  fortunate  enough  to  meet  with  the  Lark  Finch  while  living  1 
herewith  give  an  account  of  its  habits  kindly  written  for  me  by  Mr.  Ilenshaw  who  has  had 
considerable  experience  with  the  species  in  the  West. 

"The  Lark  Finch,  one  of  the  finest  of  our  Sparrows,  with  its  trim  shape  and  tastefully 
arranged  colors,  is  in  certain  sections  of  the  West  one  of  the  most  abundant  of  birds.  In 
the  East  all  our  Sparrows  are,  without  regard  to  season,  to  a  very  considerable  extent  ar- 
lioival  in  their  habits,  even  the  species  which  are  most  terrestrial  having  an  evident  love 
for  the  hedge-rows  and  thickets,  far  from  which  they  do  not  venture,  and  into  which  they 
always  scud  with  chirp  and  flutter  when  danger  threatens.  The  Lark  Finch  lives  in  the 
more  open  country  and  is  therefore  less  dependent  upon  such  shelter,  often  indeed  prefer- 
ring the  prairie  itself  or  the  bare  plain  for  an  abode.  In  this  very  taste  is  probably  to  be 
found  the  reason  why  the  bird  has  thus  far  chosen  to  absent  itself  from  the  East  which  it 
has  hitherto  found  too  thickly  wooded  for  its  notions. 

"Not  that  it  entirely  disdains  the  advantages  to  be  found  in  the  wooded  tracts,  for  in- 
deed at  times,  as  in  the  late  spring,  it  quite  abandons  prairies  and  open  fields  and  betakes 
itself  to  the  copses,  especially  those  fringing  the.  streams.  And  if  we  seek  it  in  its  fa- 
vorite home  it  will  be  found  to  combine  in  something  like  equal  proportions  the  advantages 
of  cither  kind  of  locality. 

"It  is  certain  to  attract  attention  wherever  we  may  chance  to  meet  it,  more  particu- 
larly should  it  be  the  vernal  season,  which  with  our  Finch  is  about  the  fifteenth  of  May 
at  which  time  the  males  are  in  the  full  rivalry  which  the  love  season  inspires.  They  are 
then  in  small  companies  which  consist  of  both  sexes  with,  however,  a  preponderance  of 
males  each  of  whom  strives  to  bring  his  superior  claims  to  the  notice  of  the  females.  Asa 
resnlt  each  little  thicket  is  witness  to  many  a  scene  of  jealous  contest,  sometimes  of  song, 
at  other  times  of  open  battle,  for  the  males  are  at  this  time  extremely  pugnacious.  It  is 
now  that  our  Finch  is  to  be  heard  at  its  best,  and  in  its  power  of  song  it  certainly  need  fear 
no  rival  in  its  own  family.  The  song  consists  of  a  succession  of  clear  liquid  notes,  fivoly 
interspersed  with  trills,  the  whole  flowing  forth  to  make  a  full  chant  which  is  as  beautiful 
as  it  is  indescribable.  Nor,  as  is  the  case  with  some,  I  had  almost  said  with  most,  of  our 
prominent  .singers,  is  the  Lark  Finch  at  all  chary  of  its  melody.  The  songs  of  some  of  the 
very  best  performers  are  often  marred  by  their  broken  and  disjointed  character,  even  while 

BIRDS   OF   FLORIDA.  14 


106  PASSEBELLA  IL1ACA. 

they  may  be  unsurpassed  for  sweetness  and  tender  expression,  but  the  end  comes  and  finds 
us  only  half  satisfied,  as  if  the  songster  had  withheld  something  which  were  ours  by  right 
and  which  he  could  give  us  if  he  would.  Not  so  the  Lark  Finch,  for  not  only  docs  he  sing 
•early  and  late,  long  and  often,  but  he  seems  to  put  his  whole  soul  into  the  eifort,  or  per- 
haps better,  to  send  forth  his  lay  without  effort  and  to  never  tire.  During  the  pairing  time 
I  have  seen  several  males  in  pursuit  of  a  female  who  with  affected  coyness  led  them  a 
rapid  chase  through  the  tangled  maze  of  brush  and  foliage,  and  as  they  pressed  ardently 
on  each  gave  voice  to  a  hurried  strain  of  melody  which  blent  into  a  whole,  and  marked 
their  track  as  it  were  by  a  continuous  stream  of  music. 

"By  the  last  of  July  or  early  August  the  young  are  all  well  on  the  wing  and  the  birds 
then  assemble  in  flocks  irrespective  of  age  or  sex  and  so  continue  until  the  ensuing  spring. 
In  Florida,  New  England,  and  the  states  bordering  on  the  coast,  it  has  hitherto  been  looked 
upon  as  a  mere  straggler.  But  so  many  instances  of  its  capture  are  now  coming  to  light 
in  the  latter  named  sections  that  it  would  almost  appear  as  if  the  species  were  actually 
from  some  cause  moving  eastward,  and  it  may  eventually  take  its  place  in  the  Eastern 
fauna  as  a  regular  inhabitant." 

GENUS  X    PASSERELLA.    THE  RUFOUS. SPARROWS. 

GEN.  Cn.  Bill,  rather  pointed.  Wings,  longer  than  llie  tail  which  is  sliyhtly  rounded.  Tcrtiaries,  much  shorter  than 
secondaries.  Sternum,  proportionately  stouter  than  that  of  Chondcstcs,  with  the  coracoids  shorter  and  the  keel  hiyhcr,  it  is 
not,  however,  equal  in  heiyht  to  one  ha/ftlic  length  of  tlie  coracoids.  Size,  large. 

All  the  species  are  prominently  marked  on  the  rump  and  tail  with  bright  rufous.  They  are  also  streaked  below.  No 
prominent  lines  over  the  eye  or  white  markings  on  the  tail. 

PASSEEELLA  ILIACA. 

Pox-colored  Sparrow. 
Patscrella  iliaca  Sw.,  Birds,  II,  1837, 288. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  very  robust.  Size,  large.  Tongue,  somewhat  fleshy,  bifid  at  the  extremity  but  without  the  terminal 
cilia.  Sternum,  as  given  under  generic  characters. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Top  of  head  slaty,  streaked  and  tinged  with  dark-rufous.  Remainder  of  upper  portion,  including  the 
wings  and  tail,  bright-rufous,  clearest  on  the  rump,  with  the  edges  of  the  feathers  of  the  back  yellowish-slate.  There  are 
two  whitish  wing  bars.  Beneath,  white,  streaked  and  spotted  on  the  throat,  breast,  sides,  and  flanks,  with  bright-rufous. 
Abdomen,  marked  with  triangular  spots  of  dark-brown,  Under  tail  coverts,  tinged  with  yellowish.  Ear  coverts,  rufous. 
Bill,  brown,  yellow  on  lower  mandible.  Feet,  brown. 

Young.  Quite  similar  to  the  above,  but  the  slaty  is  nearly  concealed  by  the  rufous  which  is  more  extended  on  the  back. 
The  rufous  below  is  lighter  and  there  are  few  or  no  dark-brown  markings  on  the  abdomen.  Sexes  usually  similar  in  all 
stages,  but  the  females  are  sometimes  duller. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

There  is  a  general  uniformity  of  coloration  above  but  the  shade  varies  somewhat.  Below,  however,  there  is  more  vari- 
ation. Frequently  there  are  white  maxillary  lines,  below  which  is  one  of  rufou«,  when  the  throat  is  white oronly  sparse- 
ly spotted.  There  is  sometimes  a  clustering  of  rufous  spots  on  the  central  breast,  but  occasionally  these  will  be  dusky. 
Rarely  the  centers  of  the  feathers  of  the  sides  and  flanks  will  be  dusky.  The  above  changes  from  the  type  are  purely  indi- 
vidual variation  not  dependent  upon  age  or  sex. 

Known  from  the  allied  species  by  the  bright  rnfous  markings  above  and  below,  which  will  also  distinguish  them  from 
all  other  Sparrows.  Distributed  during  summer  throughout  the  Eastern  section  of  North  America,  above  latitude  47- . 
Winters  from  New  Jersey  to  Georgia.  Rare  in  Florida. 


FOX-COLORED  SPARROW.  107 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  twenty  specimens.  Length,  7' 10;  stretch,  1T25;  wing,  2'95;  tail,  3'25;  bill,  '50;  tarsus,  '70. 
Longest  specimen,  T'50;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  11'75;  longest  wing,  3'80;  tail,  3' 10;  bill,  '55;  tarsus,  -75.  Shortest  speci- 
men, G-80;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  10'55;  shortest  wing,  2'30;  tail,  3' 17;  bill,  '45;  tarsus,  '67. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

jVes/j,  placed  on  the  ground,  composed  of  dried  grass  and  moss,  lined  with  feathers.  They  are  large  for  the  size  of  the 
bird,  I>iiu. 'unions;  external  diameter,  5'00,  internal,  4'00.  External  depth,  3'00,  internal,  2'50. 

13/5/5,  oval  in  form,  four  or  five  in  number,  pale-green  in  color,  spotted,  blotched,  and  dotted,  irregularly  with  reddish- 
brown,  with  an  under  tint  of  lilac  markings.  Dimensions  from  '85x'62  to  '86x'65. 

HABITS. 

The  Magdalen  Islands  lie  in  the  midst  of  the  cold,  wind-swept  waters  of  the  Gulf  of  St. 
Lawrence.  They  are  mainly  of  volcanic  origin  and  the  surface  is  hilly,  but  the  soil  is  rather 
poor,  producing,  as  a  natural  growth  of  timber,  nothing  better  than  small  spruces  and  hem- 
locks. Although  these  trees  are  low,  seldom  exceeding  twenty  feet  in  height,  they  grow 
quite  thickly  together.  The  branches  are  gnarled  and  cover  the  trees  from  top  to  bottom, 
the  limbs  of  one  tree  mingling  with  those  of  others  standing  about  it,  and  thus  the  whole 
forms  a  tingled  maze  through  which  it  is  impossible  to  penetrate  without  the  aid  of  an  axe. 
This  dwarfing  of  the  trees  on  these  northern  islands  is  not  due  to  the  sterility  of  the  soil  as 
much  as  it  is  to  the  climate,  for  these  isolated  spots  of  land  are  surrounded  by  water  which 
is  at  a  very  low  temperature,  indeed  it  is  filled  with  floating  ice  for  at  least  eight  months 
of  the  year.  Upon  my  visit  to  the  Gulf  I  found  that  ice-floes  were  still  there,  although  it 
was  as  late  as  the  last  week  in  June.  These  frigid  surroundings  quite  intensify  the  climate 
which  is  not  much  warmer  than  that  of  Southern  Greenland.  Thus  I  found  snow  in  the 
woods  during  the  first  week  of  July,  and  after  remaining  through  the  exceedingly  short 
summer  which  the  inhabitants  of  this  bleak  region  enjoy,  I  was  not  surprised  at  the  peculiar 
character  of  the  trees  and  scant  vegetation,  for  there  were  but  few  days  when  an  overcoat 
was  not  comfortable. 

The  tangled  thickets  did  not  cover  the  entire  surface,  for  the  inhabitants  had  cleared 
away  some  portions,  often  forming  little  glades  which  were  protected  from  the  cold  winds 
by  the  surrounding  trees  and  into  which  the  sun  shone  with  genial  rays.  These  secluded 
spots  were  the  chosen  resorts  of  the  Fox-colored  Sparrows  and  there  they  built  their  nests, 
placing  them  on  the  ground  beneath  some  low  drooping  limb  by  which  they  were  usually 
concealed.  The  parents  were  solicitous  for  the  safety  of  their  eggs  and  greeted  our  appear- 
ance with  shrill  chirps  of  alarm.  But  when  we  approached  cautiously  we  could  hear  the 
magnificent  song  of  the  male  filling  the  clear,  still  air  with  melody.  I  had  often  heard  these 
birds  sing  in  New  England,  but  learned  for  the  first  time  what  the  full  song  was  when 
I  saw  them  on  the  Magdalen  Islands,  their  efforts  while  migrating  being  only  a  prelude 
to  their  more  finished  attainments.  These  fine  strains  consist  at  first  of  three,  clear,  rather 
rapid  notes  given  with  increasing  emphasis,  then  a  short  pause  ensues  and  the  remainder 
of  the  lay  is  poured  forth  more  deliberately,  terminating  with  a  well  rounded  note  giving 
a  finish  to  a  song  which,  for  sweetness  and  clearness  of  tone,  is  seldom  surpassed  even  by 
our  best  performers. 


108  CARDINALIS  VIRG1NIANUS. 

The  Fox-colored  Sparrows  deposit  their  eggs  about  the  last  week  in  June,  and  the 
yonng  accompany  the  adults  in  August,  migrating  with  them  in  large,  straggling  flocks 
later  in  the  season.  This  species  has  been  found  in  Florida  but  twice  to  my  knowledge, 
both  times  by  Mr.  Boardman.  They  are  quite  common  in  the  Carolinas,  however,  where 
they  remain  until  about  the  first  of  March,  when  they  return  northward  in  company  with 
other  Sparrows. 

GENUS  XI.    CARDINALIS.    THE  CARDINAL  GROSBEAKS. 

GE\.  Cn.  Bill,  thick,  upper  mandible  slightly  curved.  Winys,  a  little  shorter  than  the  tail,  which  is  considerably 
rounded.  Sternum,  stout,  with  the  coracoids  much  shorter  than  the  top  of  the  keel  which  is  almost  as  Inyh  as  one  half  tlie 
length  of  the  coracoids.  Head,  crested.  Size,  larye. 

The  males  of  all  the  species  are  bright  in  color,  but  the  females  are  duller.  They  are  not  streaked  below.  No  promi- 
nent lines  over  the  eye  or  white  markings  on  the  tail. 

CARDINALIS  VIRGINIANUS. 

Cardinal  Grosbeak. 
Cardinalis  Viryinianus  Box.,  List,  1838. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sr.  Cn.  Form,  very  robust.  Size,  large.  Tongue,  very  fleshy,  triangular  in  form  but  provided  with  the  terminal, 
hair-like  fibers.  Crest,  pointed. 

COLOR.  Adult  male.  Bright  vermilion-red,  duller  on  the  back,  wings,  and  tail.  Inner  webs  of  wing  feathers,  dark- 
brown.  Lores,  line  at  base  of  bill,  chin,  and  throat,  black.  Bill,  coral-red.  Feet,  brown. 

Adult  female.  Wings  and  tail  similar  to  those  of  the  males,  remaining  upper  portions  are  yellowish-brown.  Beneath, 
yellowish-rufous,  lighter  on  the  abdomen.  There  are  traces  of  vermilion  on  the  throat  and  upper  breast.  Under  wing  cov- 
erts, vermilion  and  the  crest  is  tinged  with  it.  Bill  and  faet  as  in  the  male.  The  black  markings  of  the  head  and  throat 
are  considerably  paler. 

Youny.  Are  duller.  The  males  are  overwashed  on  the  back  with  olivaceous  and  the  females  show  no  traces  of  ver- 
milion on  the  lower  parts. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

This  well  marked  species  may  be  recognized  at  onee  by  the  description  as  given.  There  is  a  general  uniformity  of  col- 
oration but  specimens  from  Virginia  are  much  paler  than  those  from  Florida.  Distributed  throughout  the  Eastern  section 
of  the  United  States  from  the  latitude  of  Virginia  southward.  Not  migratory. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  thirty-seven  specimens  from  Florida.  Length,  8'39;  stretch,  1<V95;  wing,  3'55;  tail,  4'40; 
bill,  "87;  tarsus,  '90.  Longest  specimen,  9-00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  11'75;  longest  wing,  3'85:  tail,  4*30;  bill,  '95;  tarsus, 
•72.  Shortest  specimen,  8'75;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  10'25;  shortest  wing,  3'30;  tail,  3-50;  bill,  '80;  tarsus,  '75. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  trees.  They  are  rather  compact  structures,  composed  of  weeds,  leaves,  and  Spanish  moss,  lined  with 
fine  grass.  Dimensions;  external  diameter,  4'60,  internal,  2'75.  External  depth,  2-00,  internal,  TOO. 

Eyys,  three  or  four  in  number,  elliptical  in  form,  ashy-white  in  color,  spotted,  blotched,  and  dotted,  irregularly  with 
reddish-brown  and  lilac.  Dimensions  from  I'OO x  '80  to  T05  x  '78. 

HABITS. 

The  plantations  of  Florida  are  usually  bordered  with  quite  low  shrubbery  but  it  grows 
very  luxuriantly  and  is  often  filled  with  briers  or  other  climbing  plants,  the  whole  forming 
dense  thickets  which  are  exceedingly  difficult  to  penetrate.  As  a  natural  result,  all  of  these 
tangled  copses  form  fastnesses  for  many  of  the  birds  which  feed  in  the  adjacent  grounds. 
The  first  time  I  entered  a  field  in  the  South  a  cloud  of  Sparrows  of  several  species  arose 


CARDINAL  GROSBEAK.  109 

from  the  weeds  and  sought  shelter  in  these  bushes.  I  went  in  pursuit  of  them  in  order  to 
ascertain  what  they  were,  when  my  attention  was  attracted  by  a  chirp  not  unlike  that  of 
the  Fox-colored  Sparrow,  yet  it  seemed  sharper.  I  could  not  imagine  what  the  author  of 
this  cry  could  be,  so  advanced  cautiously,  at  the  same  time  peering  into  the  undergrowth, 
when  suddenly  a  brightly  colored  bird  dashed  across  a  small  opening,  looking  like  a  flash 
of  red  light.  I  then  recognized  the  Cardinal  Grosbeak  but  was  quite  surprised  to  find  that 
they  frequented  low  hushes.  This,  however,  has  been  their  habit  wherever  I  have  chanced 
to  meet  them.  On  the  Sea  Islands  they  are  common  along  the  borders  of  the  cotton  fields 
and  were  very  abundant,  late  in  October,  in  low  bushes  on  the  banks  of  the  famous  Deep 
Cut  of  the  Delaware  and  Chesapeake  Canal.  An  apparent  inclination  to  sociability  causes 
them  to  ilock  even  during  winter,  on  the  approach  of  spring  this  feeling  increases  and  large 
numbers  assemble  in  order  to  feed  upon  the  newly  ripened  seeds  of  maple  which  are  nearly 
ready  to  fall  early  in  February.  I  have  seen  upwards  of  twenty  feeding  on  one  small  tree 
and,  as  it  was  destitute  of  leaves,  the  brightly  plumaged  birds  gave  it  a  singular  appear- 
ance. When  eating  they  are  silent  but  never  quiet,  and  while  jumping  from  limb  to  limb, 
clinging  to  the  under  side  of  a  branch,  or  swinging  from  some  topmost  bough  in  order  to 
reach  a  tempting  cluster  of  seeds,  they  assume  various  graceful  positions.  A  little  later 
in  the  season  they  may  be  seen  searching  for  seeds  and  insects  on  the  ground,  for  which 
purpose  they  frequently  scratch  among  the  fallen  leaves  after  the  manner  of  the  Towhee 
Banting. 

All  through  the  winter  they  are  comparatively  silent,  but  when  the  jasiminc  begins 
to  >liow  its  yellow  flowers  and  the  air  is  fragrant  with  its  perfume,  the  full,  clear  notes  of 
the  Cardinal  may  be  heard  from  morning  until  evening.  Their  exceedingly  fine  song  and 
brilliant  plumage  attracts  universal  attention  and  consequently  the  Red  Birds,  as  they  are 
always  called  in  the  South,  are  general  favorites.  Confident  of  not  being  disturbed  they 
build  their  nests  near  dwellings,  in  fact,  like  the  Mocking  Birds,  they  appear  to  seek  the 
presence  of  man  as  a  protection  from  natural,  enemies,  and  thus  are  rarely  found  in  unin- 
habited sections. 

In  Florida  the  nests  are  frequently  placed  in  orange  trees  about  five  feet  from  the 
ground.  The  eggs  are  deposited  about  the  middle  of  April  when  the  orange  blossoms  are 
filling  the  air  with  their  delightful  odor.  The  females  sit  very  closely  and  I  have  nearly 
placed  my  hand  on  them  before  they  would  fly.  There  were  never  over  three  eggs  in  the 
nests  which  t  found  in  Florida  but  further  north  they  lay  four  as  a  regular  number.  This 
circumstance  would,  at  first  thought,  seem  to  indicate  that  the  Cardinals  of  Florida  posses 
ig«tr,  but  I  think  it  is  rather  due  to  the  fact  that  they  breed  oftener  than  those  fur- 
ther north.  The  eggs  are  also  larger.  Both  sexes  exhibit  great  solicitude  on  being  dis- 
turbed when  breeding,  uttering  their  sharp  cry  of  alarm  which  causes  all  the  birds  of  the 
same  speciVs  in  the  immediate  vicinity  to  assemble.  Then  in  a  few  moments  one  will  be 
surrounded  by  quite  a  quantity  of  the  red-plumaged  Cardinals.  There  arc  always  numbers 
within  call  as  they  breed  in  communities,  and  I  have  found  at  least  a  dozen  nests  in  one 
small  grove.  The  assembled  Cardinals  will  hop  restlessly  about,  with  crests  devated, 
showing  the  utmost  sympathy  for  the  pair  that  are  in  trouble.  This  fellow  feeling  is  not 
only  evinced  during  the  breeding  season  but  this  bird  is  one  of  the  most  compassionate  that 


110  CARPODACUS  PURPUREUS. 

I  ever  saw.  Not  only  will  they  endeavor  to  defend  one  of  their  own  number  when  it  is 
injured  but  will  even  heed  the  cry  of  distress  of  other  species.  I  once  saw  this  tr«ait  ex- 
hibited in  a  very  striking  manner.  I  was  collecting  at  Miami  and  had  shot  a  Maryland 
Yellow-throat  which  fell  to  the  ground  badly  wounded,  but  chirping  loudly.  This  sound 
attracted  the  attention  of  a  female  Cardinal  that  was  in  the  same  thicket.  She  instantly 
came  to  the  spot  and  alighted  over  the  Warbler  which  was  then  lying  panting  on  the  ground. 
After  examining  it  anxiously  for  a  moment  she  dropped  down,  hopped  up  to  it,  and,  gently 
taking  it  by  one  wing,  endeavored  to  raise  it.  The  little  sufferer  was  by  this  time  nearly 
dead  and  consequently  unable  to  stand,  readily  comprehending  that  her  efforts  were  quite 
useless  and  perceiving  my  approach  the  Cardinal  slowly  retreated  manifesting  by  every 
movement  as  well  as  note  the  deepest  pity  for  the  unfortunate  bird.  Nor  are  the  Red  Birds 
lacking  in  courage,  for  they  will  defend  themselves  even  when  badly  wounded,  biting  very 
fiercely  with  their  strong  beaks.  As  their  virtues  are  many  and  their  vices  very  few,  the 
Cardinals  well  merit  the  approbation  which  is  tendered  them  everywhere. 

GENUS  XII.    CARPODACUS.    THE  PURPLE  FINCHES. 

GEN.  CH.  Bill,  thick,  somewhat  swollen  at  base.  Upper  mandible,  curved.  Winys,  much  longer  than  the  tail  which  is 
decidedly  forked .  Sternum,  stout,  with  the  coracoids  considerably  shorter  than  the  top  of  the  keel  which  is  equal  in  height  to 
one  half  the  length  of  the  coracoids.  Head,  sub-crested.  Size,  medium. 

The  males  are  brightly  colored  but  the  females  are  duller.  The  adult  males  are  streaked  above,  the  females  and  young 
above  and  below.  No  prominent  white  markings  on  the  tail. 

CARPODACUS  PURPUREUS. 
Purple  Finch. 

Carpodacus  purpurea,  GRAY'S  Genera;  1848-49. 
Carpodacus  California,  B.URD,  Birds  N.  A.;  1858,  413. 
Carpodacus  Cassinii,  KURD,  Birds  N.  A.;  1858,  414. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  robust.  Size,  not  large.  Tongue,  very  short  and  fleshy,  triangular  in  form,  rounded  at  the  extrem- 
ity which  is  fringed  with  fine  cilia.  Sternum  as  given  above.  There  is  a  rounded  sub-crest  of  pointed  feathers. 

COLOR.  Adult  male.  Dull  rrimson-lake,  brightest  on  the  head,  palest  on  the  rump,  streaked  on  the  back,  sides,  and 
flanks  with  dusky.  Abdomen  and  under  tail  coverts,  white,  with  the  latter  tinged  with  crimson-lake.  Wings  and  tail, 
brown,  with  the  outer  edges  of  all  the  feathers  pale-crimson.  There  are  two  wing  bars  of  the  same  color.  Lores  aud  ring 
around  eye,  gray.  Under  wing  coverts,  white,  tinged  with  crimson.  Bill,  brown.  Feet,  dark  brown. 

Adult  female.  Olivaceous-brown  above,  streaked  with  dusky.  The  wing  bars  are  whitish.  There  are  indications  of 
a  whitish  superciliary  line.  Beneath,  white,  streaked  and  spotted  everywhere,  excepting  on  the  abdomen  and  under  tail 
coverts,  with  olivaceous-brown.  Other  portions  similar  to  those  of  the  male. 

Young.  Similar  to  the  adult  female,  but  with  a  greenish  overwashing  above  and  with  yellowish-rufous  edgings  to  the 
markings  below.  The  superciliary  line  is  clearer  and  the  bill  is  darker. 

Nestlings.  Are  overwashed  with  yellowish-rufous  above  and  below,  even  the  under  tail  coverts  are  tinged  with  it. 
The  streakings  are  finer  and  the  colors  are  more  suffused.  There  are  no  indications  of  the  white  superciliary  line.  The 
feet  and  bill  are  of  a  darker  brown. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Specimens  vary  greatly  in  shade  of  color.  Spring  birds  are  somewhat  brighter  than  winter  specimens,  but  this  is  main- 
ly due  to  the  wearing  away  of  the  paler  edges  of  the  feathers.  The  white  of  the  abdomen  is  also  more  extended  on  some 
than  on  others.  When  kept  in  confinement  this  species  assumes  a  cage  plumage  of  a  dull  yellow,  but  Mr.  Brewster  shot  a 
specimen,  colored  in  this  manner,  which  was  in  company  with  several  that  were  in  normal  plumage,  and  two  skins  of  males, 
now  before  me,  which  are  in  full  spring  dress,  have  scattering  feathers  of  a  yellow  color  on  the  throat.  A  skin  which  I 
took  at  Williamsport,  Pennsylvania,  is  quite  yellow  on  the  back. 

Known  from  the  closefy  allied  frontalis  by  the  duller  colors,  which  are  comparatively  uniform  above,  and  the  more 


PURPLE  FINCH.  Ill 

deeply  forked  tail.  The  females  nnd  young  of  frontalis  are  more  finely  strenkeil  above  and  below.  I  cunnot  consistently 
consider  tlie  so  railed  " Califomiau"  and  "Coiiinii"  as  spei-ics,  so  give  them  us  s\nomms.  Distributed  during  summer 
a<To—  tin-  ( 'iiiitiiient  imrtli  uflutitude  10  .  Winters  between  latitudes  4'2J  and  30J.  Riire  in  Northern  Florida. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurement"  of  twenty-seven  specimens.  Length,  5-95;  stretch,  8'95;  wing,  4'35;  tnil,  2'20;  bill, '57;  tar- 
su-.'I.'i.  Longest  spi-i-iinen,  0'35;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  10'40;  longest  wing,  3'47:  t8il,2'40;  bill, '70;  tarsus, -50.  Short- 
e-t  .pceiiiicn,  "i  50;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  9'47;  shortest  wing,  3' Id;  tail,  2'00;  bill, '42;  tarsus, '45. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

_\<  .-Vs,  placed  iii  trees,  composed  of  small  twigs  and  fine  roots,  lined  with  horse-hair  nnd  strips  of  fibrous  bark,  usually 
from  cedar  trees.  Dimensions;  external  diameter,  4'J>1,  internal,  2'75.  External  depth,  2'50,  internal,  T50. 

Eyi/$,  four  or  five  in  number,  oval  in  form,  light-blue  in  color,  spitted  and  dotted,  irregularly,  with  black,  lilac,  and 
umber.  The  black  markings  occasionally  form  lines.  Dimensions  from  '85 x '55  to  'SOx-GO. 

HABITS. 

When  the  stately  elm  trees  of  New  England  are  putting  forth  their  blossoms,  which 
always  appear  when  the  trees  are  destitute  of  leaves,  troops  of  Purple  Finches  may  be  seen 
perched  on  the  high  branches,  eagerly  devouring  the  bursting  buds.  Later,  when  the 
apple  trees  are  covered  with  pink  and  white  flowers,  these  birds  visit  them  in  order  to  feed 
on  the  petals.  Finches  which  I  have  dissected  at  this  time  were  literally  crammed  with 
such  food.  This  practice  must  be  detrimental  to  the  fruit  as  many  stamens  are  also  detach- 
ed by  the  Finches  when  they  are  removing  the  petals.  As  these  birds  eat  but  few  insects, 
subsisting  the  greater  portion  of  the  year  upon  seeds  and  berries  of  the  cedar,  they  never 
recompense  the  husbandman  for  the  injury  which  they  do  him.  In  spite  of  this,  however, 
the  Red  Linnets,  as  they  are  commonly  called,  are  great  favorites  with  almost  everybody, 
which  is  mainly  due  to  the  fact  that  their  song  is  exceedingly  fine  being  a  continuous,  rip- 
pling melody,  but  their  musical  qualities  are  frequently  a  cause  of  misfortune  to  them  as 
many  are  captured  and  caged.  They  thrive  well  in  confinement,  amply  rewarding  the  care 
which  is  bestowed  upon  them  by  frequently  pouring  forth  their  charming  carol.  '  Contrary 
to  the  rule,  the  females  sing  although  not  as  loudly  as  the  males,  but  the  song  is  nearly  as 
fine.  This  species  is  at  least  three  years  in  acquiring  the  full  dress,  but  the  young  breed 
while  in  the  gray  plumage.  The  nests  are  usually  placed  in  low  cedars  and  I  have  known 
of  several  pairs  to  occupy  adjacent  trees.  They  are  not  very  solicitous  for  the  safety  of 
their  ei^us,  merely  uttering  a  few  alarm  notes  if  disturbed.  When  frightened  they  will 
dart  into  the  nearest  evergreen  tree  and  remain  perfectly  quiet.  One  can  then  pass  direct- 
ly under  the  birds  without  causing  them  to  move,  and,  although  there  may  be  several,  it 
is  extremely  difficult  to  discern  them.  Then  suddenly  one  who  is  evidently  the  leader, 
will  utter  a  peculiar,  chucking  note  when  instantly  they  will  all  spring  into  the  air,  rising 
and  falling  in  their  undulating  flight  until  they  disappear  in  the  distance.  The  males  have 
the  somewhat  similar  habit  of  rising  to  a  considerable  height  then  descending  slowly  with 
wings  held  upwards,  at  the  same  time  singing  loudly.  This  is  practiced  only  during  the 
bivrdiuo-  season  and  usually  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  the  nests. 

The  Purple  Finches  remain  in  Massachusetts  in  small  flocks  all  winter,  frequenting 
some  thick  grove,  but  they  are  much  more  common  at  this  season  in  the  pine  woods  of 
Pennsylvania.  They  also  occur  on  the  plantations  of  the  Carolinas  and  I  have  seen  them, 
on  one  or  two  occasions,  near  Jacksonville.  They  appear  to  prefer  the  open  country  while 


112  P1PILO  ERYTHKOPHTHALMUS. 

in  the  south  for  I  never  met  with  them  in  the  piney  woods.  While  migrating  and  at  other 
times  these  birds  do  not  accompany  members  of  the  same  family  but  move  by  themselves. 
They  also  differ  from  most  Fringilline  birds  in  not  associating  in  large  numbers,  for  I  never 
saw  over  twenty  in  one  flock. 

GEN-US  XIII.    PIPILO.    THE  GROUND  BUNTINGS. 

GE\.  Cn.  Bill,  thick ,  somewhat  swollen  at  base  of  lower  mandible.  Upper  mandible,  curved.  Wings,  a  little  shorter 
than  the  tail.  Feet,  large.  Sternum,  stout.  Coracoids,  shorter  than  lop  of  keel  which  is  considerably  lower  than  one  half 
the  length  of  the  coracoids.  Size,  large. 

Prevailing  colors  above,  dark,  lighter,  below.  The  tail  Ls  usually,  though  not  always,  prominently  marked  with  white. 
Iris,  usually  highly  colored. 

PIPILO  ERYTHROPHTHALMUS. 

Red-eyed  Towhee. 
Pipilo  erythrophlhalmus  VIEILL.,  Gal.  Ois.  I;  1824,  109. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  Tongue,  long,  not  very  fleshy,  provided  with  a  bifid  tuft  of  coarse,  terminal, 
hair-like  fibers.  Sternum  as  given  above.  The  feathers  of  the  head  are  elongated. 

COLOR.  Adult  male.  Upper  portion  of  body,  including  wings  and  tail,  throat,  sides  of  head  and  neck,  and  upper 
breast,  black.  Edgeof  wing,  outer  webs  of  basal  portion  of  all  the  primaries,  and  elongated  spot  on  the  outer  four,  funning 
an  oblique  bar,  spots  on  outer  webs  of  secondaries,  entire  outer  webs  of  outer  tail  feathers  and  terminal  portion  of  all  but 
the  central  pair,  middle  of  breast,  and  abdomen,  white.  Sides  and  flanks  bright  chestnut,  with  the  lower  side  of  the  ante- 
rior portion  narrowly  edged  with  black.  Under  wing  coverts,  under  tail  coverts,  and  crissum,  pale-chestnut.  Feet,  brown. 
Bill,  blue-black.  Iris,  red. 

Adult  female.  With  the  black  replaced  by  reddish-brown.  White  as  in  the  males.  The  chestnut  Ls  much  paler  and 
the  feathers  of  the  back  show  darker  centers. 

Young  -male.  In  this  stage  the  white  of  the  tail  is  less  extended.  The  white  markings  of  the  secondaries  are  obscured 
with  rufjus  and  the  feathers  of  the  rump  and  upper  tail  coverts  are  edged  with  it.  There  Ls  no  black  margin  to  the  chest- 
nut of  the  sides. 

Young  female.  Strongly  overwashed  with  rufous  above,  the  white  markings  being  obscured  by  it.  The  white  below 
is  tinged  with-yellowish  and  there  are  indications  of  rufjus  wing  bars. 

Nestlings.  Similar  to  the  young  female  but  streaked  above  and  below  with  dusky.  There  are  strong  indications  of 
wing  bars.  The  males  in  this  stage  may  be  known  from  the  fsmales  by  the  general  darker  colors  above,  the  wings  and  tail 
being  black  as  their  feathers  are  not  moulted  until  the  following  autumn.  Iris  bluish-white. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

There  is  occasionally  a  concealed  spot  of  white  <m  the  throat.  Florida  specimens  do  not  differ  essentially  from  more 
northern  skins  excepting  that  the  chestnut  is  richer  in  shade,  but  almost  all  the  birds  that  I  obtained  on  the  Allegheny 
Mountains  in  Pennsylvania  show  traces  of  white  streakings  on  the  scapularies,  thus  approaching  the  western  forms  of  the 
genus.  A  spring  specimen  from  Peotona,  Illinois,  shows  an  inclination  to  alhinoism  but  otherwise  does  not  differ  from 
skins  taken  in  Massachusetts.  Known  from  the  closely  allied  species  from  the  West  by  the  smaller  amount  of  white  on 
the  wings  and  from  other  species  by  the  description  as  given.  For  comparison  with  the  new  Florida  species  see  observa- 
tions on  page  114. 

Distributed  insummer  throughout  the  Eastern  section  of  the  United  States  between  the  latitudes  of  South  Carolina  and 
the  White  Mountains.  Winters  from  the  Carolinas  to  Middle  Florida. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  fifteen  specimens.  Length,  8'05;  stretch,  11'23;  wing,  3-50;  tail,  3'76;  bill,  '60;  tarsus. 1.02. 
Longest  specimen,  8'50;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  12'25;  longest  wing,  3'70;  tail,  4'00;  bill, '67;  tarsus,  !•  10.  Shortest 
specimen,  7'60;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  10'40;  shortest  wing,  3'30;  tail,  3'32;  bill,  '60;  tarsus,  -95. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  on  the  ground.  They  are  loosely  constructed,  being  composed  of  grass,  leaves,  and  strips  of  bark,  lined 
with  fine  grass.  Dimensions;  external  diameter,  3'50,  internal,  2-00.  External  depth,  2-50,  internal  I'OO. 

Eggs,  four  or  five  in  number,  elliptical  in  form,  ashy-white  in  color,  spotted,  dotted,  and  blotched,  with  reddish-brown 
and  lilac.  Dimensions  from  '90  x  '70  to  '95  x  '75. 


PiriLO  LF.UCOP1S.  113 

- 

HABITS. 

When  one  is  wandering  along  <the  htunmook  edges  of  Florida,  ho  will  frequently  be 
greeted  hy  a  sudden,  explosive  chirp  which  is  given  so  loudly  as  to  be  almost  startling. 
The  author  of  this  sound  is  concealed  by  the  dense  thicket  and  the  most  that  can  be  seen 
of  it  is  the  quick  flirt  of  a  white-tipped  tail  as  the  bird  beats  a  hasty  retreat  deeper  into  the 
bushes.  If  the  spectator  remain  quiet  for  a  few  moments,  however,  he  will  see  a  pair  of 
bright  red  eyes  watching  him  from  among  the  foliage  and  will  be  saluted  by  an  inquiring 
tow-hee,  for  the  Red-eyed  Bunting  is  exceedingly  inquisitive,  but  upon  perceiving  the 
slightest  motion  it  is  off,  loudly  and  petulantly  repeating  its  tow-hee,  tow-hee.  This  is  the 
only  note  I  ever  heard  from  this  species  in  Florida,  neither  did  I  ever  find  them  elsewhere 
than  along  the  margins  of  the  thick  woods,  but  when  in  the  north  their  habits  are  quite 
different. 

The  rocky  sides  of  the  Alleghany  mountains  are  covered  with  small  trees  while  the 
intervals  between  them  are  occupied  by  low  bushes.  This  shrubbery  forms  a  favorite  resort 
for  the  Towhecs,  and  the  males  may  be  seen  any  morning  in  May  perched  on  the  topmost 
boughs  of  the  highest  trees,  busily  engaged  in  pouring  forth  their  somewhat  disconnected 
song.  This  lay  is  not  fine  but  yet  enlivening  for  it  rings  out  loud  and  clear  and,  as  it  echoes 
along  the  steep  sides  of  the  valleys,  produces  an  effect  which  is  quite  pleasing.  In  Massa- 
chusetts the  Towhees  are  found  in  open  fields  grown  up  to  bushes,  or  along  fence  rows. 
Here  they  are  quite  familiar,  following  the  pedestrian  about  when  he  invades  their  domains, 
occasionally  uttering  their  peculiar  cry. 

They  breed  in  the  localitcs  which  I  have  described,  about  the  middle  of  May,  almost 
always  building  on  the  ground  but  on  one  occasion  I  found  the  nest  on  a  small  limb  about 
a  loot  above  the  surface.  The  females,  when  setting,  are  quite  tame  and  I  have  frequently 
nearly  placed  my  hand  on  them  before  they  would  fly. 

In  August  the  newly  fledged  young  are  found  in  pastures  feeding  upon  berries,  in  com- 
pany with  their  parents.  In  this  stage  of  plumage  the  streaked  breast  and  whitish  eyes 
give  them  a  singular  appearance  quite  at  variance  from  the  adults.  They  do  not  keep  this 
dress  long,  however,  but  gradually  assume  one  more  like  that  of  the  mature  birds.  The 
Towhees  spend  the  greater  portion  of  their  time  on  the  ground,  frequently  scratching 
among  the  fallen  leaves  after  insects.  This  habit  is  especially  noticeable  in  autumn  when 
the  birds  gather  in  straggling  flocks  on  their  southward  migration. 

PIPILO  LEUCOPIS. 
White-eyed  Towhee. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Plate  IV.     Adult  uinlj  and  female  in  spring. 

Si'.  <'u.  Form,  robust.  Si/e.  medium.  Tongue,  not  very  fleshy,  provided  with  a  bifid  tuft  of  coarse,  terminal,  hair- 
like  lihi-rs.  Sternum,  similur  to  that  of  eri/t/irnji/it/in/mia,  but  nut  as  stout.  The  I'.-nthcr-  of  the  head  an-  elongated. 

COI.OK.  Ailult  ninli.  I  "]>|MT  portion  of  body,  including  wings  anil  tail,  throat,  sidi-s  of  head  and  neck,  and  upper 
breast,  blai  k.  Kd^eof  win.^.  miter  welis  of  ba*al  purl  inn  of  all  the  primaries,  and  i-lnii.ua  ted  spot  "ii  the  outer  four,  forming 
an  (il>lii|ue  liar.  -|«>ts  un  outer  webs  of  secondaries,  narrow  line  on  outer  webs  of  outer  tail  feathers,  s|M>t.s  on  terminal  por- 
tion of  thre;.-  |iairs,  n  >t,  however,  extending  to  the  shaft,  middle  of  breast,  and  tilxlomen,  white.  Sides  and  flunks,  chestnut 

BIRO.-  OK  i  I.OKIDA.  15 


112  P1P1LO  ERYTHROPIITHALMUS. 

in  the  south  for  I  never  met  with  them  in  the  piney  woods.  While  migrating  and  at  other 
times  these  birds  do  not  accompany  members  of  the  same  family  but  move  by  themselves. 
They  also  differ  from  most  Fringilline  birds  in  not  associating  in  large  numbers,  for  I  never 
saw  over  twenty  in  one  flock. 

GENUS  XIIL    PIPILO.    THE  GROUND  BUNTINGS. 

GEN.  Cn.  Bill,  thick,  somewhat  swollen,  at  base  of  lower  mandible.  Upper  mandible,  curved.  Winys,  a  little  shorter 
than  the  tail.  Feet,  larye.  Sternum,  stout.  Coracoids,  shorter  than  top  of  keel  which  is  considerably  lower  than  one  half 
the  lenyth  of  the  coracoids.  Size,  larye. 

Prevailing  colors  above,  dark,  lighter,  below.  The  tail  is  usually,  though  not  always,  prominently  marked  with  white. 
Iris,  usually  highly  colored. 

PIPILO  ERYTHROPHTHALMUS. 

Red-eyed  Towhee. 
Pipilo  erythrophlhalmus  VIEILL.,  Gal.  Ois.  I;  1824,  109. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  Tongue,  long,  not  very  fleshy,  provided  with  a  bifid  tuft  of  coarse,  terminal, 
hair-like  fibers.  Sternum  as  given  above.  The  feathers  of  the  head  are  elongated. 

COLOR.  Adult  male.  Upper  portion  of  body,  including  wings  and  tail,  throat,  sides  of  head  and  neck,  and  upper 
breast,  black.  Edge  of  wing,  outer  webs  of  basal  portion  of  all  the  primaries,  and  elongated  spot  on  the  outer  four,  forming 
an  oblique  bar,  spots  on  outer  webs  of  secondaries,  entire  outer  webs  of  outer  tail  feathers  and  terminal  portion  of  all  but 
the  central  pair,  middle  of  breast,  and  abdomen,  white.  Sides  and  flanks  bright  chestnut,  with  the  lower  side  of  the  ante- 
rior portion  narrowly  edged  with  black.  Under  wing  coverts,  under  tail  coverts,  and  crissum,  pale-chestnut.  Feet,  brown. 
Bill,  blue-black.  Iris,  red. 

Adult  female.  With  the  black  replaced  by  reddish-brown.  White  as  in  the  males.  The  chestnut  is  much  paler  and 
the  feathers  of  the  back  show  darker  centers. 

Youny  male.  In  this  stage  the  white  of  the  tail  is  less  extended.  The  white  markings  of  the  secondaries  are  obscured 
with  ruf  >us  and  the  feathers  of  the  rump  and  upper  tail  coverts  are  edged  with  it.  There  is  no  black  margin  to  the  chest- 
nut of  the  sides. 

Youny  female.  Strongly  overwashed  with  rufous  above,  the  white  markings  being  obscured  by  it.  The  white  below 
is  tinged  with -yellowish  and  there  are  indications  of  rufous  wing  bars. 

Nestlings.  Similar  to  the  young  female  but  streaked  above  and  below  with  dusky.  There  are  strong  indications  of 
wing  bars.  The  males  in  this  stage  may  be  known  from  the  females  by  the  general  darker  colors  above,  the  wings  and  tail 
being  black  as  their  feathers  are  not  moulted  until  the  following  autumn.  Iris  bluish-white. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

There  is  occasionally  a  concealed  spot  of  white  on  the  throat.  Florida  specimens  do  not  differ  essentially  from  more 
northern  skins  excepting  that  the  chestnut  is  richer  in  shade,  but  almost  all  the  birds  that  I  obtained  on  the  Alleghany 
Mountains  in  Pennsylvania  show  traces  of  white  streakings  on  the  scapularies,  thus  approaching  the  western  forms  of  the 
genus.  A  spring  specimen  from  Peotona.  Illinois,  shows  an  inclination  to  albinoism  but  otherwise  does  not  differ  from 
skins  taken  in  Massachusetts.  Known  from  the  closely  allied  species  from  the  West  by  the  smaller  amount  of  white  on 
the  wings  and  from  other  species  by  the  description  as  given.  For  comparison  with  the  new  Florida  species  see  observa- 
tions on  page  114. 

Distributed  in  summer  throughout  the  Eastern  section  of  the  United  States  between  the  latitudes  of  South  Carolina  and 
the  White  Mountains.  Winters  from  the  Carolinas  to  Middle  Florida. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  fifteen  specimens.  Length,  8'05;  stretch,  11'23;  wing,  3'50;  tail,  3'76;  bill,  '60;  tarsus. 1.02. 
Longest  specimen,  8'50;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  12'25;  longest  wing,  3'70;  tail,  4'00;  bill, '67;  tarsus,  I'lO.  Shortest 
specimen,  7'60;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  10'40;  shortest  wing,  3'30;  tail,  3'32;  bill,  '60;  tarsus,  '95. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  on  the  ground.  They  are  loosely  constructed,  being  composed  of  grass,  leaves,  and  strips  of  bark,  lined 
with  tine  grass.  Dimensions;  external  diameter,  3'50,  internal,  2'00.  External  depth,  2'50,  internal  TOO. 

Egys,  four  or  five  in  number,  elliptical  in  form,  ashy-white  in  color,  spotted,  dotted,  and  blotched,  with  reddish-brown 
and  lilac.  Dimensions  from  "90  x  '70  to  "95  x  "75. 


PIP1LO  LKUCOP1S.  H3 

IIMSITS. 

AVhen  one  is  wandering  .along  the  hummock  edges  of  Florida,  he  will  frequently  be 
by  a  sudden,  explosive  chirp  which  is  given  so  loudly  as  to  be  almost  startling. 
The  author  of  this  sound  is  concealed  by  the  dense  thicket  and  the  most  that  can  be  seen 
of  it  is  the  quick  flirt  of  a  white-tipped  tail  as  the  bird  beats  a  hasty  retreat  deeper  into  the 
bushes.  If  the  spectator  remain  quiet  for  a  few  moments,  however,  he  will  see  a  pair  of 
bright  red  eyes  watching  him  from  among  the  foliage  and  will  be  saluted  by  an  inquiring 
tow-hec,  for  the  Red-eyed  Bunting  is  exceedingly  inquisitive,  but  upon  perceiving  the 
slightest  motion  it  is  off,  loudly  and  petulantly  repeating  its  tow-hce,  tow-hee.  This  is  the 
only  note  I  ever  heard  from  this  species  in  Florida,  neither  did  I  ever  find  them  elsewhere 
than  along  the  margins  of  the  thick  woods,  but  when  in  the  north  their  habits  are  quite 
different. 

The  rocky  sides  of  the  Alleghany  mountains  are  covered  with  small  trees  while  the 
intervals  between  them  are  occupied  by  low  bushes.  This  shrubbery  forms  a  favorite  resort 
for  the  Towhecs,  and  the  males  may  be  seen  any  morning  in  May  perched  on  the  topmost 
boughs  of  the  highest  trees,  busily  engaged  in  pouring  forth  their  somewhat  disconnected 
song.  This  lay  is  not  fine  but  yet  enlivening  for  it  rings  out  loud  and  clear  and,  as  it  echoes 
along  the  steep  sides  of  the  valleys,  produces  an  effect  which  is  quite  pleasing.  In  Massa- 
chusetts the  Towhees  are  found  in  open  fields  grown  up  to  bushes,  or  along  fence  rows. 
Here  they  are  quite  familiar,  following  the  pedestrian  about  when  he  invades  their  domains, 
occasionally  uttering  their  peculiar  cry. 

They  breed  in  the  localites  which  I  have  described,  about  the  middle  of  May,  almost 
always  building  on  the  ground  but  on  one  occasion  I  found  the  nest  on  a  small  limb  about 
a  foot  above  the  surface.  The  females,  when  setting,  are  quite  tame  and  I  have  frequently 
nearly  placed  my  hand  on  them  before  they  would  fly. 

In  August  the  newly  fledged  young  are  found  in  pastures  feeding  upon  berries,  in  com- 
pany with  their  parents.  In  this  stage  of  plumage  the  streaked  breast  and  whitish  eyes 
give  them  a  singular  appearance  quite  at  variance  from  the  adults.  They  do  not  keep  this 
dress  long,  however,  but  gradually  assume  one  more  like  that  of  the  mature  birds.  The 
Towhees  spend  the  greater  portion  of  their  time  on  the  ground,  frequently  scratching 
aiming  the  fallen  leaves  after  insects.  This  habit  is  especially  noticeable  in  autumn  when 
the  birds  gather  in  straggling  flocks  on  their  southward  migration. 

PIPLLO  LEUCOPIS. 
White-eyed  Towhee. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Plate  IV.     Adult  malo  and  female  in  spring. 

Sr.  Cn.  Form.  robust.  Size,  medium.  Tongue,  not  very  fleshy,  provided  with  a  bifid  tuft  of  conrse,  terminal,  hair- 
like  lil«-!^.  Sternum,  similar  to  tluit  t>f  rrylhrophlhalmui,  but  not  as  stout.  The  feathers  of  the  hend  are  elongated. 

Coi.oi;.  Ar/u/t  iniili.  Upper  portion  of  body,  including  wings  iind  tail,  throat,  sides  of  head  and  nc.-k,  and  upper 
breast,  bhu  k.  Kdgeof  w  ing.  outer  webs  of ba^al  portion  of  all  the  primaries,  and  elongated  spot  on  the  outer  four,  forming 
an  oblique  liar,  ^pots  on  outer  webs  of  secondaries,  narrow  line  on  outer  wclis  of  outer  tail  feathers,  s|xits  on  terminal  por- 
tion of  three  pairs,  not,  howe\cr,  extending  to  the  shaft,  middle  of  breast,  and  abdomen,  white.  Sides  and  flanks,  chestnut 

BIRDS    OK    H.OUIDA.  15 


116  SOJVG  SPAIUiOW. 

Nestlings.  Show  no  traces  whatever  of  the  ashy,  which  is  replaced  J>y  yellowish-rufous,  niyl  the  under  parts  are  very 
strongly  tinged  with  the  latter  named  color.  The  streakings  below  occupy  the  same  position,  but  arc  not  as  wide,  and  do 
not  form  a  cluster  on  the  breast.  The  bill  and  feet  are  lighter.  Soxes  .similar  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

There  are  few  birds  which  are  more  easily  recognized  than  the  Sung  Sparrow,  yet  it  is  difficult  to  find  a  species  where 
there  is  so  much  individual  variation  in  respect  to  the  markings  below.  In  a  large  series  before  me,  from  many  sections 
east  of  the  Mississippi  River,  I  find  that  there  is  every  gradation,  from  a  breast  so  slightly  spotted  as  to  almost  leave  the 
central  cluster  alone,  to  one  so  heavily  marked  as  to  nearly  obscure  the  cluster,  and  even  the  throat,  usually  immarulatr,  in 
spotted.  Rarely  there  is  no  clustering  of  spots  on  the  breast  in  the  adult;  this  character  is,  however,  usually  absent  in 
the  nestlings.  Specimens  from  Utah  are  less  spotted  than  the  average  of  more  Eastern  skins  and  are  paler  above.  Known 
in  the  adult  stage  by  the  streakings  above  and  spots  below,  taken  in  connection  with  the  ashy  markings  of  the  head.  The 
nestlings  may  be  recognized  by  the  reddish-brown  wings  and  tail.  Distributed  during  the  breeding  season  from  the  latitude 
of  South  Carolina  to  the  far  North.  Winters  from  Massachusetts  to  Northern  Florida. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  twenty-eight  specimens.  Length,  6'38;  stretch,  8'75;  wing,  2'55;  tail,  2'77;  bill,  '48;  tarsus, 
•75.  Longest  specimen,  f>'75;  greatest  extent  cf  wing,  8'CO;  longest  wing,  2  f  C:  tr.il,  2'CO;  bill,  '£0;  tarsus,  -7C.  Shortest 
specimen,  G'OO;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  9'00;  shortest  wing,  2'35;  tail,  2'65;  bill,  '55;  tarsus,  '70. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  on  the  ground  or  in  bushes.  They  are  compact  structures  of  grass,  lined  with  finer.  Dimensions;  exter- 
nal diameter,  4-00,  internal,  2'50.  External  depth,  2'75,  internal,  T75. 

Eyys,  f  jur  or  five  in  number,  oval  in  form,  bluish  in  color,  spotted  and  dotted  with  reddish-brown  and  lilac.  Dimen- 
sions from  -05  x  "70  to  "85  x  'C5. 

HABITS. 

Winter  has  scarcely  begun  to  relax  his  icy  grasp  from  the  water  and  to  lift  his  snowy 
mantle  from  off  the  land,  when  those  harbingers  of  the  coming  spring,  the  Song  Sparrows, 
begin  to  chant  their  enlivening  lay  about  the  homesteads  of  New  England.  Loud  and 
cheerily  do  they  sing  on  the  bright  mornings  in  early  March,  and  when  they  have  once 
begun  nothing  seems  to  daunt  their  ardor.  No  matter  how  very  stormy  the  weather,  day- 
light always  finds  them  singing.  I  have  heard  their  song  when  the  wind  was  blowing  a 
gale,  and  the  little  performers- were  obliged  to  seek  shelter  beneath  the  hedges,  and  have 
seen  one  start  to  fly  when  the  force  of  the  blast  was  so  great  that  it  fairly  swept  him  into 
a  thicket  but  he  clung  tenaciously  to  the  boughs  and,  as  if  to  bid  defiance  to  the  raging 
elements,  poured  forth  his  liveliest  carol.  Rightly  has  this  species  been  named  melodia, 
for  none  among  our  native  birds  sings  so  long  or  so  often  as  the  Song  Sparrow.  As  we 
have  seen,  they  begin  their  musical  efforts  amid  the  snow.and  sleet  of  the  lingering  winter, 
continuing  them  through  the  spring  and  summer;  nor  docs  the  sultry  heat  of  August  cause 
them  to  cease,  for  even  then  they  sing  during  the  cool  of  morning  and  evening.  Through 
the  autumn  their  melodies  may  still  be  heard,  and  when  the  brown  earth  is  covered  with 
fallen  leaves  our  little,  plainly  colored  friends  occasionally  indulge  in  the  same  clearly 
given  lay  that  they  practiced  earlier  in  the  season. 

The  Song  Sparrows  are  among  the  first  to  breed  of  the  smaller  birds,  nesting  often  by 
the  middle  of  April.  The  nests  are  sometimes  placed  in  low  bushes  but  oftener  on  the 
ground.  Shortly  after  the  first  brood  have  been  reared  a  second  litter  of  eggs  is  deposited 
and  often  a  third  brood  is  brought  out  the  same  season.  During  the  summer  and  autumn 
these  Sparrows  are  very  fond  of  the  neighborhood  of  streams  and  other  bodies  of  fresh  water, 


HKLOSPIXA  PALUSTR1S.  117 

indeed  they  appear  to  be  partly  aquatic,  for  if  one  be  wounded  it  will  instantly  jump  into 
tin-  water  and  strike  out  boldly.  I  have  also  frequently  seen  them  dive  beneath  the  sur- 
face when  I  was  about  to  capture  them,  or  creep  into  holes  with  the  body  submerged,  be- 
having much  as  I  have  seen  young  ducks  under  similar  circumstances. 

These  sparrows,  like  the  greater  portion  of  the  family,  are  seldom  found  in  the  woods 
but  prefer  hedge  rows  along  open  fields.  On  the  Magdalen  Islands  they  find  shelter  in  the 
short  shrubbery  on  the  edges  of  the  little  clearings,  they  are  abundant  on  the  margins  of 
the  rich  interval  lands  of  Maine,  and  thousands  may  be  found  in  the  thickets  along  fences 
which  intersect  the  farms  of  Massachusetts.  They  also  swarm  in  countless  myriads  in  the 
rank  growth  of  vegetation  along  the  river  bottoms  of  Pennsylvania.  On  the  borders  of 
the  cotton  plantations  of  the  Sea  Islands,  they  were  very  numerous  and  I  even  met  them 
in  the  orange  groves  of  Northern  Florida;  in  fact  it  is  difficult  to  find  a  single  locality  where 
one  will  not  be  greeted  by  the  chirp  or  melodious  carol  of  the  Song  Sparrow,  for  they  are 
one  of  the  most  abundant  of  birds  in  the  section  of  which  I  write. 

GENUS  XV.    HELOSPIZA.    THE  SWAMP  SPARROWS. 

(!K\.  Cii.  Bill,  somewhat  slender,  not  t/iiik  nor  swollen  at  base.  Ujyicr  mandible,  but  little  curved.  Winys,  lonyer 
than  f/it  tail  which  is  s/iylit/y  rounded.  Sternum,  not  stout,  with  the  cofaeoids  equal  in  linyth  to  the  top  of  the  keel  which  is 
rrry  htw,  not  exceeding  in  heiyht  one  third  the  length  of  the  coracoids.  Size,  rather  small. 

I  have  been  induced  to  f.illow  Prof.  Baird's  suggestion  as  givon  in  Birds  of  N.  A.  1858,  p.  477,  and  remove  the  species 
herewith  given  from  the  genus  Mclosjriza,  not  only  r:n  account  (,f  the  differences  in  external  structure,  but  also  on  account 
of  the  peculiar  form  <.f  the  sternum  which  has  as  lowakeeland  as  long  commie  Is  its  any  genus  in  the  Family, not  excepting 
Aininodromvs,  to  which  Helospiza  is  closely  allied  both  in  structure  and  in  habit. 

HELOSPIZA  PALUSTRIS. 

Swamp  Sparrow. 
Helospiza palustris  BAIRD,  Birds  N.  A.;  1858, 477. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  rather  robust.  Size,  small.  Tongue,  rather  thin  and  horny,  prorided  with  a  bifid,  terminal  tuft  of 
bur-like  fibers.  Sternum,  as  given  above. 

COLOR.  Adult  in  spriny.  Ear  coverts,  sides,  flanks,  upper  portion  of  body,  yellowish-rnfuus,  with  the  latter  broadly 
streaked  with  dark-brown.  Top  of  head,  chestnut.  Forehead,  maxillary  and  superciliary  lines,  lores,  back  of  neck ,  and 
band  aern-s  breast,  ashy.  Outer  webs  of  wings  and  tail,  bright  reddish-brown,  dullest  on  the  latter;  inner  webs,  brown. 
SIM  its  on  seapularies  and  wing  coverts,  dark-brown.  Throat,  belly,  abdomen,  and  under  tail  coverts,  white,  with  the  latter 
tinged  with  yellowish.  Bill  and  feet,  brown. 

Adult  in  trint'.r.  Similar  to  the  above,  but  with  the  chestnut  of  the  top  of  head  obscure']  with  black  markings,  and  a 
median  line  of  ashy  extends  from  hill  to  occiput. 

Yimny.  Have  the  sides  and  flanks  streaked  with  dusky,  while  the  top  of  the  head  is  streaked  with  black,  and  the  sides 
of  the  head  are  tinged  with  yellowish. 

Ynuny  of  the  yar.  Colors  above,  more  suffused,  and  there  are  but  slight  indications  of  maxillary  lines.  There  is  a 
tinge  of  yellowish  over  the  throat,  sides.  Hanks,  and  breast,  and  the  latter  is  streaked  with  dusky. 

A  t/tinys.  The  ashy  markings  are  oliscured  with  yellowish-rufous,  and  the  entire  under  parts  are  tinged  with  it. 
The  lower  neck  and  breast  are  streaked  more  or  less  with  dark-brown.  Bill,  lighter.  Soxes  similar  in  all  stages.  • 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Specimens  vary  considerably  in  shade  of  color  on  the  back,  some  having  it  nearly  as  bright  as  the  crown.  The  streak- 
er aUn  broader  MI  -omc  than  on  others.  Readily  distinguished  in  the  adult  stages  h\  the  clear  chestnut  crown  and 
black  forehead,  taken  in  connection  with  the  ashy  band  across  the  breast.  The  younger  stages  may  always  IK;  disiingui-hed 
by  the  bright  reddish-brown  "'ings  which  arc  \rry  n  itieeable  e\cu  in  the  nestlings.  Distributed,  during  the  breeiiitrj-  -ca 
son,  throughout  Ka-tern  I  iiited  State-1,  from  the  latitude  of  Pennsylvania  north  to  tliat  of  Canada.  Winters  from  the  Car- 
oliiias  to  Southern  Florida. 


118  SWAMP  SPARROW. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  fifteen  specimens.  Length,  5-70;  stretch,  7'76;  wing,  2'85;  tail,  2-23;  bill,  '45;  tarsus, -82. 
Longest  specimen,  O'OO;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  8' 12;  longest  wing,  2'60;  tail,  2'35;  bill,  '50;  tarsus,  '90.  Shortest  speci- 
men, 5'40;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  7'40;  shortest  wing,  2-30;  tail,  2'12;  bill,  '41;  tarsus,  '75. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  on  the  ground,  composed  of  dried  grass  and  weeds,  lined  with  £ner  grass.  Dimensions;  external  diam- 
eter, 4'00,  internal,  2'50.  External  depth,  2'75,  internal,  T75. 

Eyys,  four  or  five  in  number,  oval  in  form,  pale-blue  in  color,  spotted  and  dotted  quite  finely  with  reddish-brown  and 
lilac.  Dimensions  from  '5Cx  '75  to  '60x  '80. 

HABITS. 

I  know  of  but  few  if  any  localities  north  of  Florida  where  the  vegetation  grows  more 
luxuriantly  than  on  the  margins  of  the  little  creeks  which  empty  into  the  Susquehanna  Riv- 
er, Pennsylvania.  The  soil  is  exceedingly  fertile,  for  it  is  composed  of  the  washings  of 
the  rich  lands  on  the  slopes,  and  produces  a  fine  growth  of  timber.  Here  the  sturdy  syca- 
more grows  to  perfection,  often  rearing  its  lofty  leaf-crowned  head  to  the  height  of  a  hun- 
dred feet.  Black  walnuts  also  attain  to  a  large  size,  while  beneath  them  grow  a  host  of 
butternuts,  wild  plums,  hawthorns,  and  other  small  trees  which  so  completely  shade  the 
surface,  that  it  seems  impossible  for  any  thing  to  obtain  light  enough  to  thrive  at  all,  but 
in  spite  of  the  dense  overhanging  foliage,  the  ground  is  thickly  covered  with  rank  nettles 
and  other  weeds.  But  wherever  an  opening  occurs  admiting  the  sunshine  the  herbage  be- 
comes exceedingly  high;  this  is  especially  noticeable  along  the  margins  of  the  streams  where 
giant  grasses  often  six  feet  in  height  overhang  the  water.  Upon  the  whole  it  would  be 
difficult  to  find  a  place  more  conducive  to  bird  life,  and  many  species  were  very  abundant 
there.  The  branches  above  were  filled  with  the  more  arboreal  birds  while  swarms  of  the 
terrestrial  found  a  home  in  the  herbage  below,  and  the  more  open  sections  were  occupied 
by  the  Swamp  Sparrows.  Here  they  remained  throughout  the  summer,  sheltered  from  the 
sultry  noon  time  heat  by  the  cool  green  foliage  above,  and  they  linger  late  in  autumn,  long 
after  the  butternuts  have  fallen  and  the  ground  is  strewn  with  leaves,  when  the  naked 
stalks  and  withered  rustling  grass  affords  them  but  slight  protection. 

I  have  ever  found  that  the  Swamp  Sparrows  seek  grassy  thickets  and  are  common  in 
them  along  the  streams  of  Florida,  even  as  far  south  as  Miami.  I  have  never  heard  them 
make  any  attempt  at  a  song  in  the  South,  but  in  Massachusetts  they  trill  forth  a  sprightly 
lay  that  consists  of  a  series  of  rapidly  given  notes  which,  although  somewhat  resembling 
those  uttered  by  the  Chipping  Sparrow,  are  more  lisping  and  not  as  loud.  This  perform- 
ance is  given  only  during  the  breeding  season,  but  in  the  autumn  they  have  a  very  pretty 
warbling  song  which,  although  low,  is  exceedingly  sweet. 

.  The  Swamp  SparrfTws  breed  about  the  last  week  in  May,  usually  placing  the  nest  on 
a  tussock  or  on  the  ground,  but  I  once  found  one  that  was  fastened  halfway  up  the  thick- 
ly growing  stalks  of  some  coarse  grass,  the  bent  tops  of  which  formed  an  arch  over  it  and 
nearly  concealed  it.  The  young  may  be  seen  accompanying  their  parents  in  August,  and 
migrate  with  them  in  November,  when  they  all  usually  move  along  the  low  lands,  but  on 
their  return  in  spring  they  often  follow  other  Sparrows  across  the  uplands. 


AMMODROMUS  MELANOLEUCUS.  119 

CK\i:.S  XVI.     AMMOmiOMUS.    TIIR  SHORE  FINCHES. 

<ii:\.  CM.  Hill,  i/tiiti- xffiiili  r.  nut  Ihiil. nor  swollen  at  base.  Upper  mandible,  somewhat  curved.  Winys,  lonyer  than 
t/ir  tail  whifli  in  conxii/i-rrMi/  rouinli-il.  and  with  lit-  feathers  acuminate.  Sternum,  not  stout,  with  the  coracoids  equal  in 
lini/th  In  tin-  tii/i  of  tin-  keel,  ur  n  little  shorter.  Keel,  low,  cither  not  exceeding  in  heiyht  one  third  the  lenyth  of  the  coracoids 
or  but  little  hit/hi  r.  Size,  small.  ' 

The  sternums  of  this  genus  vary  considerably,  in  fact  more  so  than  Is  usual  in  species  which  arc  so  closely  allied.  In 
other  anatomical  structures,  however,  there  is  but  little  difference  and  the  more  important  external  characters  areaLsoquite 
similar.  The  edge  of  the  wing  is  yellow. 

AMMODROMUS  MELANOLEUCUS. 

Black  and  White  Shore  Pinch. 
Ammodromus  melanoleucui  MAVNARD,  Rod  and  Gun,  Jan.  16,  1875. 

DESCRIPTION. 
Plate  V.    Adult  in  spring. 

Sr.  Cn.  Form,  slender.  Size,  small.  Tongue,  long,  thin  and  horny,  provided  with  a  bifid,  terminal  tuft  of  hair-like 
fibers.  Sternum,  not  stout,  with  the  keel  very  low,  not  exceeding  in  height  one  third  of  the  length  of  the  coracoids  which 
equal  in  length  the  top  of  the  keel. 

C'OI.OR.  Adult.  Above,  black,  with  the  feathers  narrowly  edged  with  ashy.  Wings,  and  tail  very  dark-brown  with 
the  outer  webs  margined  with  greenish.  Beneath,  white,  broadly  streaked  everywhere,  excepting  on  the  abdomen,  with 
black.  Lino  extending  from  upper  mandible  to  point  over  the  eye,  and  edge  of  wing,  bright-yellow.  Bill,  black,  bluish 
at  ba.se  of  lower  mandible.  Feet,  brown. 

Youny.  Similar,  but  tinged  with  yellowish-rufous  on  the  breast,  sides  of  head,  and  flanks.  The  outer  edges  of  the 
wing  feathers  are  also  brownish.  Sexes,  similar  in  all-stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

There  is  a  general  uniformity  of  coloration  in  specimens  of  the  same  age,  but  the  streakings  are  broader  on  some  than 
on  others,  when  there  is  frequently  a  central  clustering  of  spots  on  the  breast,  and  sometimes  there  are  white  maxillary 
lines.  Readily  distinguished  from  all  others  by  the  preponderance  of  black  below.  The  distribution  of  this  species  is 
very  limited  as  thus  far  observed,  and  none  have  been  taken,  to  my  knowledge,  since  1872  when  I  found  them  on  the  saline 
savannahs  about  Suit  Lake  and  on  the  marshes  east  of  Indian  River,  but  south  of  the  Haulover  Canal.  They  are  migratory 
but  I  do  not  know  where  they  spend  the  winter.  The  nests  and  eggs  are  unknown. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  eight  specimens.  Length,  6'95;  stretch,  7'87;  wing,  2'32;  tail,  2'04;  bill,  '50;  tarsus,  '78. 
Longest  specimen,  fi'25;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  8'25;  longest  wing,  2'50;  tail,  2'25;  bill,  'GO;  tarsus, -80.  Shortest  speci- 
men, 5'75;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  7'50;  shortest  wing,  2' 15;  tail,  2'25;  bill,  '40;  tarsus,  -77. 

HABITS. 

Near  the  sources  of  the  St.  Johns  River  in  Florida  is  a  little  body  of  water,  only  about 
two  miles  in  circumference,  called  Salt  Lake  and,  as  its  name  implies,  is  quite  brackish. 
This  phenomenon  is  due,  not  to  its  present  proximity  to  the  sea  which  is  only  six  miles  dis- 
tant, for  a  ridge  of  high  pine  lands  intervenes,  but  to  the  peculiar  character  of  the  soil 
which  contains  a  large  quantity  of  salt.  There  is  but  little  doubt  that  this  entire  section 
was  overflowed  by  the  tides  of  the  ocean  not  long  since.  In  fact  the  vegetation  which  cov- 
ers these  wide-spread  plains  is  almost  exactly  like  that  which  grows  on  the  marshes  of  the 
Indian  River.  It  is  composed  mainly  of  course  grass  and  a  species  of  rush,  both  of  which 
gmw  to  the  height  of  four  or  five  feet,  and  so  thickly  together  that  one  can  scarcely  make 
his  way  through  them.  The  margin  of  the  lake  is,  however,  destitute  of  vegetation  as 
arc  the  beds  of  numerous  small  creeks  which  in  the  spring  and  summer  are  dry,  and  thus 
form  convenient  roads. 


120  BLACK  AND  WHITE  SHORE  FINCH. 

I  was  making  my  way  along  one  of  these  novel  paths  on  the  seventeenth  of  March, 
1872,  keeping  a  sharp  lookout  for  birds,  at  the  same  time  carefully  watching  the  ground  at 
my  feet  in  order  to  detect  the  presence  of  the  venomous  water  moccasins  which  were  more 
numerous  here  than  I  had  ever  seen  them  elsewhere,  when  my  attention  was  attracted  by 
a  little  black"  bird  which  rose  from  the  high  grass  about  twenty  yards  from  me,  hovered  a 
moment,  uttering  a  feeble  sputtering  song,  then  dropped  down  and  disappeared.  I  saw  it 
but  a  moment,  yet  I  was  convinced  that  it  was  something  that  I  had  never  seen  before. 
I  laboriously  made  my  way  to  the  spot,  but  was  unable  to  start  it  even  after  the  most  vig- 
orous efforts.  This  was  my  first  sight  of  the  new  Ammodromus,  for  I  was  certain  that  it 
belonged  to  this  genus  and  in  a  day  or  two  my  suspicions  were  confirmed,  for  an  assistant 
brought  in  a  specimen  which  he  had  taken  in  the  place  I  had  first  seen  it.  We  did  not 
find  any  more  near  Salt  Lake  nor  did  I  see  a  single  specimen,  but  shortly  after  I  found 
them  quite  common  on  the  marshes  of  Indian  River.  Yet  I  only  took  seven  specimens 
there,  for  the  birds  are  exceedingly  difficult  to  obtain  as  they  are  not  only  very  shy,  but 
after  once  starting  will  seldom  rise  a  second  time,  remaining  concealed  in  the  thick  grass. 
In  flight  as  well  as  habit  this  species  resembles  the  Sharp-tailed  Finch  much  more  nearly 
than  it  does  the  Gray  Shore  Finch.  The  song,  or  rather  the  crude  attempt  at  a  song,  for 
the  low  sputtering  notes  scarcely  deserve  the  title,  is  given  while  the  bird  hovers  in  air 
suspended  over  the  same  spot,  after  which  it  drops  quickly  into  the  grass.  These  are  the 
only  notes  that  I  ever  heard  them  utter,  except  a  sharp  chirp  of  alarm  which  is  given  when 
they  are  disturbed.  Then  one  will  appear  for  a  moment  on  the  top  of  a  waving  spear  of 
grass,  but  only  for  a  moment;  the  next  instant  it  is  gone. 

The  Black  and  White  Finches  inhabit  the  dry  marshes  where  the  grass  grows  in  patch- 
es surrounded  by  a  peculiar  species  which  is  very  much  lower  and  which  becomes  tangled. 
The  birds  live  in  the  former,  but  build  there  nests  in  the  latter,  or  I  have  every  reason  to 
believe  that  they  do,  as  during  the  latter  part  of  April  I  started  them  many  times  from 
the  herbage,  and  they  exhibited  the  utmost  solicitude  whenever  I  approached  certain  spots, 
but  I  failed  completely  to  find  the  nest  although  I  searched  for  it  many  times.  This  spe- 
cies was  quite  common  on  the  marshes  of  Indian  River,  just  below  Dummctt's  Grove,  but 
I  never  saw  a  specimen  north  of  Haulover  Canal.  They  were  very  abundant  on  the  upper 
end  of  Merritt's  Island  where  I  obtained  a  few. 

These  birds  are  migratory  as  they  are  not  to  be  found  in  Florida  during  winter,  but 
where  they  go  during  this  season  I  am  unable  to  state,  but  judge  that  they  may  be  found 
on  the  Bahama  Islands,  and  it  is  also  probable  that  those  I  found  were  merely  a  colony 
from  that  place,  where  they  will  doubtless  be  found  to  occur  in  large  numbers.  They  are 
not,  however,  to  be  met  with  on  the  Florida  Keys,  but  the  character  of  the  vegetation  is 
not  conducive  to  their  habits  as  there  arc  no  grassy  savannahs. 

In  comparing  this  species  with  the  Gray  Shore  Finch  we  find  that  it  has  entirely 
different  habits;  first,  the  song  is  quite  unlike  that  of  maritimus,  second,  it  breeds  nearly 
two  months  later,  and  thirdly,  it  is  migratory  while  the  other  species  is  a  constant  resident 
in  Florida. 


AMMODliOMUS  MARIT1MUS.  121 

AMMODROMUS  MABITIMTJS. 

Gray  Shore  Pinch. 
Ammodromvi  maritimus  Sw.,  Zuol.  Jour.,  Ill,  1827,  328. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  rather  robust.  Size,  medium.  Tongue,  long,  thin,  and  horny,  provided  with  a  terminal  tuft  of  hair- 
like  fibers.  Sternum,  rather  stout,  with  the  keel  a  little  higher  than  that  of  the  preceding  species  and  with  the  coracoids 
somewhat  shorter. 

COLOR.  A'lull.  Above,  grcenisli-gray,  broadly  streaked  with  dusky.  Wings  and  tail,  dark-brown,  with  the  outer 
we!  i-  i •.!•_;. -d  with  ri'(l(lish-bri>wn.  Beneath,  ashy-white,  purest  on  the  throat  but  very  much  darker  on  the  sides  an<}  flanks. 
Si  lc  •-  i:f  head  and  streaking*  below,  dusky.  There  is  a  decided  maxillary  line  of  dusky  below  one  of  white,  and  a  slightly 
Bed  median  line  of  ashy  extends  from  the  bill  to  the  occiput.  Line  from  base  of  upper  mandible  to  point  over  the  eye, 
nnd  edge  of  wing,  yellow,  and  there  is  a  greenish  suffusion  back  of  the  eye.  Bill,  black,  bluish  at  base  of  lower  mandible. 
1  '  t,  brown. 

Youny.  Similar,  but  browner  above,  with  the  median  line  better  denned.  The  greenish  gloss  back  of  the  eye  is  not 
very  pcTeeptibl.:,  and  there  are  traces  of  yellowLsh-rufjus  across  the  breast. 

Youni/  of  Ike  yuar.  Are  very  brown  above,  where  the  dark  streakings  are  nearly  obscured.  They  are  also  very  much 
whiter  liel.iw,  where  there  are  but  few  streakings.  The  median  ashy  line  Is  considerably  broader  and  much  more  clearly 
defined.  S,-xes,  similar  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

There  is  a  general  uniformity  of  coloration  in  specimens  of  the  same  age.  The  streakings  below  are  never  well  defined, 
but  oeeasionally  encroach  upon  the  throat  which  is  usually  immaculate.  Readily  distinguished  from  mclano/cucus  by  the 
unif.inn  grayish  tint  throughout  which  is  so  conspicuous,  even  in  the  young,  that  this  species  need  not  be  confounded  with 
jiuy  other.  A  constant  resident  along  the  coast  from  the  Carolinas  to  Middle  Florida  and  on  the  Northern  portion  of  the 
Gulf  of  Mexico.  Found  as  far  north  as  Connecticut  in  summer  but  does  not  occur  in  the  interior. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  twenty  specimens.  Length,  5-50;  stretch,  8'25;  wing,  2'50;  tail,  2' 10;  bill,  '60;  tarsus,  -80. 
Longest  specimen,  5'75;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  8'40;  longest  wing,  2-f>0;  tail,  2-25;  bill,  '65;  tarsus, '95.  Shortest  speci- 
men, 5'25;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  8' 15;  shortest  wing,  2-40;  tail,  2'00;  bill,  '55;  tarsus,  '75. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  on  the  ground,  or  near  it.  They  are  either  gourd-shaped,  with  a  contracted  entrance  on  top,  partly  cov- 
ered, having  the  entrance  on  the  side,  or  open.  They  are  composed  of  coarse  grass  lined  with  finer  and  occasionally  with 
rootl.'ts.  Dimensions;  external  diameter,  4'00,  internal,  2'50.  External  depth,  4'75,  internal,  1'75. 

Eyys,  four,  five,  or  even  six  in  number,  rather  elliptical  in  f»rm,  dull-white  in  color,  spotted  and  dotted  quite  finely  with 
reddish-brown  and  sepia.  Dimensions  from  '80  x  '58  to  '82  x  '62. 

HABITS. 

The  coast  of  South  Carolina  and  Georgia  is  peculiar  being  made  up  of  various  islands. 
These  are  separated  by  deep  sounds  which  form  the  mouths  of  the  numerous  rivers  that 
flow  through  this  section  of  the  country.  The  islands  are  not  much  elevated  but  are  above 
high  water  mark,  while  the  land  back  of  them  is  very  low  being,  in  fact,  overflowed  by  the 
tide.  These  salt  marshes  are  quite  wide  extending  for  some  hundreds  of  miles  along  the 
shore,  ;ind  are  intersected  by  numerous  creeks  some  of  which  are  very  deep.  As  those 
that  empty  into  one  sound  connect  with  those  lhat  have  outlets  in  sounds  on  either  hand, 
there  is  a  continuous  chain  of  canals  which  admit  the  passage  of  vessels  of  considerable 
size.  In  my  last  trip  south  on  the  yacht  Nina  I  availed  myself  of  this  circumstance,  and 
after  leaving  Bull  Bay  in  South  Carolina,  kept  inside  as  far  as  Jacksonville,  Florida.  As 
we  were  frequently  obliged  to  remain  in  one  spot  for  some  time,  I  had  a  fine  opportunity 
of  observing  the  birds  which  inhabited  the  vast  marshes  through  we  were  sailing,  and  the 
Gray  Shore  Finches  were  among  those  which  claimed  my  constant  attention. 

IIIKUS    ttr    t-MiKIDA.  16 


122  AMMODROMUS  CAUDACUTUS. 

Here  these  birds  found  a  home  in  the  tall  grass  which  grew  very  thickly  and  formed  a 
complete  protection  for  them.  Thus  they  are  perfectly  safe,  having  few  if  any  enemies; 
therefore  they  have  increased  to  a  surprising  degree;  in  short  they  fairly  swarm  in  count- 
less numbers.  Every  square  acre  held  its  thousands,  and  every  mile  its  hundreds  of  thous- 
ands if  not  millions,  of  these  little  gray  birds.  At  first  I  was  not  aware  that  there  were  so 
many,  for  we  entered  the  marshes  during  a  low  course  of  tides,  but  when  the  water  rose 
so  high  as  to  cover  all  but  isolated  patches  of  tall  grass,  forcin  5  the  birds'  to  congregate 
in  them  in  large  flocks,  I  saw  how  numerous  they  were.  Usually  they  live  concealed,  but 
at  such  times  they  retreat  before  the  advancing  flood,  until  they  are  obliged  to  perch  on 
the  tops  of  the  swaying  grass  where  they  crouch,  patiently  awaiting  the  subsiding  of  the 
waters,  when  they  seek  their  fastnesses  and  run  about  on  the  mud  in  search  of  small  shells 
and  aquatic  insects  which  form  the  principal  part  of  their  food. 

During  the  cold  season  they  are  quiet  only  occasionly  uttering  a  chirp  of  alarm,  but 
when  we  arrived  in  Florida,  in  January,  I  heard  them  singing  for  the  first  time  that  season. 
This  lay  was  very  familiar  to  me  as  I  had  frequently  heard  it  at  Cedar  Keys,  where  I  found 
the  Gray  Shore  Finch  very  common  and  about  to  breed  as  early  as  February.  Then  the 
males  would  give  their  performance  morning  and  evening,  and  throughout  the  day  if  the 
weather  were  stormy.  The  song  consisted  of  four  notes,  the  first  two  were  given  abruptly 
with  a  distinct  articulation,  while  the  last  were  more  connected;  the  former  being  low  and 
quick,  the  latter  prolonged  and  accented,  and  both  together  much  resembled  the  carol  of 
the  Red-winged  Blackbird;  in  fact  I  at  first  thought  the  sound  was  produced  by  this  bird 
as  the  Finches  were  almost  always  concealed  at  the  time.  While  giving  this  singular  song 
the  bird  becomes  greatly  excited,  ruffling  his  feathers,  spreading  his  tail,  and  drooping  his 
wings,  while  the  head  is  bowed  forward  when  the  last  syllable  is  uttered  as  if  it  cost  him 
a  very  great  effort.  This  somewhat  rude  lay  is  evidently  quite  attractive  to  the  female  for 
she  is  always  near  the  spot,  and  the  male  often  pauses  in  order  to  pursue  her  through  the 
grass. 

Besides  the  notes  I  have  described  the  Gray  Shore  Finch  utters  a  low  twittering  song 
while  hovering  in  air  a  few  feet  above  the  grass.  It  is  a  singular  fact  that  these  birds 
were  about  to  lay  so  early  in  the  season  at  Cedar  Keys,for  they  do  not  nest  in  the  Carolinas 
until  the  first  of  June  which  is  but  a  little  earlier  than  the  breeding  time  in  Connecticut. 
The  nest  is  placed  either  on  the  ground  or  fastened  to  grass  stalks  or  stems  of  low  bushes. 
They  arrive  on  the  marshes  of  the  more  northern  sections  during  the  last  of  April  and  leave 
before  the  ground  freezes,  but  they  are  constantly  resident  at  least  as  far  north  as  North 
Carolina. 

AMMODROMUS  CAUDACUTUS. 

Sharp-tailed  Finch. 
Ammodromus  caudaculus  Sw. ,  Birds  II,  1837,  289. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  slender.  Size,  small.  Tongue,  thin  and  horny,  provided  with  a  tuft  oflong,  coarse,  terminal,  hair- 
like  fibers.  Sternum,  stout,  with  the  keel  somewhat  higher  than  one  third  the  length  of  the  coracoids,  which  arc  shorter 
than  the  top  of  the  keel. 


SHARP-TAILED  FINCH.  123 

Count.  Ailult  in  sirring.  Above,  including  the  outer  edges  of  the  tail  feathers,  and  car  coverts,  yellowish-rufous, 
with  the  remainder  <  f  the  wings  and  tail,  and  top  of  head  streaked  with  (lark  brown.  Supercilary  and  innxillury  lines, 
spaee  baek  nf  ear  diverts,  ninl  limd  amiss  lireast,  ImfT.  Meilian  line,  extending  from  bill  to  occiput,  ashy.  Beneath, 
white,  finely  streaked  mi  the'  breast,  sides,  and  flanks  with  dark-brown,  while  there  is  a  bufly  tinge  on  the  two  latter  and 
on  the  undiT  tail  eo\ert~:  there  are  also  a  few  dusky  streakings  below  the  maxillary  lines.  Edge  of  wing,  yellow.  Bill, 
brown,  lighter  at  base  of  lower  mandible.  Feet,  brown. 

Adult  in  trinlrr.  Has  a  greenish  tinge  to  the  plumage  above,  the  ashy  median  line  is  clearer,  the  bufly  markings  on 
the  head  are  yellower  and  the  tinging  on  the  sides  and  flanks,  stronger.  The  ear  coverts  are  ashy,  the  feathers  of  the  scap- 
ul.iri  •-  a iv  edged  with  white  and  the  dark  mark  markings  below  are  broader. 

Young.  Similar  to  the  almve,  but  with  a  brownish  hue  on  the  top  of  the  head  which  completely  obscures  the  streak- 
ing-. The  dark  marking-;  almvo  are  not  as  prominent  but  the  white  edgings  are  broader.  The  bufly  tinging  beneath 
i-;  more  extended  and  the  streakings  are  not  as  clear. 

Young  of  the  year.  Very  nueh  tinged  with  greenish  above  where  the  feathers  show  ashy  edgings.  The  streakings  be- 
low  are  n.-arly  obscured,  while  the  bully  ting;;  i-  extended  over  the  throat  and  ear  coverts. 

Xftt/inys.  Birds  in  this  stage  present  quite  a  singular  appearance  being  bufly  above  and  below,  broadly  streaked  on 
the  upper  parts  with  dark-brown  and  more  finely  below  in  a  similar  manner  as  the  adult.  The  tail  feathers  are  not  nearly 
a  •  aeeuminate. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

The  breadth  of  the  streakings  below  vary  with  individuals  as  do  also  those  above,  and  one  specimen  has  a  yellow  line 
from  base  of  upper  mandible  to  point  over  the  eye,  as  in  the  preceding  species.  This  bird  presents  a  singular  variety  of 
markings,  from  the  first  to  the  final  plumage.  As  will  be  seen,  the  streakings  above  and  below  are  at  first  prominent  then 

me  nearly  obsolete,  only  to  come  out  broad  and  clear  after  the  next  moult,  when  they  gradually  narrow  down  to  the 
adult  stage.  The  buff,  however,  which  at  first  tinges  the  entire  bird,  grows  gradually  less  until  it  only  covers  restricted 
areas.  Itcudily  distinguished  from  nil  others  by  the  buff  markings  as  described.  Found  in  summer  along  the  coast  from 
Maryland  to  New  Hampshire,  and  in  some  of  the  large  marshes  of  the  interior.  Winters  from  the  Carolinas  to  Middle 
Florida  and  on  the  Northern  portion  of  the  Gulf  of  Mexico. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  twenty-five  specimens.  Length,  5-50;  stretch,  7-70;  wing,  2-45;  tail,  1'77;  bill,  -47;  tarsus, 
•77.  I.  mi:'"-:  specimen,  5'85;  greatest  extant  of  wing,  8'10;  longest  wing,  2-76;  tail,  2'10;  bill, '55;  tarsus,-85.  Shortest 
specimen,  .VI");  simlljit  extent  of  wing,  7'33;  shortsnt  whig,  2' 15;  tail,  1'45;  bill,  "40;  tarsm,  '70. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

.Y<.sV.<,  placed  on  the  ground.  They  are  loosely  constructed,  being  composed  of  grass  lined  with  finer.  Dimensions; 
external  diameter,  1'IXl.  internal,  3'00.  Extarnal  depth,  2'50,  internal,  1-50. 

Eyys,  four  or  live  in  number,  rather  elliptical  in  form,  pale-blue  in  color,  spotted  and  dotted  quite  finely  with  rufous. 
Dimen.4,n-i  from  -75x'55  to  -80x'60. 

HABITS. 

The  salt  marshes  which  border  the  coast  of  Massachusetts  are  usually  comparatively 
solid  or  at  least  firm  enough  to  bear  the  weight  of  a  man,  but  some  spots  are  very  peculiar 
tu  ing  composed  of  soft  mud  overlaid  with  sod.  Thus  these  slough,  as  they  are  termed, 
arc  very  deceptive,  as  the  surface  which  looks  solid  to  the  eye  proves  very  yielding  to  the 
feet  and  the  unwary  pedestrian  finds  himself  submerged  to  the  armpits  in  soft  slimy  ooze, 
the  odor  of  which  is  only  exceeded  by  its  pertinacity  in  adhering  to  the  clothing.  These 
singular  places  arc  doubtless  the  remains  of  lagoons  or  small  bays,  that  have  been  sur- 
rounded by  the  slowly  forming  marshes  which  have  gradually  encroached  upon  the  space 
occupied  by  the  water.  Indeed  this  transformation  of  water  into  earth  may  be  plainly 
seen  in  progress,  for  some  portions  are  not  even  covered  with  vegetation,  others  merely 
support  the  sod;  while  small  peninsulas  have  made  out  which  arc  firm  enough  to  walk 
upon.  These' are  covered  with  a  species  of  short,  wiry  grass  that  grows  very  thickly  and, 
as  it  is  never  cut,  the  dead  growth  of  previous  seasons  accumulates,  forming  a  mat.  The 
insecurity  of  the  footing  prevents  cattle  or  other  mammals  from  wandering  on  such  places 


124  SHARP-TAILED  FINCH. 

thus  the  localities  are  comparatively  lonely  and  just  suited  for  the  home  of  some  retiring 
species  of  bird.  The  Sharp-tailed  Finches  are  aware  of  this  fact  for  here  they  find  excellent 
breeding  grounds,  as  they  are  almost  entirely  free  from  invasion.  The  thick  matting  of 
dead  grass  is  admirably  adapted  to  nest  building  and  their  neat  domiciles  are  almost  al- 
ways placed  in  it,  while  the  overhanging  grass  serves  to  hide  them.  I  know  of  but  few 
birds  which  take  so  much  pains  to  conceal  their  eggs  as  the  Sharp-tailed  Finches.  They 
will  frequently  form  a  path  for  nearly  a  yard  under  the  grass,  by  which  they  enter  the 
nest  that  is  placed  in  a  thicket  at  the  end.  The  female  when  setting  is  extremely  difficult 
to  start,  and  then  I  have  nearly  placed  my  foot  on  her  before  she  would  fly.  As  will 
readily  be  perceived  by  the  foregoing  description,  the  nests  are  not  easy  to  discover,  and 
it  is  only  by  carefully  examining  every  foot  of  the  ground  that  I  ever  found  one.  They 
breed  in  communites  in  the  localites  which  I  have  described,  and  I  have  taken  as  many  as 
eight  nests  from  a  space  not  larger  than  a  half  acre. 

The  Sharp-tailed  Finches  breed  late,  from  the  last  week  in  June  to  the  middle  of  July, 
and  the  young  accompany  their  parents  in  August.  During  nesting  time  the  males  utter 
what  is  certainly  the  faintest  approach  to  a  song  that  I  ever  heard  any  of  the  family  at- 
tempt. This  is  given  when  the  bird  is  hovering  in  air,  a  few  feet  over  the  surface  of  the 
ground,  and  is  so  low  that  I  have  listened  in  vain  for  any  sound  when  the  wind  was  blow- 
ing, even  if  the  bird  was  only  twenty  yards  distant.  On  still  days,  however,  a  sputtering 
husky  warble  may  be  distinguished  which  continues  only  for  a  moment  when  the  would  be 
musician  drops  as  suddenly  as  if  shot  into  the  grass.  At  this  season  they  spend  the  greater 
portion  of  their  time  in  the  low  grass,  only  occasionally  appearing  for  a  moment  on  the  top 
of  some  pile  of  debris,  left  by  the  iigh  spring  tides;  but  later  they  may  be  found  in  the 
tall  sedge  which  grows  along  the  creeks.  Here  they  may  be  seen  early  in  September  in 
large  flocks,  when  they  have  quite  different  habits  than  when  nesting.  At  all  times,  how- 
ever, they  run  about  on  the  mud  in  search  of  small  shells  or  other  aquatic  animals  left  by 
the  receding  water,  but  when  the  tide  is  high  they  perch  on  the  top  of  the  grass,  enjoy- 
ing the  bright  sunshine  of  those  .lovely  autumnal  days  peculiar  to  the  sea-coast  of  New 
England. 

All  of  the  Fringilline  birds  arc  more  or  less  agile,  but  none  among  them  move  more 
quickly  on  the  ground  than  the  members  of  this  genus.  The  species  under  consideration 
is  particularly  noticeable  in  this  respect  as  they  are  perfect  acrobats  when  among  the  tall 
sedge,  now  clinging  to  a  slender  swaying  top  which  will  scarcely  bear  their  weight,  then 
hanging  head  downward  in  order  to  reach  some  insect,  after. which  they  will  drop  to  the 
ground  and  make  their  way  with  surprising  rapidity  to  some  other  point.  When  surprised 
they  will  rise  to  a  short  distance  above  the  grass,  fly  for  a  few  yards,  and  then  dart  into  a 
place  of  concealment.  Then  it  is  difficult  to  make  them  rise  a  second  time,  for  they  will 
run  nimbly  among  the  grass  stems  for  a  long  distance.  When  wounded  they  arc  very 
difficult  to  capture,  for  if  their  legs  be  uninjured  they  will  make  good  use  of  them  and  en- 
ter some  hole  and  remain  quiet,  or  will  run  through  the  grass  until  certain  that  a  safe  dis- 
tance intervenes  between  themselves  and  their  pursuers.  The  Sharp-tailed  Finches  leave 


PL/> 


17 


.24 


PEVCJEA  JESTIVAL1S.  125 

the  north  about  the  middle  of  October  und  enter  the  marshes  of  the  Carolinas  and  Georgia 
where  they  urc  exceedingly  abundant.  They  are  also  common  in  the  marshy  country  just 
north  of  the  St.  Johns  River,  Florida,  but  are  not  to  be  found  in  any  numbers  south  of 
this  point  on  the  cast  coast.  •  In  fact  I  never  saw  a  single  specimen  below  Mosquito  Inlet. 
There  were  a  few,  however,  about  Cedar  Keys  in  company  with  the  Gray  Shore  Finch, 
but  I  saw  no  indications  whatever  of  their  breeding,  as  was  the  case  with  the  preceding, 
species,  and  I  think,  beyond  a  doubt,  that  they  all  leave  Florida  by  the  middle  of  April. 
They  linger  somewhat  while  on  the  migration,  for  they  do  not  reach  their  breeding  grounds 
until  late  in  spring;  in  fact  they  are  one  of  the  very  last  among  the  Sparrows  to  make  their 
appearance. 

GENUS  XVII.    PEUC^EA.    THE  GRASS  FINCHES. 

(JKV.  f'n.  Bill,  slender,  hit  not  thick  nor  swollen  at  base.  Upper  mandible,  considerably  curved.  Wings,  sltarter  than 
tin'  tail  which  is  much  graduated,  and  with  the  feathers  narrow  but  not  acuminate.  Sternum,  stout,  with  the  coracoids  about 
1'iuiil  in  /myth  to  the  top  of  the  keel.  Keel,  exceeding  in  height  one  third  the  length  of  the  coracoids.  Feet,  small. 

All  the  species  are  streaked  above  but  have  only  a  few  markings  below.  The  toes  are  quite  short  and  the  feet  small. 
The  edge  of  the  wing  is  yellow. 

PEUCJEA  .SJSTIVALIS. 

Pine  Wood  Finch. 
Peucaa  (estivalis  CABINIS,  Mas.  Ilein.,  1850,  132. 

.  DESCRIPTION. 

Sr.  Cn.  Form,  rather  slender.  Size,  medium.  Tongue,  thin  and  horny,  provided  with  a  bifid  tuft  of  long,  terminal, 
hair-like  libers.  Sternum,  as  given  above. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Above,  including  the  outer  edges  of  the  wings  and  tail  feathers,  dark-chestnut,  with  the  feathers  ed- 
ged with  ashy.  The  back  and  upper  tail  coverts  arc  streaked  with  dark-brown.  There  is  a  median  line  of  ashy  extending 
f;-i  mi  the  bill  to  the  occiput.  Wings  and  tail,  brown.  Under  parts,  supercilary  line,  and  ring  around  eye,  brownish-yellow, 
clearest  on  the  belly  and  abdomen,  darkest  on  the  breast.  Edge  of  wing,  yellow.  Bill,  brown,  very  much  lighter  at  base 
of  lower  mandible.  Feet,  pale-brown. 

Young.  Similar  to  the  adult,  but  more  reddish  alx>ve  where  there  is  less  ashy.  There  are  indications  of  maxillary 
lines  i.if  dusky  and  there  are  some  narrow  streakings  across  the  breast  where  the  brownish-yellow  tinging  is  somewhat 
darker  Sexes,  similar  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Specimens  vary  greatly  in  the  amount  of  ashy  edging  to  the  feathers  above.  The  females,  although  quite  similar  to 
the  males,  arc  inclined  to  lie  redder  above  and  to  have  streakings  below.  Readily  distinguished  from  all  others  by  the 
chestnut  markings  alwve  combined  with  the  graduated  tail  and  yellow  edge  of  wing.  Found  in  summer  through  the  dry 
piney  woods  along  the  coast,  from  Middle  Florida  to  the  Carolinas,  and  in  the  interior  as  far  north  as  Southern  Indiana. 
Winters  in  Florida. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  twenty-five  specimens.  Length,  5'70;  stretch,  7'87;  wing,  2'37;  tail,  2'44;  bill,  '50;  tarsus, 
•(«>.  Longest  specimen,  6'20;  greatest  extant  of  win?,  8'20;  bngast  win',',  2-56;  tail,  2'60;  bill,  '55;  tarsus,  -76.  Shortest 
specimen,  5'60;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  7'75;  shortest  wing,  2"23;  tail,  2'35;  billr  '45;  tarsus,  '62. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nt'sls,  placed  on  the  ground.  They  are  loosely  constructed ,  being  composed  of  rather  coarse  grass  lined  with  finer. 
Dimensions;  external  diameter,  4'00,  internal,  3'00.  External  depth,  2'50,  internal,  1-.50. 

Eyys,  fiur  or  live  in  number,  rather  oval  in  form,  pure,  brilliant  white  in  color.  They  are,  I  believe,  never  si«itted. 
Dimensions  from  -«0x  'GO  to  'Six '63. 


126  PINE  WOOD  FINCH. 

HABITS. 

The  pincy  woods  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  Lake  Ilarney,  Florida,  arc  among  the 
finest  that  I  ever  saw  in  the  state.  A  narrow  strip  of  marsh  or  hummock  borders  the 
water,  but  back  of  this  the  vast  plains  stretch  away  in  the  distance  with  the  large  brown 
tree  trunks  rising  at  intervals,  while  high  over  head  wave  the  branches  covered  with 
evergreen  leaves.  There  are  but  few  of  the  lofty  limbs  and  therefore  they  cast  but  little 
shadow,  thus  the  ground  is  covered  with  green  grass  in  profusion  and  is  sprinkled  with 
wild  flowers  of  varied  hue.  Some  ten  years  ago  I  visited  this  lovely  region  for  the  first 
time.  Then  everything  was  in  its  primitive  state,  for  there  was  but  one  settler  on  the 
east  side  of  the  lake  and,  as  he  cultivated  but  a  very  small  portion  of  the  soil,  the  coun- 
try was  a  wilderness,  there  not  being  another  house  or  cabin  within  twenty-five  miles. 
Then  the  deer  roamed  in  herds  and  it  was  not  an  uncommon  occurance  to  meet  with  a 
dozen  in  one  morning's  walk.  They  found  ample  pasturage  in  the  luxuriant  growth  of 
short  grass  which  covered  the  earth  with  a  soft  carpet. 

This  grass  formed  a  place  of  concealment  for  many  birds,  and  it  was  here  that  I  first 
became  acquainted  with  the  Pine  Wood  Finch.  I  was  walking  through  the  woods  one 
morning,  when  a  little  bird  started  from  nearly  under  my  feet,  flew  a  short  distance,  then 
dropped  and  disappeared.  Anxious  to  obtain  it,  I  endeavoped  in  vain  to  start  it  a  second 
time,  but  shortly  after  I  took  a  specimen  and  recognized  it  as  the  species  under  consider- 
ation. This  was  in  winter  when  they  are  difficult  to  find  but  later,  by  the  last  of  March 
or  first  of  April,  they  are  more  abundant  and  much  easier  to  obtain.  Then  the  males 
make  themselves  more  prominent  for  they  are  in  full  song.  Early  in  the  morning,  when 
the  delicate  sun-dews  and  rare  orchids  are  sparkling  with  dew-drops,  when  all  is  silent  save 
the  distant  cry  of  the  Sandhill  Crane  or  the  low  murmur  of  the  gentle  breeze  in  the  tree 
tops,  the  melodious  strains  of  the  Pine  Wood  Finch  are  heard  to  the  best  advantage. 
There  are  few  among  the  many  brilliant  songsters  of  this  family  which  surpass  our  little 
friends.  Seated  on  a  branch  of  some  fallen  tree  or  a  low  limb  of  a  pine ,  they  pour  forth 
the  sweetest  warbling  carol  that  I  ever  heard  in  Florida.  When  I  first  listened  to  the  bird 
I  could  not  believe  that  it  was  a  sparrow,  for  there  is  a  kind  of  ventriloquism  about  the 
sound,  causing  it  to  so  completely  fill  the  air  that  it  is  not  easy  to  distinguish  the  exact 
spot  from  which  it  comes.  After  giving  his  performance  for  some  time  the  male  flies  down 
into  the  grass  to  join  his  mate. 

At  first  the  song  is  only  given  morning  and  evening,  but  a  little  later  the  birds  sing 
at  intervals  all  day  continuing  until  long  after  sunset.  They  breed  about  the  middle  of 
April  placing  the  nest  on  the  ground,  concealing  it  in  the  higher  patches  of  grass.  The 
young  are  able  to  fly  by  the  first  of  June.  The  Pine  Wood  Finch  is  very  abundant  through- 
out Northern  and  Middle  Florida  in  summer  but  I  looked  for  it  without  success  in  suitable 
localities  at  Miami.  I  found  a  few  about  Cedar  Keys  in  winter  and,  as  above  stated,  at 
Lake  llarncy,  but  I  do  not  think  that  very  many  pass  the  winter  in  the  state.  I  was  sur- 
prised to  find  them  breeding  at  Wilmington,  North  Carolina,  in  June,  but  I  did  not  find 
them  there  in  winter  a  few  years  later. 


COTURN1CULUS  PASSER1NUS.  127 

GENTS  XVIII.    COTURNICULUS.    THE  YELLOW-SHOULDERED  SPARROWS. 

(.'is.  Cii.  Dill,  short  anil  thick,  c/nitii/irnh/i/  mmlli-n  at  IKUC,  U/iprr  inaiii/ili/r,  l>ut  little  furred.  Winys,  much  longer 
than  tin-  tail  irliiffi  is  a  tittli  ruiim/nt,  anil  with  ll«  J'mlhi  rs  acuminate.  Sternum,  stout,  with  the  coracoidx  much  shortir  in 
li-nifth  than  l/ii •  ti>/i  of  thi  keel  which  is  not  low,  marly  ctjualiny  in  hciyht  one  half  the  Icnyth  of  lite  coracoids.  Size,  quite 
small. 

All  the  species  arc  streaked  above,  and  some  have  narrow  lines  below  where  there  is  more  or  less  buff.  The  edge  of  the 
wiiiL'  is  yellow.  The  feet  are  quite  small.  I  do  not  include  Leconte's  Bunting  under  this  head,  for  I  think  that  it  should 
lie  placed  in  a  separate  genus,  for  which  I  propose  the  name,  Passerherbulus,  for  generic  characters  of  which  see  the  forth- 
coining  appendix;. 

« 

COTURNICULUS  PASSEKINUS. 

YeUow-winged  Sparrow. 
Colurniculus passerina  BON.,  List,  1839. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  robust.  Size,  small.  Tongue,  short,  rather  fleshy,  provided  with  a  tuft  of  terminal,  hair-like  fibers. 
Sternum,  as  given  above. 

('num.  Adult.  Above,  including  the  wings  and  tail,  dark-brown,  with  the  feathers  edged  with  yellowish-ash,  find 
tipped  and  edged  with  dark-chestnut,  especially  on  the  neck  and  back.  There  is  a  median  line  of  yellowish-ash  extending 
from  the  bill  to  the  occiput,  and  a  superciliary  line,  the  anterior  portion  of  which  is  orange  and  the  remainder  buff.  Under 
parts,  yellowish-white,  with  a  strong  buffy  tinge  on  the  breast,  throat,  sides  of  head,  sides,  flanks,  and  under  tail  coverts. 
Edge  of  wing  and  shoulder,  yellow.  Bill,  brown,  very  much  lighter  at  base  of  lower  mandible.  Feet,  pale-brown. 

Youny.  Similar  to  the  adult,  but  more  reddish  above,  and  the  tail  faathers,  which  in  the  adult  are  usually  edged 
with  nearly  a  <tmight  line  of  yellowish-ash,  show  indications  of  dark  brown  bars.  There  are  also  dusky  streakings  on  the 
sides  of  the  breast.  The  anterior  portion  of  the  superciliary  line  is  not  as  yellow. 

Nestlinys.  Show  no  traces  of  chestnut  above,  where  the  feathers  are  edged  with  buff  and  yellowish-white.  There  are 
indications  of  whitish  wing  liars,  and  the  shoulders  show  no  traces  of  yellow  and  the  edge  of  the  wing  is  only  tinged  with 
it.  There  is  but  little  buff  below,  but  the  throat,  breast,  sides,  and  flanks  are  streaked  with  dark-brown.  There  is  no  su- 
perciliary line.  Sexes,  similar  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

imens  which  I  procured  at  Key  West  vary  grsatly  from  birds  of  Massachusetts  in  being  much  darker  below,  especially 
across  the  breast,  where  there  are  narrow  brownish  streakings.  There  is  very  little  ashy  above,  where  the  chestnut  is  very 
much  mure  prominent,  occupying  fully  one  half  of  the  surface.  Tae  median  line  is  decidedly  buffy  and  the  superciliary  line 
is  deep  onin.';'.  Birds  from  Miami  are  nsarly  as  dark  as  the  above,  while  those  from  the  more  northern  section  of  Florida 
are  not  as  du-kv  and  those  from  Pennsylvania  are  nearly  as  light  as  those  from  Nantucket.  Skins  from  any  given  locality 
do  not  differ  greatly,  as  is  exhibited  in  a  large  series  now  before  me,  the  principal  variation  being  due  to  the  wearing  of  tlie 
edges  nf  the  feathers.  Known  in  the  adult  stage  from  Ilenslowi  by  the  absence  of  streakings  below,  and  from  all  others  by 
the  chestnut  and  ashy  a!«ne,  combined  with  the  yellow  and  bull  mperfilinry  line  and  short,  acuminate  tail.  Found  in 
summer  throughout  the  I'nited  States,  east  of  the  Rocky  Mountains,  south  of  latitude  43^.  Winters  in  the  more  Southern 
secti.ins.  Resident  in  Florida  and  on  the  Keys. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  fifteen  specimens.  Length,  5'15;  stretch ,  8-00;  wing,  2-50;  tail,  1-70;  bill,  '45;  tarsus, '7:2. 
Longer  >p .•eimen,  :>•'.','>:  greatest  extent  of  wing,  8'45;  longest  wing,  2'GO;  tail,  1'75;  bill,  -55;  tarsus,  -75.  Shortest  speci- 
men, 5-(HI;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  7'GO;  shortest  wing,  2'40;  tail,  1'65;  bill,  '35;  tarsus,  -70. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

."%<.</.«,  placed  on  the  ground.  They  are  loosely  c<  nstructed,  lieing  composed  of  dried  grass  lined  with  finer.  Dimen- 
sions; external  diameter.  I'OO,  internal,  !>'50.  External  depth.  •J'(K>,  internal,  I'OO. 

Eyys,  four  or  five  in  number,  rather  oval  in  form,  ashy-white  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  with  reddish-brown  and 
lilac,  more  thickly  on  the  larger  end. 

HABIT'S. 

A  greater  portion  of  the  Island  of  Nantucket  is  destitute  of  trees,  being  composed  of 
rolling,  sandy  plains  which  arc  covered  with  short,  wiry  grass  or  other  herbage,   while  at 


128  YELLOW-WINGED  SPARROW. 

intervals  grow  clumps  of  low  wax  myrtle  shrubs.  During  the  warm  summer  weather 
there  is  but  little  variety  of  animal  life  to  be  found  on  these  commons,  as  they  are  termed, 
for  the  soil  being  dry  the  heat  is  great,  and  the  vegetation  withers  affording  but  little  shelter 
even  for  birds.  There  are  some,  however,  of  this  latter  named  class  which  appear  to  pre- 
fer that  of  kind  country.  These  are  the  Yellow-winged  Sparrows,  and  it  will  be  difficult  to 
find  in  any  given  area,  a  greater  number  of  individuals  of  any  one  species  of  Fringilline 
birds  than  are  found  there,  for  they  fairly  swarm.  When  one  is  walking  across  the  plains 
they  will  start  up  everywhere,  and  often  a  half  dozen  males  may  be  heard  singing  at  one 
time.  I  say  singing,  but  hasten  to  correct  myself,  for,  although  the  birds  are  perched  on 
the  highest  elevations  that  they  can  find  on  their  domains  (which,  however,  seldom  exceed 
a  foot  in  height),  while  the  ruffled  feathers,  bowed  head,  and  wide-spread  tail  indicate  that 
they  are  doing  the  best  in  their  power  to  bring  forth  a  melodious  carol,  the  feeble  sound 
produced  by  all  these  vigorous  efforts  is  so  low  that  it  is  quite  inaudible  at  a  few  rods  dis- 
tance, and  more  nearly  resembles  the  stridulation  of  a  locust  than  the  song  of  a  bird. 
This  unsuccessful  attempt  is  rendered  only  the  more  ludicrous  by  the  important  air  which 
the  bird  assumes  at  the  time,  and  this  sputtering  chant  appears  to  please  them  greatly  for 
they  often  utter  it.  Indeed  they  are  seldom  quiet,  being  engaged  in  their  melodious  efforts 
constantly  during  the  cool  of  the  day,  and  even  performing  when  the  noon  time  heat  is  so 
great  as  to  be  nearly  suffocating,  especially  on  the  sandy  wastes  where  they  live.  In  addi- 
tion to  this  uncouth  song  they  give  a  series  of  chattering,  scolding  notes  when  greatly 
annoyed.  These  sounds  are  more  often  uttered  when  any  one  approaches  the  vicinity  of 
the  nests. 

The  Yellow-winged  Sparrows  breed  early  in  June,  as  I  found  the  young  newly  fledged 
by  the  first  of  July,  but  they  lay  a  second  litter,  and  I  took  a  nest  containing  five  newly 
laid  eggs  on  the  third  of  this  month.  The  female  ran  from  the  nest,  as  I  approached  the 
spot,  without  uttering  a  cry,  feigning  lameness,  but  almost  instantly  hid  herself  in  a  neigh- 
boring bush.  The  nest  was  placed  in  a  depression  of  the  soil,  and  was  so  completely 
concealed  by  the  overhanging  grass  that,  had  the  bird  remained  on  it  I  should  not  have 
observed  it,  although  I  was  passing  within  a  few  feet  and  carefully  scanning  the  ground 
as  I  walked. 

Although  abundant  on  Nantucket,  these  birds  are  not  very  common  elsewhere  in  east- 
ern Massachusetts,  but  are  more  numerous  further  west,  and  in  Pennsylvania  where  they 
are  found  in  considerable  numbers.  They  also  occur  in  the  pine  woods  of  Florida,  and  I 
even  found  them  on  a  grassy  mound  near  an  abandoned,  half  completed  fort  at  Key  West. 
I  never  heard  them  sing  in  Florida,  but  judge  that  they  are  constant  residents  there.  They 
are  migratory  in  other  sections,  arriving  in  the  north  about  the  first  of  May,  and  leaving 
early  in  November,  proceeding  leisurely  on  their  southern  migration.  This  species  is  sel- 
dom if  ever  found  in  flocks,  nor  do  they  accompany  other  Sparrows.  At  this  season  they 
are  very  shy,  keeping  in  the  grass,  through  which  they  run  nimbly,  and  from  which  it  is 
very  difficult  to  make  them  rise;  then  when  on  the  wing,  they  will  plunge  into  the  nearest 
place  of  concealment. 


DOLICHONYX  ORYZIVORUS.  129 


FAMILY  XVI.     ICTERID^E.     THE  ORIOLES  AND  STARLINGS. 

/>'///.  int/i  the  upjicr  mandible  but  little  curved  and  tlie  lower  more  or  less  swollen  at  the  base,  unnotched.     Coracoids  al- 
shnrti  r  than  tin  top  of  the  keel  which  is  higher  than  one  third  the  Icnyth  of  the  coracoids.  Marginal  indentations  exceed- 
ing in  Jcpth  the  hciyht  of  the  keel.    Primaries,  nine. 

Tlii*  family  belongs  exclusively  to  the  New  World  and  is  well  represented  in  the  United  States.  Although  some  spe- 
appruach  the  preceding  Family  quite  closely,  yet  the  sternal  characters  are  quite  different,  the  marginal  indentations 
being  always  much  deeper.  In  other  anatomical  characters  the  members  of  the  family  agree  with  the  preceding,  for  example 
both  are  provided  with  small  cocca,  a  little  better  developed  perhaps  in  the  present  than  in  the  former  family.  Both  are 
pro\idcd  with  agnll,  but  the  stomach,  which  in  Fringillidte  is  always  muscular,  varies  greatly  in  this  family,  often  afford- 
ing good  generic  characters.  The  females  are  frequently  smaller  in  size  and  are  always  duller  in  color  than  the  males. 

GENUS  I.    DOLICHONYX.    THE  RICE  BUNTINGS. 

(!KX.  CH.  Bill,  thick  and  conical,  shorter  than  the  head.  Upper  mandible,  but  little  curved.  Winys ,  much  longer  than 
the  tail  which  is  rounded,  and  with  the  feathers  acuminate.  Sternum,  not  stout  but  broader  than  one  half  the  Icnyth  of  the 
coraraids.  Size,  small.  Stomach,  muscular. 

This  genus  closely  resembles  some  of  the  members  of  the  preceding  Family  in  many  respects,  as  exhibited  by  the  thick 
bill,  general  form,  and  muscular  stomach,  yet  the  marginal  indentations  exceed  in  depth  the  height  of  the  keel.  The  fe- 
nmlrs  iirc  smaller  than  the  males,  and  are  unlike  them  in  plumage  during  the  breeding  season,  but  both  sexes  are  similar  at 
other  seasons. 

DOLICHONYX  ORYZIVORUS. 
Bobolink.    Rice  Bird. 

Dolichonyx  oryzivora  Sw.,  Zool.,  Jour.,  1827,  357. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  rather  slender.  Size,  medium.  Tongue,  rather  fleshy,  provided  with  a  short  tuft  of  terminal,  hair- 
like  fibers.  Sternum,  as  given  above. 

( 'i  ii.oR.  Adult  male  in  spring.  Black  throughout,  with  a  patch  on  the  back  of  the  neck,  edge  of  feathers  of  the  back, 
and  outer  webs  of  primaries  and  tail,  yellowish.  Scapularies,  rump,  upper  tail  coverts,  and  patch  on  the  sides  near  the 
shoulders,  white.  Lower  back ,  gray .  Secondaries  and  tertiaries,  edged  with  whitish.  Tips  of  wings  and  tail,  brown.  The 
flanks,  tibia,  and  under  tail  coverts  are  narrowly  margined  with  yellowish.  Bill,  black,  bluish  at  the  base  of  lower  mandi- 
ble. Feet,  dark-brown. 

Adult  female  in  spring.  Uniform  yellowish  throughout,  broadly  streaked  above,  and  more  narrowly  on  sides,  flanks  and 
tibia  with  dark-brown.  There  are  two  stripes  of  dark-brown  on  the  head,  mixed  with  yellowish  and  two  spots  back  of  the 
eye  of  the  same  color.  Wings  and  tail,  brown,  with  the  outer  webs  of  all  feathers,  yellowish-white.  Bill,  brown,  much 
lighter  on  lower  mandible.  Feet,  pale-brown. 

Adult  male  in  winter.  Similar  to  the  adult  female,  but  larger  and  yellower,  especially  below,  while  the  streakings 
below  are  more  suffused. 

Adult  female  in  winter.  Does  not  differ  much  from  the  spring  dress,  but  is  somewhat  yellower  below,  and  the  streak- 
ings  above  are  more  suffused. 

Young  male  in  spring.  Quite  like  the  spring  adult,  but  with  the  white  markings  overwashed  with  brownish.  The 
yellow  i-  nut  as  elear  and  the  sides  and  flanks  are  edged  with  yellowish. 

Young  of  the  year  in  spring.  The  males  have  all  the  feathers  above  and  below  edged  with  yellowish,  while  the  other 
markings  arc  overwashed  with  dusky.  The  bill  is  also  lighter.  The  female  is  much  yellower  below  where  the  streakings 
are  nut  as  prominent. 

Nestlings.    Uniform  yellow  above  and  below,  with  streakings  of  dusky  on  the  upper  parts,  and  lined  on  the  breast, 
.  and  flanks  with  the  same  color. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

This  species  must  be  a  long  time  in  arriving  lit  maturity,  as  it  is  difficult  to  find  a  specimen  as  black  beneath  as  de- 
Mribed  in  the1  ndult  dress.  Out  of  some  twenty-five  skins  now  before  me,  only  four  are  in  this  stage,  tin:  second  plumage 
being  mure  common.  Specimens  of  the  same  age  and  sex  are  quite  uniform  in  coloration.  Known  from  all  others  by  the 
markings  given.  There  is,  however,  a  resemblance  between  the  female  of  this  speri.'s  ilni|  that  of  the  Black-throated  Bunt- 
ing, but  the  latter  is  smaller  and  has  reddish  on  the  wings.  Found  in  summer  east  of  the  Rocky  Mountains,  between  lati- 
tu.iev  38  ami  4H  .  Winters  in  the  West  Indies. 

BIRI>S    01     HolilDA.  17 


132  COW  BLA CKB1RD , 

i 

Youny  female.  Similar  to  the  adult,  but  darker,  with  a  more  decided  gloss  to  the  feathers  above.  There  are  indica- 
tions of  dusky  maxillary  lines,  and  the  streakings  below  are  more  prominent. 

Nestlings.  Similar  to  the  young  female,  but  streaked  below  with  yellowish-white,  the  throat  is  overwashed  with  yel- 
low. There  are  decided  maxillary  lines,  and  indications  of  whitish  wing  bare. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

There  is  a  general  uniformity  of  coloration  among  the  males,  but  the  females  vary  somewhat  for  there  are  occasionally 
maxillary  lines  and  some  are  darker  above  than  others.  There  are  seldom  any  black  feathers  in  this  sex  but  a  specimen  in 
the  collection  of  Masters  Edward  A.  and  Outram  Bangs  has  a  patch  on  one  side  of  the  breast  and  a  few  feathers  on  other  por- 
tions tipped  with  black,  giving  it  a  singular  appearance.  This  species  assumes  a  plumage  quite  similar  to  the  adult  the 
first  season  and,  contrary  to  the  rule  among  this  Order,  the  nestlings  moult  the  wing  and  tail  feathers.  These  are  much 
broader  in  the  first  plumage  than  in  the  second,  and  the  barbs  of  the  webs  are  much  farther  apart  giving  the  feathers  a 
coarse  appearance.  Thus  I  find  that  a  secondary  of  the  first  plumage  has  five  barbs  to  every  ten  hundred ths  of  an  inch 
while  there  are  only  four  in  one  of  the  second,  both  feathers  being  taken  from  the  same  specimen.  The  feathers  are  also 
broader  at  first,  and  under  the  microscope  the  barbules  are  seen  to  be  wider  and  provided  with  pectinations  on  both  sides 
as  far  as  the  curve  which  serves  to  interlock  them  with  neighboring  barbules.  Known  from  all  others  by  the  plumage  as 
described.  Distributed  in  summer  throughout  the  Middle  and  Southern  sections  of  the  United  States.  Winters  in  the 
Southern  States  as  far  south  as  Northern  Florida. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  ten  male  specimens.  Length,  7'69;  stretch,  13'58;  wing,  4'37;  tail,  2'95;  bill,  '67;  tarsus, 
'95.  Longest  specimen,  7'75;  greatest  extent  ofwing,  13'65;  longest  wing,  4~45;  tail, 3'15;  bill, '68;  tarsus,  TOO.  Shortest 
specimen,  7-61;  smallest  extant  ofwing,  13-52;  shortest  wing,  4-30;  tail,  2-82;  bill,  '65;  tarsus,  -90. 

Average  measurements  of  fourteen  female  specimens.  Length,  6'82;  stretch,  11  '80;  wing,  3'85;  tail,  2'55;  bill,  'CO;  tar- 
sus, -80.  Longest  specimen,  6'61;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  12-00;  longest  wing,  3-95;  tail,  2*66;  bill,  '65;  tarsus,  -95. 
Shortest  specimen,  7-12;  smallest  extent  ofwing,  1T61;  shortest  wing,  3'70;  tail,  2'40;  bill,  '55;  tarsus,  '85. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  EGGS. 

Eggs,  elliptical  inform,  ashy-white  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  irregularly  with  yellowish-brown  and  lilac.  Some- 
times the  eggs  will  be  nearly  white,  there  being  but  few  spots,  while  occasionally  thesurface  will  be  so  covered  that  the  back 
ground  is  quite  oliscured.  They  vary  greatly  in  size  also  as  will  be  seen  in  the  following  measurements.  Dimensions 
from  -60,  x  "72.  to  '93,  x  "80. 

HABITS. 

Far  back  in  my  childhood,  when  all  nature  was  full  of  delightful  mysteries,  I  noticed 
a  Chipping  Sparrow  busily  engaged  in  feeding  a  young  bird  that  was  nearly  double  its  own 
size.  This  singular  reversing  of  the  usual  order  of  things  attracted  my  attention  and,  al- 
though I  was  too  young  to  follow  up  the  matter  that  season,  I  never  forgot  the  incident. 
Then  little  by  little  the  problem  became  solved  and  one  of  the  first  unaided  discoveries 
that  I  ever  made  in  Ornithology  was  the  parasitical  habits  of  the  Cow  Blackbird.  I  pre- 
sume that  there  is  scarcely  a  person  in  the  country  who  is  at  all  interested  in  birds,  but 
what  is  aware  of  the  singular  propensity  of  the  Cow  Blackbird  to  deposit  its  eggs  in  the 
nests  of  other  birds.  They  are  also  quite  singular  in  almost  all  of  their  habits  especially 
when  breeding. 

They  arrive  in  New  England  during  the  latter  part  of  March  or  early  in  April  in  com- 
pany with  other  Blackbirds,  being  seldom  seen  in  flocks  by  themselves  at  this  season.  The 
males  arrive  first,  and  as  soon  as  the  females  make  their  appearance,  associate  in  small 
companies.  The  former  named  sex  predominate,  there  being  at  least  three  of  them  to  one 
female.  At  this  time  the  males  have  a  singular  song  that  consists  of  two  notes  which, 
although  given  with  great  energy  and  evidently  costing  the  bird  a  great  effort,  are  far  from 
being  musical;  for  it  is  a  kind  of  hiss  combined  with  a  croak.  The  Cow  Birds  are  capable 
of  uttering  a  much  better  song,  and  one  that  I  kept  in  confinement  would  give  a,  scries  of 
beautiful,  liquid  notes  and  never  indulged  in  the  uncouth  performance  above  described. 


COW  BLA CKB1RD.  133 

The  males  arc  very  fond  of  strutting  about  in  order  to  display  their  brilliant  charms  to  the 
plainly  dressed  females,  lor  they  spread  their  tails  widely,  droop  their  wings,  and  ruffle  their 
dark  feathers,  not  only  when  singing,  but  whenever  they  approach  the  object  of  their  af- 
feotions. 

Two  or  more  males  often  pay  their  attentions  to  one  female,  singularly,  without  at- 
tempting to  quarrel,  when  she  will  suddenly  take  wing  and  all  will  start  in  pursuit.  The 
flight  of  a  female  at  this  time  is  exceedingly  swift,  for  she  will  usually  manage  to  keep  ahead 
of  her  followers  who  ardently  press  on,  giving  a  rather  sharp,  prolonged  cry  as  they  dart 
through  the  air.  All  the  males  within  hearing  join  in,  and  it  is  not  unusual  to  see  a  half 
do/en  at  a  time  after  one  of  the  other  sex  who  will  lead  them  a  long  chase,  now  darting 
upward  to  a  considerable  height,  then  doubling,  will  glide  through  the  tangled  branches  of 
a  clump  of  trees,  emerging  on  the  opposite  side  with  great  rapidity.  This  exciting  race 
is  evidently  maintained  merely  as  a  matter  of  sport,  for  when  the  object  of  chase  becomes 
weary  she  will  quietly  settle  on  the  branch  of  a  tree,  and  her  admirers  gather  around  her, 
calmly  arranging  their  feathers.  After  resting  for  a  time  one  will  commence  his  gallant- 
ries once  more,  when  the  female  darts  into  the  air  again  and  the  males  dash  vehemently 
after  her  as  before. 

Not  long  after  the  arrival  of  the  females  they  may  be  seen  peering  about  in  bushes  or 
among  the  boughs  of  trees  in  search  of  the  nest  of  some  other  bird  in  which  to  deposit  their 
eggs.  Their  judgement,  or  rather  instinct,  must  be  almost  unerring,  for  I  never  knew  one 
to  mistake  an  old  nest  for  a  fresh  one,  nor  do  they  ever  place  their  eggs  with  those  that 
are  partly  incubated.  The  species  which  the  Cow  Blackbirds  select  as  foster-parents  for 
their  young  are,  strangely  enough,  almost  always  smaller  than  themselves.  The  Thrushes, 
Warblers,  some  Sparrows,  and  occasionally  the  Wrens,  are  the  prominent  birds  chosen. 
The  intruding  egg  is,  I  think,  laid  when  the  owner  of  the  nest  is  absent,  as  those  birds 
which  are  most  assiduous  in  guarding  their  homes,  like  the  Flycatchers,  are  only  occasion- 
ally troubled.  It  is  a  noteworthy  fact  that  very  few  species  ever  notice  this  addition  to 
their  store  of  eggs,  even  though  it  be  very  much  larger,  and  quite  different  in  color. 
Occasionally  the  nest  will  be  abandoned  after  the  visit  of  the  Cow  Blackbird,  and  once  in  a 
while  a  new  structure  will  be  built  over  the  intruding  egg.  The  species  which  more  often 
show  this  good  judgement  are  the  Yellow  Warbler  and  Gold  Finch,  but  it  is  probable  that 
this  only  occurs  when  the  parasitical  egg  is  laid  before  any  of  their  own.  Sometimes  two 
or  even  three  Cow  Blackbird's  eggs  are  to  be  found  in  one  nest,  but  undoubtedly  this  is 
tin;  work  of  more  than  one  female,  as  it  is  probable  that  the  instinct  of  each  bird  teaches 
her  never  to  visit  the  same  nest  a  second  time. 

The  young  changeling  does  not  appear  to  be  looked  upon  as  an  intruder,  for  it  is  care- 
fully reared.  This  may  be  due  to  the  fact  that,  as  the  eggs  of  the  Cow  Birds  are  always 
hatched  first,  and  either  the  eggs  which  belonged  in  the  nest  are  removed  by  the  parents 
as  worthless,  or  when  the  young  are  hatched  they  are  so  very  weak  that  they  are  crushed 
to  death  by  the  interloper;  thus  the  foster-child,  being  the  only  one  left,  it  receives  all  the 
attention  which  should  have  been  bestowed  upon  the  rightful  owners  of  the  nest.  An- 
other proof  that  the  intrusion  of  this  species  does  not  trouble  the  birds  upon  which  it  im- 


134  AGELJEUS  PHCENICF.US. 

poses,  is  that  they  never  pay  any  attention  to  the  presence  of  the  Cow  Blackbirds.  These 
latter  named  birds,  when  mature,  never  disturb  any  eggs  or  young  of  other  species,  which 
may  account  for  the  forbearance  on  the  part  of  those  deceived;  thus  while  the  predatory 
Cuckoos  and  Jays  arc  greeted  with  loud  cries  and  driven  from  the  place,  the  Cow  Black- 
birds pass  unnoticed,  although  they  doubtlessly  kill  more  young  birds  than  all  other  species 
combined. 

I  have  mentioned  that  eggs  of  the  Cow  Birds  vary  considerably,  this  would  suggest 
the  idea  that  they  approximate  in  size  and  markings  with  those  of  the  birds  in  whose  nests 
they  are  deposited.  This  is  not  so  according  to  my  observations,  yet  I  would  not  be 
surprised  if,  upon  careful  examination  and  comparison  of  a  large  number  of  specimens, 
that  they  did  in  a  measure  agree,  at  least  in  color.  This  species  derives  its  common  and 
Latin  names  from  its  habit  of  associating  with  cattle.  They  usually  settle  around  cows  in 
a  pasture  for  the  purpose  of  catching  grasshoppers  which  are  started  by  the  movements  of 
these  animals,  and  of  which  the  birds  are  very  fond.  Our  little  friends  appear  to  be  on 
excellent  terms  with  their  large  associates,  for  they  may  often  be  seen  perched  on  their 
backs. 

During  early  autumn  the  Cow  Blackbirds  assemble  in  large  flocks  on  the  coast  in  order 
to  feed  on  locusts,  and  migrate  early  in  October,  accompanied  by  Red-winged  and  Crow 
Blackbirds. 

GENUS  III.    AGEL^BUS.    THE  RED-WINGED  BLACKBIRDS. 

GEN.  Oil.  Bill,  pointed,  broad  at  lip,  equalinleng/h  to  the  head.  Upper  mandible,  straight.  Wings,  longer  than  the  tail 
which  is  considerably  rounded.  Sternum,  stout,  e^ualin  breadth  to  one  half  the  length  of  the  coracoids .  Keel,  high.  Size, 
rather  tarye.  Stomach,  muscular. 

Males  of  the  present  genus  are  black  in  color  with  red  shoulder  patches.  The  females  are  smaller  than  the  males,  and 
duller  in  color  at  all  seasons. 

AGELJEUS  PHCENICEUS. 
Red-winged  Blackbird. 

Agelaiusphoeniceus,  VIEILI.OT,  Anal.,  1816. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  robust.  Size,  rather  large.  Tongue,  long,  thin,  and  horny,  provided  with  a  bifid  tuft  of  coarse,  ter- 
minal, hair-like  fibers.  Sternum,  as  given  above. 

COLOR.  Adult  male  in  summer.  Uniform,  lustrous  black  throughout,  with  the  lesser  wing  coverts,  bright-scarlet,  mar- 
gined on  the  lower  side  witli  either  yellow  or  buff.  Bill  and  feet,  black. 

Adult  female  in  summer.  Dark-brown  above,  with  the  feathers  narrowly  margined  with  yellowish-white.  There  is  a 
median  line  extending  from  bill  to  occiput,  and  a  superciliary  line,  reaching  to  the  nape,  of  yellowish-rufous.  Shoulders, 
strongly  tinged  with  red.  Beneath,  white,  streaked  with  dark-brown.  Throat  and  sides  of  head,  overwashed  with  rosa- 
ceous. Bill,  brown,  lighter  at  base  of  lower  mandible.  Feet,  dark-brown. 

Adult  male  in  winter.  Similar  to  the  summer  plumage,  but  all  of  the  feathers  are  narrowly  edged  with  reddish,  which 
wears  away,  however,  as  spring  approaches. 

Adult  female  in  winter.  Much  more  strongly  marked  above  with  yellowish  to  which  is  added  a  tinge  of  reddish.  The 
median  line  is  obscured. 

Young  male.  The  black  is  less  lustrous  and  the  feathers  above  are  margined  with  reddish.  Shoulder  patch  is  paler 
and  streaked  with  black.  There  are  indications  of  superciliary  lines.  The  feathers  of  the  breast,  sides,  and  tlauks,  are 
edged  with  whitish,  especially  in  winter  when  there  is  also  much  more  rufous  above.  The  bill  is  considerably  lighter  on 
the  lower  mandible. 


AGEL&US  PHOSNICF.US.  135 

Young  female.  Similar  to  the  adult  but  has  no  rosaceous  on  the  throat,  or  red  on  the  shoulder.  There  is  more  rufous 
alvove.  especially  in  winter. 

You nt/  malt  nl'  lln  \/«ir  in  .i/>rin;/.  With  thefeath'Ts  above  widely  margined  with  rufous,  especially  on  the  shoulders, 
where  there  :ire  luit  !'•"  indications  nf  searl.'i.  There  an-  superciliary  lines  and  a  slight  maxillary  line.  All  the  feathers 
below  are  edged  with  whitish.  The  ground  color  is  hlack,  however,  but  this  is  rather  brownish,  especially  on  the  tips  of 
the  win::*. 

Younij  malt  uf  the  year  in  winter.  Similar  in  color  to  the  female,  being  brown  above,  with  the  feathers  margined  with 
yellowish-white  an-.l  reddish.  White,  beneath,  streaked  with  dark-brown.  There  is  a  tinge  of  yellow  on  the  throat.  No 
indications  whatever  (if  red  on  the  shoulders.  Other  markings  similar  to  those  of  the  adult  female  but  the  size  Is  always 
considerably  larger. 

Youny  female  of  the  year.  Strongly  tinged  below  with  yellowish  which  is  more  noticeable  in  winter.  Otherwise  simi- 
lar to  the  young. 

Nestlings.  Resembles  the  above,  but  there  is  much  more  yellow  below,  and  there  are  indications  of  wing  bars.  The 
bill  U  lig'it-hr>wn.  There  is  a  naked  space  around  the  eye  and  on  the  throat  long  after  all  of  the  remainder  of  the  body 
is  covered  with  feathers. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Adult  males  from  Massachusetts  have  a  pale-buff  margin  to  the  shoulder  patches  which  are  of  an  intense  scarlet.  This 
margin  is  made  up  of  the  lower  row  of  lesser  wing  coverts  and  they  are  darker  where  they  are  covered.  Florida  birds  have 
less  df  this  edging  and  it  is  of  a  darker  buff.  -In  Western  skins  of  the  so-called  "yvbernator"  these  coverts  are  only  buff 
at  the  base,  the  tips  being  black.  The  Southern  females  do  not  differ  much  from  more  Northern  specimens,  excepting  that 
they  are  smaller,  as  are  also  the  males.  Females  from  Utah  have  the  colors  on  the  anterior  portions  more  obscured,  and 
there  is  liut  little  trace  of  a  median  line.  A  male  specimen  in  the  collection  of  the  Masters  Bangs,  taken  in  October,  is 
quite  similar  to  some  taken  at  Key  West  only  a  month  later.  Distributed  in  summer  throughout  the  United  States.  Win- 
ters in  the  C'arolinas  and  southward. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  fifteen  male  specimens  from  New  England.  Length,  9~03;  stretch,  14'72;  wing.  4'75;  tail, 
3-55;  bill,  '98;  tarsus,  I -07.  Longest  specimen,  9'50;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  15'25;  longest  wing,  5'00;  tail,  3-65;  bill.  1'05; 
tarsus,  I-  l.'i.  Shortest  specimen,  8'61;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  14-20;  shortest  wing,  4'50;  tail,  3'45;  bill,  '92;  tarsus,  I'OO. 

Average  measurements  of  fifteen  female  specimens  from  New  England.  Length,  7'72;  stretch,  12-20;  wing,  3'83;  tail, 
2-87;  bill,  -82;  tarsus,  -95.  Longest  specimen,  8'00:  greatest  extent  of  wing,  14-50;  longest  wing,  4'00;  tail,  3'05;  bill,  '90; 
tarsus,  1-00.  Shortest  specimen,  7'45;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  12-00;  shortest  wing,2'40;  tail,  2'70;  bill,  '85;  tarsus,  -90. 

Average  measurements  of  fifteen  male  specimens  from  Florida.  Length,  8'57;  stretch,  14-12;  wing,  4'30;  tail,  2'87; 
bill,  -85;  tarsus,  -97.  Longest  specimen,  9'25;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  14'50;  longest  wing,  4-66;  tail,  3-62;  bill,  I'OO;  tarsus, 
1-05.  Shortest  specimen,  7-90;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  13-75;  shortest  wing,  3'95;  tail,  3'00;  bill,  '71;  tarsus,  -90. 

Average  measurements  of  fourteen  female  specimens  from  Florida.  Length,  7'50;  stretch,  12'72;  wing,  3-32;  tail,  2-75; 
bill,  'W>;  tarsus,  1-05.  Longest  specimen,  7'98;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  12'25;  longest  wing,  3'9i);  tail,  3-02;  bill,  "95; 
tarsus,  1-05.  Shortest  specimen,  7- 10;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  11-15;  shortest  wing,  3'(X);  tail,  2'45;  bill, '75;  tarsus,  '92. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  trees,  bushes,  or  on  tussocks.  They  are  compact  structures,  composed  of  quite  coarse  gross  and  weeds, 
lined  with  fine  grass.  Dimensions;  external  diameter,  4'15,  internal,  3'12.  External  depth,  5'85,  internal,  T85. 

Rjyt,ma\  in  fonn,  three  to  five  in  number,  pale-blue  in  color,  spotted,  blotched,  and  lined  irregularly  with  reddish- 
brown  and  umber.  The  above  described  markings  are  on  the  surface,  and  usually  cluster  around  the  larger  end,  but  there 
are  other  S|M>IS  which  are  duller  and  incorporated  in  the  shell.  The  spots  vary  greatly  in  number,  and  occasionally  one  will 
be  immaculate.  Dimensions  from  '90s -65  tu  l'07x  -75. 

HABITS. 

There  are  few,  if  any,  among  our  insessorial  birds  that  are  found  in  such  immense 
flocks  as  the  Red-winged  Blackbirds.  Large  quantities  associate  together  in  New  Eng- 
land, but  as  they  move  southward  these  communities  join  forces,  and  when  they  arrive  in 
the  rice  fields  of  the  Carolinas  and  Georgia,  they  have  accumulated  in  such  vast  swarms 
as  to  fairly  darken  the  air.  Great  numbers  also  occur  throughout  Florida,  and  I  even  found 
them  abundant  at  Key  West.  During  the  entire  winter  they  are  gregariously  inclined, 
but  as  spring  approaches  they  break  up  into  small  flocks  and  the  males  which  have  only 
the  cluck,  used  as  a  call  note  when  flying,  or  as  one  of  alarm  when  startled,  begin  to  give 


136  RED-WINGED  BLACKBIRD. 

the  louder  and  more  energetically  delivered  song  which  indicates  that  the  breeding  season 
is  drawing  near. 

The  wide-spread  marshes  of  the  everglades  of  Florida  are  covered  with  a  luxuriant 
growth  of  tall  grass  which  attains  to  the  height  of  five  or  even  six  feet.  These  vast  plains 
form  the  homes  of  hundreds  of  Red-winged  Blackbirds  and  there  they  also  breed.  As 
the  grass  is  submerged  in  at  least  a  foot  of  water  in  the  spring,  the  Blackbirds  are  obliged 
to  suspend  their  nests  near  the  top  of  the  stout  stalks,  of  which  they  bring  several  together 
weaving  the  leaves  in  the  nests  and  around  them  in  order  to  make  them  secure.  The  ever- 
glades are  seldom  free  from  wind  which  often  blows  a  gale,  waving  the  grass  back  and 
forth  furiously,  so  that  the  birds  are  forced  to  build  exceedingly  compact  structures  or  they 
would  be  blown  to  pieces.  The  nests  are  therefore  made  of  the  leaves  of  the  coarse  saw 
grass  which  abounds,  neatly  and  firmly  woven  together.  The  swaying  motion  to  which 
their  domiciles  are  constantly  subjected,  has  a  tendency  to  throw  the  eggs  out,  and  would 
were  it  not  that  the  birds  who  have  doubtlessly  been  taught  by  the  experience  of  former 
generations,  build  their  nests  very  deep  and,  not  content  with  this,  they  make  them  more 
secure  by  contracting  the  entrance  so  much  that  it  is  impossible  for  the  eggs  to  fall  out, 
even  when  the  grass  bends  so  that  the  tops  touch  the  water.  I  discovered  the  first  nests 
in  that  locality  on  the  eighth  of  April,  and  they  each  contained  three  eggs  which  I  after- 
wards found  were  all  that  were  ever  deposited.  These,  contrary  to  the  rule  among  birds 
which  lay  a  less  number  of  eggs  in  the  south  than  in  the  north,  were  proportionately  smaller 
when  compared  with  New  England  specimens. 

May  first  of  that  same  season  found  me  standing  on  one  of  the  small  outer  keys,  about 
a  hundred  miles  south  of  the  point  last  discribed.  This  islet,  like  many  others,  contained 
a  small  lagoon  in  the  center,  around  which  was  a  belt  of  land  that  supported  a  number  of 
trees,  mainly  the  kinds  known,  as  Buttonwood  and  Mangrove.  There  were  a  large  number 
of  Red-winged  Blackbirds  breeding  on  this  Key  but  I  was  puzzled  to  find  the  nests,  for  I 
could  not  see  them  in  the  trees  and  there  were  no  bushes  or  grass.  After  watching  them 
attentively  for  a  few  moments,  I  saw  a  female  emerge  from  a  small  hole  in  a  Butterwood 
tree  not  far  from  the  ground,  and  climbing  up  to  it  discovered  the  nest  which  was  built 
like  that  of  a  Blue  Bird.  I  afterward  found  several  in  similar  places  all  containing  eggs. 
For  a  time  I  could  not  understand  why  the  birds  had  chosen  these  novel  situations  for 
homes,  but  the  ha-ha  of  a  passing  group  of  Fish  Crows  helped  to  enlighten  me,  for  I  knew 
that  the  predatory  habits  of  this  latter  named  species  renders  the  eggs  of  all  birds  unsafe 
if  exposed,  unless  the  owners  are  sufficiently  strong  to.  protect  them,  and  what  the  Red- 
wings lacked  in  strength  they  made  up  in  cunning,  as  they  placed  their  treasures  where 
it  was  impossible  for  their  enemies  to  get  at  them. 

By  the  middle  of  May  I  had  reached  Ipswich,  where  I  found  fresh  eggs  of  the  Red- 
wings. Here  they  construct  their  domiciles  of  the  long  eel  gi'ass  which  has  been  bleached 
white  by  exposure  to  the  sun.  This  is  often  woven  into  long  pendulous  nests  which  are 
hung  to  trees  after  the  manner  of  the  Baltimore  Orioles.  Indeed  I  have  found  specimens 
built  by  the  Red-winged  Blackbirds  which  were  fully  six  inches  deep  and  so  nearly  like 
the  structure  of  the -above  named  bird  found  in  the  same  place,  that  it  was  diffcult  to 


XAKrnon-:rii.\ LUX  ICTKHOCKPHALUS.  137 

• 

distinguish  one  from  another.  These  nests  were  all  placed  in  slender  saplings  which  bent 
with  every  breeze,  hence  their  peculiar  form.  But  what  is  more  singular,  is  the  fact  that 
when  the  birds  built  in  the  low  shrubs  which  were  so  stiff  that  they  could  not  wave  much, 
tlic  nests  were  often  of  the  same  form  as  those  taken  from  trees.  Indeed  one  of  the  deep- 
est that  I  ever  obtained,  I  found  in  the  midst  of  a  barberry  bush  where  there  was  no  need 
of  building  such  an  elaborate;  structure.  This  certainly  looks  as  if  the  birds  labored  with- 
out reasoning  sufficiently,  or  they  would  not  make  themselves  unnecessary  work.  It  is 
extremely  probable,  however,  that  habits  caused  by  surrounding  circumstances  are  acquired 
slowly  and  when  once  fixed  become  dillicult  to  eradicate,  being  even  inherited  by  the 
succeeding  generations. 

June  first  I  found  the  Red-wings  building  on  the  floating  islands  in  Lake  Umbagog, 
evidently  sitting  on  their  eggs  which  were  in  a  somewhat  advanced  state  of  incubation. 
Thus  it  will  be  seen  that  there  is  but  little  over  six  weeks  difference  in  time  of  nesting 
between  the  birds  found  in  the  most  Southern  portion  of  the  United  States  and  those  that 
occur  in  the  more  Northern,  which  is  quite  short  when  we  consider  the  extremes  in  climate, 
there  being  almost  perpetual  summer  on  the  Florida  Keys,  while  the  ice  and  snow  linger 
in  upper  New  England  until  the  first  of  May. 

Although  the  Red-winged  Blackbirds  appear  in  New  England  in  early  March,  when 
the  snow  is  still  in  the  valleys  and  on  the  northern  slopes,  they  leave  when  the  first  frosts 
have  whitened  the  meadows.  Then  young  and  old  accumulate  in  vast  flocks  and  move 
southward.  They  remain  for  a  short  time  in  Pennsylvania  but  soon  migrate,  seeming  to 
prefer  the  salt  marshes  of  the  coast  at  this  season  of  the  year.  As  winter  advances  they 
retreat  inland. 

CKXl'S  IV.    A'ANTHOCEPIIALUS.    THE  YELLOW-IIEADED  BLACKBIRDS. 

•  IKN.  Cii.  Bill,  pointnl,  liruad  at  tip,  a  little  shorter  than  the  head.  Upper  mandMe,  nearly  straight.  Wings,  longer 
than  tin  tin/  irhich  is  a  little  roundnd.  Sternum,  not  stout,  quite  similar  inform  to  that  of  Agelteus,  e-rceptiny  that  the  cor- 
acoids  arc  somewhat  shorter.  Size,  large.  Stomach,  muscular. 

Males  ut  this  <;enus  are  black  in  color,  with  yellow  heads  and  with  no  white  markings  on  the  wings.  The  females  are 
smaller,  and  duller  in  color,  and  they  also  lack  the  white  markings. 

XANTHOCEPHALUS  ICTEROCEPHALUS. 
Yellow -headed  Blackbird. 

Xanthocephahis  icterocephalus ,  BAIRD,  Birds  N.  A.,  1858,  531. 

• 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sr.  Cn.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  Feet,  large  and  stout.  Tongue,  rather  thin  and  horny.  Sternum,  as  given 
above. 

nit.  Adult  male.  r.reater  portion  of  body,  glossy  black.  Head,  excepting  band  at  base  of  bill,  lores,  and  space 
tin  niiid  eye  which  are  black,  neck,  upper  breast  coming  down  into  a  point,  and  ventral  spot,  yellow.  Greater  wing  coverts, 
white,  black  at  tips.  ]!il|  and  feet,  black. 

Adult  f cmali'.  Uniform  sooty  brown,  with  the  chin  and  breast  yellow  but  paler  than  in  the  male.  There  are  traces  of 
yellow  on  the  sides  ami  top  of  the  head,  and  superciliary  lines  of  the  same  color.  No  white  on  the  wings.  Bill,  brown. 
Feet,  black. 

\'niin;i  mat* .  Similar  to  the  female,  but  has  white  on  the  winj;s  as  in  the  adult,  and  the  colors  are  somewhat  paler,  es- 
pecially the  yellow. 

Youni/J'fiiiale.  Differs  from  the  adult  in  having  superciliary  lines  of  whitish  extending  down  to  the  nape,  streaks  of 
whitish  un  the  breast,  and  indications  of  a  median  line  of  the  same  on  the  head.  There  Are  but  few  traces  of  yellow  on  the 
breast. 

UIKDS  OF  FLORIDA.  18 


138  YELLOW-HEADED  R  LACK  BIRD. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

This  species  is  readily  distinguished  from  other  Blackbirds  in  the  adult  stage  by  the  yellow  head,  and  in  other  stages  by 
the  peculiar  colors  as  described.  Distributed  during  the  breeding  season  throughout  the  region  west  of  the  Mississippi. 
Wintering  in  the  more  Southern  sections.  Accidental  in  Massachusetts,  Pennsylvania,  and  Florida. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  male  specimens.  Length,  10'50;  stretch,  17'30;  wing,  5'40;  tail,  4' 13;  bill,  '88;  tarsus,  1-4(1. 
Longest  specimen,  10'60;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  17'40;  longest  wing,  5'45;  tail,  4'17;  bill,  '!)8;  tarsus,  T45.  Shortest  -\»--- 
imen,  10'40;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  17'20;  shortest  wing,  5'35;  tail,  4'05;  bill,  '80;  tarsus,  T35. 

Average  measurements  of  female  specimens.  Length,  lO'OO;  stretch,  17'00;  wing,  5'25;  tail,  3'70;  bill,  "80;  tarsus, 
T30.  Longest  specimen,  10' 10;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  17'10;  longest  wing,  5'30;  tail,  3'75;  l)ill,  '85;  tarsus,  1'25.  Sliort- 
est  specimen,  9'95;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  16'95;  shortest  wing,  5'24;  tail,  2'62;  bill,  76;  tarsus,  1-26. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  reeds.  They  are  bluky,  though  compact,  structures  composed  of  quite  coarse  grass  and  woods,  lined 
with  fine  grass.  Dimensions;  external  diameter,  5'60,  internal,  4'12.  External  depth,  5'85,  internal,  2'65. 

Ef/r/s,  oval  inform,  three  to  five  in  number,  bluish-gray  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  irregularly  with  yellowish-brown 
and  occasionally  lined  with  umber.  Dimensions  from  "80  x  '70  to  1'OOx  '75. 

HABITS. 

Although  the  Yellow-headed  Blackbird  has  been  taken  once  in  Florida  and  once  in 
Massachusetts,  as  stated,  yet  I  have  never  chanced  to  meet  with  it;  but  Mr.  R.  Ridgway 
of  the  Smithsonian  Institution,  has  kindly  written  for  me  a  description  of  its  habits,  as 
observed  by  him.  . 

"The  tules  constitute  in  California  one  of  the  most  characteristic,  if  not  prominent, 
features  of  the  landscape.  The  term  is  peculiar,  so  far  as  the  United  States  are  concerned, 
to  the  vernacular  of  that  state,  and  is  used  to  designate  those  vast  areas  of  reedy  marsh 
which  occupy  so  great  a  portion  of  the  valleys  of  the  rivers  which  flow  into  the  Bay  of 
San  Francisco.  It  was  among  the  tules,  near  Sacramento,  that  we  formed  our  acquaint- 
ance with  the  Yellow-headed  Blackbird.  There  this  species  swarmed  among  the  countless 
multitude  of  the  feathered  race.  Its  most  intimate  associates  being  the  Red-wings  whioh 
were  no  less  numerous  than  the  motley  crowd  of  water-fowl  composed  of  hovering  Terns, 
clucking  Coots,  Gallinules,  and  various  kinds  of  Ducks  which  together  made  an  uproar 
quite  confusing  to  one  not  used  to  the  scene." 

"The  geographical  range  of  the  Yellow-headed  Blackbird  is  quite  coextensive  with  the 
treeless  districts  of  the  western  half  of  the  continent,  where  ever  suitable  localities,  such 
as  that  described  above,  occur.  It  is,  therefore,  to  be  met  with  from  the  prairie  districts 
of  the  Mississippi  valley  to  the  Pacific,  being  no  less  numerous  in  parts  of  Illinois  and 
Wisconsin  than  in  the  most  favored  parts  of  California,  while  to  the  North  and  South  its 
regular  range  extends  to  the  wild  rice  swamps  of  the  Saskatchawan  on  the  one  hand,  and 
to  the  prairie  sloughs  of  Texas  on  the  other.  Within  the  above  limits  the  Yellow-headed 
Blackbird  may  be  said  to  occur  regularly,  although  there  are  of  course  very  numerous 
districts  where  it  is  never  found,  owing  to  unsuitableness  of  environment.  There  are,  how- 
ever, even  records  of  its  occurrence  far  beyond  any  localities  above  mentioned.  It  has 
been  captured  at  Volusia,  Florida,  near  Philadelphia,  Pennsylvania,  and  in  Massachusetts, 
while  it  has  even  strayed  to  Greenland  and  Cuba.  The  occurrence  of  this  species  in  these 
last  two  localities,  however,  may  be  regarded  as  entirely  exceptional." 


STURNELLA  MA  <!.\\  1 :', !  I 

"The  habits  of  the  Yellow-headed  Blackbird  partake  in  their  character  of  those  of  the 
lli'd-wings  with  \vliicli  it  usually  associates.  It  is,  however,  more  decidedly  gregarious, 
while  it  is  also  noticeably  more  terrestrial,  being  frequently  seen  on  the  ground  walking 
about  with  a  stately,  graceful  step  very  much  after  the  manner  of  the  Cow  Blackbird." 

"The  Yellow-headed  Blackbird  usually,  if  not  always,  breeds  in  colonies,  in  which  re- 
spect it  corresponds  in  habits  with  Brewer's  Blackbird  and  other  members  of  the  family, 
selecting  for  the  purpose  an  extensive  marsh  filled  with  tules.  It  attaches  its  nest  to  the 
reed  stalks,  fastening  them  between  several  upright  stems.  The  material,  and  doubtless 
also  the  exact  position  of  the  nest,  probably  vary  more  or  less  according  to  the  character 
of  the  locality.  The  males  of  this  species  loiter  in  the  vicinity  of  the  nests  while  the  females 
arc  incubating  and,  when  their  homes  are  invaded,  circle  about  the  intruder,  uttering  at 
the  same  time  harsh  notes  of  distress.  The  song  of  this  Blackbird  is  a  very  unmusical 
affair.  Indeed  we  cannot  bring  to  mind  any  other  of  our  native  birds  whose  notes  are  so 
discordant,  and  we  know  not  with  what  to  compare  them  unless  it  be  the  grating  squawk  of 
a  Guinea  Fowl.  The  male,  however,  makes  a  great  parade  of  himself  when  in  a  musical 
humor,  pulling  out  his  feathers,  strutting  about  in  a  very  pompous  manner,  and  then,  after 
a  great  heave  and  strain,  delivers  himself  of  a  wheezy  sort  of  squeak  which  is  evidently 
satisfactory  to  himself,  while  it  also  seems  to  please  his  mate." 

(iKM  S  V.  STURNELLA.  THE  MEADOW  LARKS. 

CIKN.  I'll.  Ili/l,  pniii/i'il,  liriiinl  nl  tip,  C'lual  in  lenytklo  the  head.  Upper  mandible  very  lit  tic  curved.  Winys  rcry  murk 
i/iiin  III:  /ni/  irhirh  i.i  in-ll  rntimlnl.  /•'«•/,  laryc.  Sternum,  narrower,  Imt  lilt/i  i.Tniilmij  Ihr  hiii/lil  <if  Ilit  keel  in 
mill  It.  Ciiriii-nii/s  much  shorter  than  the  top  of  the  keel.  Marginal  indentations  shallow  and  narrow.  Stomach,  not  very 
intixfiitar.  Size,  laryc. 

M. Mnbcrs  nl'  this  ge'iius  arc  conspicuously  marked  with  yellow  or  other  bright  colors  below.  The  legs  are  long  and  the 
tail  short,  indicating  terrestrial  habits.  The  females  are  smaller  than  the  males. 

STUBNELLA  MAGNA. 
Meadow  Lark. 

SturnellamaynaSvi..  Phil.  Ma-.,  I:  !*#<.  i:«i. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sr.  OH.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  Feet,  very  large  and  stout.  Tongue,  lung,  thin  nnd  horny,  with  a  longitudinal 
central  dcprcs.-iun,  and  deeply  bifid  at  tip,  but  without  any  terminal  cilia.  Blue  in  color  on  the  ba.sal  half,  remainder, 
white.  Sternum,  as  given  above. 

COLOR.  Ai/tilt  mull  in  sutitnuT.  Above,  including  wings  and  tail,  reddish-brown,  with  the  feathers  c;f  the  back  and 
rump  ha\ing  lighter  edges  and  dark-brown  centers.  Wings  and  tail  have  either  the  central  port  inns  dark-brown  with 
Confluent,  transverse  bars  or  with  both  \\vbs  barred  without  the  central  line.  Outer  leathers  of  tail,  white,  with  some  por- 
;  outer  and  inner  webs  more  Or  len  marked  with  brown.  Top  nf  head,  dark-brown,  with  a  median  line;  extending 
from  the  bill  to  the'  occiput,  yellowish-white.  Sides  cif  head,  excepting  dark-brown  line1  back  of  eye,  lores,  sides  of  neck, 
sides,  flanks,  under  wing  cow-rts,  and  un  ler  tail  coverts,  ashy-white,  more  or  Ic-s  tinged  with  yellow,  especially  cm  the  lat- 
ter named  ]  Mil  ion,  an  1  linj  extending  from  base  of  bill  to  point  over  eye,  bright  u-amh,  uri '-yellow.  Spot-  on  -Mr-,  Hanks,  and 
it  shaped  mark  on  breast,  with  the  horns  broadening  out  and  extending  up  on  to  the  nock,  black,  liill,  dark-brown, 
bluish  at  ba-c  of  lower  inaudible.  Feet,  brown. 

A  dull  fit/tali-  in  stimuli  r.  Smaller  insize  than  tin-males  and  with  the  dark  markings  more  or  lessoliscured  with  brown- 
ish-yellow. 

Adult  in  ii-uUtr.  Differs  from  the'  summer  dress  in  being  more  rufous  above  and  in  ha\  in::  the'  black  markings  obscur- 
ed with  whitish.  Thi-  i-  much  more  noticeable  in  the  icinale,  and  in  both  -.-xe-  ju<t  after  the'  autumnal  moult. 

1  ntnif/  ii/'t/n •  iji'ar.  Has  the  markings  above'  more  sull'used.  There  is  \cry  much  less  \e'llo\v  in  advance  oftlice\c. 
The  entire  under  parts  are  overwa-shed  with  whitish  nearly  obscuring  the  black  crc-cuit.  There  is  me  ire  white:  on  the  tail. 


140  MEADOW  LARK. 

Ne.it/iny.i.  Are  similar  to  the  adult  above,  excepting  that  there  is  no  yellow  on  the  superciliary  Iin3  and  the  brown  of 
the  head  is  mixed  with  reddish.  Beneath,  uniform  pale  yellow,  lighter 'in  the  female  on  tha  throat,  with  the  sides,  flanks, 
and  a  crescent-shaped  patch  on  the  breast,  spotted  and  lined  with  dark-brown.  Bill  and  feet,  brown,  the  former  lighter  on 
lower  mandible.  But  what  is  most  singular  is  that  in  this  stage  there  is  much  more  white  on  the  tail  than  in  any  other 
stage.  The  wing  and  tail  feathers  are  moulted. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Readily  known  from  all  other  birds  by  the  description  as  above.  As  will  be  seen  by  the  measurements,  Florida  speci- 
mens differ  in  being  smaller  and  they  are  also  brighter  in  color.  Theso-callad  "nei/lecta"  from  the  West  differs  in  having  the 
yellow  extend  up  on  the  maxillary,  which  is  seldom  if  ever  seen  on  more  eastern  skins.  Individuals  from  the  same  locality 
do  not  vary  much  either  in  size  or  color.  Distributed  in  summer  throughout  the  United  States  south  of  the  latitude  of 
Southern  New  Hampshire,  usually  retreating  a  little  southward  in  winter. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  ten  male  specimens  from  Massachusetts.  Length,  10*40;  stretch,  IG'30;  wing,  4*00;  tail, 
3"  16;  bill,  1*25;  tarsus,  1'30.  Longest  specimen,  ll'OO;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  17*00;  longest  wing,  5' 15;  tail,  3'50;  bill, 
1-30;  tarsus,  1-25.  Shortest  specimen,  9*95;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  15*07;  shortest  wing,  4*76;  tail,  2*83;  bill,  1*18;  Un-sus, 
1-39. 

Average  measurements  of  nine  female  specimens  from  Massachusetts.  Length,  9*55;  stretch,  14*43;  wing,  4*29;  tail, 
2*82;  bill,  120;  tarsus,  T39.  Longest  specimen,  9"  75;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  15*03;  longest  wing,  4*50;  tail,  3*11;  bill, 
1*25;  tarsus,  1*4-1.  Shortest  specimen,  8*98;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  13*50;  shortest  wing, 4*15;  tail,  2*48;  bill,  1'IG;  tarsus, 
1*24. 

Average  measurements  of  ten  male  specimens  from  Florida.  Length,  9*80;  stretch,  15*70;  wing,  4*45;  tail,  2*85;  bill, 
1*20;  tarsus,  1*46..  Longest  specimen,  10*20;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  15*75;  longest  wing,  4*60;  tail,  3*20;  bill,  1*23;  tarsus, 
1*45.  Shortest  specimen,  9*50;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  14*75;  shortest  wing,  4*25;  tail,  2*82;  bill,  1*15;  tarsus,  1*35. 

Average  measurements  of  fourteen  female  specimens  from  Florida.  Length,  9*55;  stretch,  1*44;  wing,  4*25;  tail,  2*82; 
bill,  1*18;  tarsus,  1*30.  Lrmga^t  spaciman,  9*53;  greats-it  extent  of  wing,  11*75:  longest  wing,  4*65;  tail,  2*90;  bill,  1*20; 
tarsus.  1*35.  Shortest  specimen,  8*50;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  13*00;  shortest  wing,  3*90;  tail,  2*40;  bill,  1*1.3;  tarsus,  1*25. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  on  the  ground.  They  are  composed  of  grass  lined  with  finer.  Dimensions;  external  diameter,  5*10,  in- 
ternal, 2*12.  External  depth,  5*15,  internal,  2' 15. 

Ejys,  oval  inform,  four  to  six  in  nu  n'j3r,  pure  whits  in  color,  spattad  anl  blotched  with  redish-brown  and  lilac,  move 
thickly  on  the  larger  end.  Dimensions  from  1*05 x  *7()  to  1*  15 x  '80. 

HABITS. 

The  famous  Indian  Hunting  Grounds  of  Florida  which  lie  south  of  the  Everglades, 
are  very  remarkable  as  the  topography  of  the  country  is  quite  different  from  any  that  I 
ever  saw  elsewhere  in  the  state.  A  narrow  strip  of  high  pine  land  extends  along  the  coast, 
but  back  of  this  is  a  wide  reach  of  prairie  that  is  bounded  on  the  west  by  a  strip  of  pincy 
woods  beyond  which  is  another  stretch  of  open  land,  thus  prairies  and  woods  alternate  for 
many  miles.  The  growth  of  grass  on  the  margins  of  these  plains  is  low,  seldom  exceeding 
six  inches  in  height,  and  consequently  forms  the  homes  of  countless  Meadow  Larks,  for 
these  birds  always  exhibit  a  decided  preference  for  low  herbage.  The  Hunting  Grounds 
were  a  perfect  wilderness  at  the  time  of  my  visit  in  1871,  for  there  was  but  one  settler  and 
he  was  newly  located  in  the  neighborhood.  The  nearest  house  to  the  eastward  was  thirty 
miles  distance  and  to  the  westward  and  northward  hundreds  of  miles  intervened  before 
there  was  the  slightest  vestige  of  civilization.  Thus  the  birds  which  occured  there  were 
seldom  if  ever  disturbed  so  that  I  found  them  exceedingly  tame;  in  fact  they  would  start 
up  at  my  feet,  fly  a  few  yards,  and  either  settle  down  again  in  the  grass  or  alight  on  a  low 
Ihnb  of  a  pine,  where  they  would  quietly  gaze  at  me,  even  allowing  me  to  pass  directly 
beneath  them  without  attempting  to  move.  Then  as  if  satisfied  that  I  intended  doing  then- 
no  harm,  would  sound  aloud,  strange  note  which  was  so  utterly  at  variance  with  the  song 


M/-:\/><>\\  I.AHK.  141 

of  the  sumo  species  in  New  England,  that  when  I  first  heard  it  could  scarcely  believe  it  was 
a  Meadow  Lark.  This  lay  even  in  the  North  has  a  peculiar  intonation  which  is  quite  sug- 
•tive  of  freedom,  but  that  given  by  the  birds  which  inhabit  the  trackless  piucy  woods  and 
wide-spread  plains  of  Florida  is,  although  very  melodious  and  pleasing,  so  wild,  clear  and 
ringing,  that  it  is  in  perfect  harmony  with  surroundings  where  Nature  reigns  supreme. 

As  we  advance  northward  through  Florida,  more  into  the  haunts  of  civilization,  we 
find  that  the  Meadow  Larks  gradually  learn  the  lesson  that  all  birds  acquire  sooner  or  la- 
ter,—  the  fear  of  man.  Thus  I  found  them  rather  on  the  alert  in  the  neighborhood  of  small 
settlements  and  near  Jacksonville  they  were  fully  as  shy  as  in  Massachusetts.  This  is 
largely  due  to  the  fact  that  as  they  frequent  the  plantations  they  are  often  hunted  as  game. 
They  are  also  looked  upon  as  nuisances  for  they  eat  rye  and  other  grains,  frequenting  newly 
sown  fields  in  large  numbers  for  this  purpose,  and  specimens  that  I  shot  on  a  plantation 
were  filled  with  rye,  though  they  usually  subsist  upon  insects.  Probably  the  cultivated 
district  all'ords  them  better  facilities  for  obtaining  food,  for  as  we  proceed  further  north- 
ward into  Georgia  and  the  Carolinas  they  almost  wholly  abandon  the  wooded  districts.  In 
Pennsylvania  and  .Massachusetts  they  are  seldom,  if  ever,  found  in  other  than  open  fields 
which  have  been  cultivated  at  some  recent  period,  excepting  on  the  coast  where  they  often 
occur  on  the  salt  marshes.  They  never  nest  there,  however,  but  build  on  the  uplands  at 
sonic  distance  from  the  water. 

The  Meadow  Larks  breed  in  Florida  during  the  last  week  of  April  but  do  not  lay  in 
.Massachusetts  until  the  middle  of  May.  The  nests  in  the  latter  named  section  are  placed 
in  the  grass  and  although  often  open  are  sometimes  domed,  occasionally  there  being  a  cover- 
ed passage  for  some  distance.  When  the  female  is  sitting,  the  male  lingers  near  and  seated 
on  some  tree  pours  forth  his  loud,  clear  lay  which  is  certainly  one  of  the  most  thrilling  and 
enlivening  songs  given  by  any  of  our  native  birds. 

By  July  the  young  may  be  seen  in  company  with  their  parents  who  exhibit  great  solic- 
itude for  their  safety,  flying  about  and  uttering  sharp  cries  until  their  offspring  are  induced 
to  take  wing  when  all  move  away  to  some  adjacent  field.  The  family  continues  in  compa- 
ny and  are  frequently  joined  by  others  until  quite  large  flocks  accumulate  in  autumn.  At 
this  season  they  are  rather  peculiar  in  habits,  as  they  often  crouch  in  grass  which  is  high 
enough  to  conceal  them  until  the  intruder  comes  very  near,  when  they  will  rise  suddenly 
and  lly  swiftly  away  in  a  straight  line,  giving  a  few  sharp  notes  as  they  go.  Those  in  the 
immediate  neighborhood  will  not  always  start  at  the  report  of  a  gun,  and  will  only  jump 
when  approached  quite  closely.  They  appear  to  become  very  much  attached  to  certain 
localities  and  will  always  return  to  spend  the  night  in  chosen  spots,  often  coming  in  long 
after  sunset.  They  repose  on  the  ground  in  scattering  groups  and  start  quite  readily  even 
during  the  darkest  nights. 

The  Larks  of  Massachusetts  linger  until  late  in  autumn,  moving  southward  when  the 
ground  becomes  covered  with  snow,  but  they  are  apt  to  return  occasionally  during  the  mild- 
er weather,  and  I  have  taken  them  in  every  month  of  the  year.  Therefore  [  should  judge 
that  the  birds  which  breed  in  any  one  locality  seldom  go  far  from  it.  South  of  Virginia 
they  are  not  migratory  at  all,  or  at  best  only  gather  in  large  flocks. 


142  ICTERUS  BALTIMORE. 


GENUS  VI.    ICTERUS.     TIIK  OIUOLES. 

GEN.  Cn.  Dill,  much  pointed,  not  very  brand  at  tip,  shorter  than  the.  head.  Upper  antl  linerr  mnn/li'tlix  n  l/tllf  mrrrd. 
Winijs,  somewhat,  lonyer  than  the  tail  which  is  slightly  rounded.  Fret, not  larije.  Sternum,  nut  nearly  as  narrow  as  that  of 
the  preceding  yenus.  Keel,  rather  low.  Coracoids,  equal  in  length  to  the  top  of  the  keel.  Marginal  indentations  equal  in 
depth  to  the  hciyht  of  the  keel.  Stomach,  not  muscular.  Size,  medium. 

Members  of  th is  genus  are  conspicuously  marked  either  above  or  below  with  bright  colors  or  with  black.  They  are 
all  arboreal  in  habits. 

ICTERUS  BALTIMORE. 

Baltimore  Oriole. 
"Icterus  Baltimore  DAUDIN,"  Aun.,  Orn.  Biog.,  I;  1831,  (ifi. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sp.  Cn.  Form,  rather  slender.  Size,  medium.  Feet,  not  large.  Tongue,  thin  and  horny,  with  a  slight  central  de- 
pression, bifid  at  tip,  provided  with  a  fringe  of  cilia  extending  along  the  sides  forone  third  the  terminal  length.  Sternum, 
rather  stout. 

COLOR.  Adult  male  in  summer.  Head,  all  around  neck  coming  down  into  a  triangle  on  the  breast,  back,  wings,  and 
band  across  tail  reaching  to  the  tips  of  central  pair,  black,  also  bar  on  tips  of  greater  wing  coverts  and  outer  edges  of  out- 
er webs  of  all  the  wing  feathers,  white.  Remaining  portions,  orange-yellow,  brightest  on  the  breast.  Upper  mandible, 
black,  blue  on  lower  edges.  Lower  mandible  and  foot,  blue.  ' 

Adult  female  in  summer.  Beneath,  uniform  yellow,  tinged  with  orange  on  the  breast.  Upper  portions,  including  the 
tail,  yellowish-brown,  brightest  on  the  head  and  rump.  No  black  band  on  the  tail.  Wings,  brown,  with  white  markings 
as  in  the  males.  Bill,  bluish  throughout.  Feet,  blue. 

Adult  male  in  autumn.  Much  brighter  beneath  than  in  spring,  the  breast  frequently  becoming  orange-carmine.  The 
back  has  a  faint  overwashing  of  orange  and  the  rump  is  tinged  with  dusky.  There  is  much  more  white  on  the  wings  which 
is  yellowish. 

Adult  female  in  autumn.  Much  deeper  in  color  below,  and  the  back  is  more  uniformly  overwashed  with  yellowish- 
brown.  The  wings  have  much  more  white. 

Youny  male.  Has  much  more  white  on  the  wings,  and  the  rump  is  overwashed  with  yellowish-brown.  There  is  only 
a  slight  indication  of  the  black  bar  on  the  tail,  the  central  feathers  becoming  perfect  first.  The  color  below  is  not  nearly  as 
bright. 

Youny  female.  Is  much  lighter  in  color  below,  showing  none  of  the  orange  tinging  on  the  breast.  The  back  is  not  as 
clear  black. 

Youny  of  the  year  in  spring.  The  males  are  mottled  on  the  back  with  yellowish-brown  and  black.  The  black  of  tl.e 
lower  neck  only  extends  in  spots  on  the  breast,  and  the  color  below  is  pale  showing  only  a  tinge  of  orange.  The  female  is 
very  pale. 

Youny  of  the  year  in  autumn.  The  males  show  no  black  whatever  and  both  sexes  are  tinged  with  orange  below.  The 
back  is  pale,  otherwise  the  plumage  is  similar  to  the  female  in  autumn.  Bill,  brown,  considerably  lighter  at  base  of  lower 
mandible. 

Nestlings.  Very  pale-yellow  beneath  and  paler  brown  above.  Wings  and  tail  as  in  the  last  plumage.  Bill,  brown 
throughout.  Feet,  blue.  The  wings  and  tail  feathers  are  not  moulted. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

I  have  described  the  average  brightest  plumage  of  the  adult,  but  I  once  procured  a  specimen  that  had  a  carmine  streak 
down  the  breast.  A  local  race  of  perfectly  adult  specimens  which  I  procured  on  the  islands  in  the  Susquehanna  River  at 
Willimnsport,  Pennsylvania,  differ  in  being  of  a  nearly  uniform  pale-yellow  beneath  and  in  having  considerable  white  on 
the  wings.  Readily  known  by  the  colors  as  described.  Distributed  in  summer  from  the  Carolinas  north  to  Canada  on  the 
eastern  side  of  the  Central  Plains.  Wintering  south  of  the  United  States. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  twenty-five  specimens.  Length,  7'62;  stretch,  1T65;  wing,  3'71;  tail,2'82;  bill,  '72;  tar- 
sus, -85.  Longest  specimen,  8'00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  12-25;  longest  wing,  4-00;  tail,  3'10;  bill,  '75;  tarsus,  -90. 
Shortest  specimen,  7-25;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  11- 15;  shortest  wing,  3'42;  tail,  2'65;  bill,  -70;  tarsus,  -80. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  trees,  pendulous  in  form,  composed  of  strips  of  fibrous  bark,  horse-hair,  strings,  rags,  etc.,  neatly  an  1 
firmly  woven  together.  Dimensions;  external  diameter,  4'UO,  internal,  2-00.  External  depth,  G'OO,  internal,  5'<K). 

Eyys,  four  to  six  in  number,  oval  in  form,  pale-blue  in  color,  spotted,  dotted,  and  lined  with  umber.  Some  of  the 
markings  arc  incorporated  in  the  material  of  the  shell.  Dimensions  from  '90x'G(>  to  l'20x  '72. 


BALTIMORE  ORIOLE.  143 

1 1.  \IUTS. 

When  the  warm,  reviving  breath  of  the  south  wind  has  caused  the  cherry  trees  of 
New  England  lo  put  forth  (heir  blossoms,  the  first  notes  of  the  "Ma  Hi  more  Orioles  are  heard. 
I  do  not  think  I  ever  knew  a  single  season  to  pass  when  these  lovely  birds  did  not  appear 
promptly  as  soon  as  the  cherry  trees  were  in  bloom,  for  they  are  extremely  fond  of  fre- 
quenting them  in  order  to  feed  on  the  insects  which  infest  them  at  this  season.  As  they 
swing  gracefully  from  the  topmost  boughs,  their  brilliant  plumage  forms  a  fine  contrast 
with  the  snowy  flowers  which  surround  them,  while  at  intervals  th«  perfumed  air  is  filled 
with  bursts  of  that  clear,  ringing  melody  which  is  always  a  sure  indication  that  summer 
has  I'airlv  come.  Later  the  dark-green  foliage  on  the  lofty  branches  of  the  grand  old  elms 
which  beautify  so  many  of  our  streets  is  enlivened  by  their  presence.  Indeed  of  all  the 
ornamental  trees  which  are  to  be  found  in  villages,  the  elm  appears  to  be  the  prime  favor- 
ite with  the  Orioles  for  these  birds  seldom  occur  far  from  dwellings  when  their  chosen 
trees  stand  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  them.  In  some  portions  of  Pennsylvania,  howev- 
er, where  but  little  attention  is  paid  to  planting  trees  about  the  houses,  they  almost  always 
inhabit,  small  groves,  seeming  to  prefer  the  lofty  trees  in  the  immediate  neighborhood  of 
water. 

The  Susquchanna  River  at  Williamsport  is  some  three  hundred  and  fifty  yards  in  width 
and  is  filled  with  numerous  small,  wooded  islands  upon  which  the  Baltimore  Orioles  abound, 
in  fact  I  never  saw  them  more  abundant  in  any  given  locality.  It  was  here  that  I  first 
obtained  the  specimen  with  the  peculiar  yellow  plumage  of  which  I  have  spoken,  but  these 
only  occurred  at  one  particular  point  on  the  River,  all  of  the  other  birds  being  in  normal 
dress.  This  was  about  the  middle  of  May  when  they  were  migrating,  which  would  partly 
account  for  the  large  numbers  that  had  congregated  together,  but  later  when  they  were 
nesting,  they  were  still  numerous,  proving  that  it  was  an  attractive  place  for  them.  The 
birds  which  remained  there  were  remarkable  on  account  of  having  a  peculiar  song  that 
consisted  of  several  short,  though  sweet,  notes  repeated  rapidly.  The  effect,  however, 
was  very  pleasing,  but  I  was  much  surprised  to  find  that  the  females  sang  nearly  as  well 
as  the  males.  It  is  a  fact  that  no  two  birds  even  of  the  same  species  sing  exactly  alike 
although  the  difference  is  oftentimes  so  very  slight  that  it  is  extremely  difficult  to  detect, 
but  I  know  of  very  few,  if  any,  among  our  native  birds  where  there  is  so  much  individual 
variation  in  the  song  as  in  that  of  the  Baltimore  Orioles.  It  is  also  noticeable  that  the 
peculiar  lay  of  some  individuals  is  frequently  inherited  by  their  offspring.  Thus  I  know  of 
several  places  where  all  the  Orioles  utter  notes  which  are  similar  but  which  I  never  heard 
elsewhere.  But  a  particular  song  is  not  always  imparted  by  the  parent  to  its  descendants; 
for  example,  one  of  the  finest  singers  that  I  ever  heard  was  an  ( (riole  that  built  for  several 
years  in  an  huge  pear  tree  which  stands  back  of  my  place  in  Ncwtonville.  This  bird  be- 
sides having  a  variety  of  clear,  liquid  notes  which  were  perfectly  enchanting,  frequently 
uttered  ;i  series  of  loud  whistles  which  sounded  almost  exactly  like  those  given  by  t.'ie 
Great-crested  Flycatcher,  vet  T  never  heard  any  other  Oriole  attempt  anything  like  them. 
The  melody  of  the  Baltimore  Orioles,  although  so  varied  that  it  is  simply  indescribable, 
has  a  singular  clear  richness  of  tone  which  renders  it  unmistakable  whenever  heard.  Their 


144  ICTERUS  SPUR1US. 

harmonious  strains  have  caused  them  to  become  general  favorites  and,  as  they  are  seldom 
molested,  they  have  acquired  confidence  in  humanity,  frequenting  the  gardens  and  shrub- 
bery about  dwellings.  Thus  they  find  protection  from  many  enemies  under  the  guardianship 
of  man,  but  they  amply  repay  him  for  his  kindness  by  destroying  multitudes  of  insects. 
They  not  only  eat  greedily  of  that  detested  pest,  the  canker  worm,  but  are  among  the  few 
species  of  birds  that  will  eat  the  tent  caterpillar.  They  will  alight  on  the  nest  of  this  des- 
tructive insect,  tear  it  to  pieces,  and  devour  the  larvae.  Later  in  summer  they  will  take  a 
few  berries  and  they  are  immoderately  fond  of  green  peas.  This  latter  named  trait  is  their 
only  fault,  yet  we  may  well  pardon  them  for  this  when  we  find  that  they  also  eat  the  po- 
tato beetle.  An  Oriole  that  I  shot  in  the  act  of  helping  himself  to  peas  had  four  or  five  of 
the  above  named  insects  in  his  stomach. 

As  a  nest  builder  this  Oriole  excels,  not  only  is  the  structure  durable  but  it  is  ex- 
tremely light  and  admirably  formed  to  occupy  the  position  usually  chosen  for  it, —  the 
extremity  of  a  swaying  bough.  That  this  habit  of  suspending  the  nest  in  such  inaccessible 
places,  where  no  animal  large  enough  to  injure  the  eggs  or  young  can  reach  it  without  the 
aid  of  wings,  is  an  ancestral  trait  acquired  in  the  Tropics,  where  such  a  precaution  is  much 
more  a  matter  of  necessity  than  here,  can  scarcely  be  doubted.  At  present,  however,  it  is 
exceedingly  conducive  to  the  increase  of  the  species  that  this  cautionary  trait  was  perpet- 
uated, as  practically  it  can  make  but  little  difference  to  the  Orioles  whether  their  eggs  are 
stolen  by  monkeys  who  would  eat  them,  or  by  some  urchin  who  is  ambitious  to  have  the 
egg  a  "Golden  Robin"  in  his  collection. 

The  eggs  of  these  Orioles  are  deposited  by  the  first  of  June  and  the  singular  notes  of 
the  young  may  be  heard  early  in  July.  As  they  leave  the  nest  by  the  middle  of  the 
month  they  become  fully  fledged  by  the  first  of  August  and  undergo  their  first  moult  when 
the  adults  acquire  their  autumnal  dress.  By  September  they  are  all  in  perfect  plumage 
and  shortly  after  migrate  in  straggling  flocks.  I  have  a  specimen  which  was  taken  in 
Massachusetts  as  late  as  November  13,  but  this  is  extremely  exceptional  for  they  seldom 
remain  after  the  middle  of  September.  They  linger  for  a  time  in  Pennsylvania,  but  de- 
part for  the  South  before  October. 

ICTERUS  SPURIUS. 
Orchard  Oriole. 

Icterus  spurius  BON.,  Ohs.  on  Nom.  Wils.;  1825,  No.  44. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  slender.  Size,  small.  Feet,  not  large.  Tongue,  as  in  the  preceding  species.  Sternum,  not  stout. 
Bill,  slender  and  considerably  curved. 

COLOR.  Adult  male  in  summer.  Head,  all  around  neck  coming  down  into  a  triangle  on  the  breast,  back,  and  tail, 
Mack.  The  latter,  slightly  tipped  with  white.  Wings,  also  black,  with  a  bar  of  white  and  chestnut,  and  all  theoutcr  edges 
of  outer  webs,  margined  with  either  chestnut  or  greenish  white.  Remainder  of  body,  including  lesser  and  under  wing  cov- 
erts, chestnut.  Bill,  black,  blue  at  base  of  lower  mandible.  Feet,  blue. 

Adult  female  in  summer.  Yellowish-green  throughout,  darker  on  the  back.  Wings,  brown,  with  white  markings  as  in 
tin-  male.,  but  willi  no  chestnut.  Bill,  brown,  lighter  at,  base  of  lower  mandible.  . 

Youny  male.  Similar  to  the  adult  female  but  there  is  a  patch  of  black  extending  over  the  throat,  lower  neck,  and  lores. 
There  are  also  black  feathers  in  the  back,  and  portions  of  the  tail  are  frequently  of  the  same  color,  while  there  are  traces 
of  chestnut  on  the  sides  and  middle  of  the  breast.  Bill  and  feet  as  in  the  adult. 


P  LATE   IV. 


'  -    *'  1,  r  •  f  •,   Li*  I.. 


PIPILO    LEUCOPIS. 
White-«yed    Towhee.  if 


ORCHARD  ORIOLE.  140 

Y<nm;i  f cmali .  Similar  to  the  adult  but  much  paler,  (-specially  on  the  hack.  The  wings  are  lighter  ami  have  more 
whi'e  on  them. 

\  :*tlin</s.  Unite  like  the  adult  female  Imt  very  pale-yellow  throughout,  hut  area  little  darker  above.  Wings  and  tail, 
as  in  the  abo\e  for  they  are  not  moulted. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

There  is  but  little  variation  in  plumage  among  birds  of  the  same  age  and  sex  from  the  same  locality,  so  that  they  may 
readily  lie  distinguished  by  the  color-  as  described.  Distributed  in  summer  throughout  the  Eastern  Section  of  the  United 
States,  south  of  Massachusetts  Winters  south  of  the  United  States. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  twenty  specimens.     Length,  6'G2;  stretch,  9-50;  win,*,  3'00;  tail,  3'10;  bill'65;  tarsus,  "70. 
i  spi-eimen,  7-5J">:  greatest  extent  of  wing,  KVOO;  longest  wing,  3*25;  tail,  3'25;  bill,  '90;  tarsus '75.     Shortest  speci- 
men, li-ixi;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  !)"25;  shortest  wing,  2'75;  tail,  3'00;  bill,  '60;  tarsus,  '65. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  trees,  not  very  pendulous  in  form,  composed  of  fine,  tough  grass  firmly  woven  together.  Dimensions; 
external  diameter,  4 '00.  internal,  'J'tKl.  External  depth,  2'50,  internal,  1'50. 

EI/I/S,  four  to  six  in  number,  oval  in  form,  pale-blue  in  color,  spotted,  dotted,  and  sometimes  lined,  with  umber  and 
lilac.  Dimensions  from  '80x  -60  to  '85 x  '65. 

HABITS. 

The  city  of  Wilmington,  North  Carolina,  is  pleasantly  situated  on  a  high  bluff  which 
overlooks  Cape  Fear  River.  Like  many  of  the  Southern  cities,  the  streets  are  well  shaded 
with  live  oaks  and  other  trees  which  as  a  natural  result  attract  many  birds.  On  visiting 
this  place,  .May  '1~>,  1872,  I  found  that  the  foliage  was  swarming  with  various  species  of 
tin-  feathered  tribe,  but  none  were  more  prominent  than  the  Orchard  Orioles.  This  was 
partly  due  to  their  abundance  but  they  rendered  themselves  noticeable  by  the  loud,  clear 
whistle  which  sounded  out  in  all  directions.  This  song,  although  similar  to  that  of  the 
Baltimore  Oriole,  is  in  many  respects  not  as  varied  but  is,  notwithstanding,  very  fine. 
The  Orchard  Orioles  were  about  to  breed  in  Wilmington,  and  I  saw  the  females  carrying 
material  for  their  nests.  This  is  seemingly  quite  late  to  begin  laying  so  far  south;  indeed 
I  found  them  with  eggs  at  Williainsport,  Pennsylvania,  about  the  same  date,  and  have 
a  nest  full  of  eggs  in  Massachusetts  as  early  as  June. 

This  Orioh-  differs  somewhat  in  habits  from  the  Baltimore  inasmuch  as  it  nearly  al- 
ways places  its  nest  on  an  apple  or  other  low  tree,  in  the  fork  of  a  limb  and  not  suspended 
from  it.  They  have  the  very  restless  movements  which  characterize  this  genus.  One  may 

•en  clinging  to  the  lowest  branches  of  a  tree,  then  with  the  rapidity  of  thought  will 
bound  upwards,  and  swing  from  the  topmost  bough  where  he  remains  only  fora  moment, 
however,  as  suddenly  catching  sight  of  a  passing  female,  he  darts  oil' in  pursuit  followed  by 
one  or  two  others,  for  like  the  Baltimore,  the  males  are  rather  promiscuous  in  their  atten- 
tions. On  account  of  their  preferring  low  trees  as  homes,  they  frequent  the  neighborhood 
of  houses  in  Pennsylvania,  nesting  in  the  fruit  trees,  and  are  seldom  seen  on  the  river  in 
company  with  the  Baltimore  Oriole.  Nor  did  I  ever  see  the  two  species  associating  to- 
gether anywhere. 

The  young  make  their  appearance  in  the  trees  about  the  middle  »>f  July  but  they 
migrate  very  soon,  as  1  did  not  find  them  at  all  during  the  last  week  of  August. 

1!) 


146  SCOLECOPHAGUS  FERRVGINEUS. 

GENUS  VII.    SCOLECOPIIAGUS.    THE  RUSTY  BLACKBIRDS. 

GEN.  CB.  Bill,  slender,  pointed,  not  very  broad  at  tip,  a  little  shorter  than  the  head.  Upper  and  lower  mandibles  a  lit- 
tle curved.  Winys,  lonyer  than  the  tail  which  is  sliyhlly  rounded.  Feet,  not  larye.  Sternum,  narrow.  Keel,  hiyher  than 
one  half  the  width  of  the  sternum.  Marginal  indentations  exceeding  in  depth  the  heiyht  of  the  keel.  Coracoids  e.Tcecdiny  in 
length  thetopoft/ie  keel.  Stomach,  not  very  muscular.  Size,  rather  larye. 

The  adult  males  are  black  in  color,  but  the  females  are  duller,  while  the  young  show  rusty  markings.  There  are  never 
any  bright  colors. 

SCOLECOPHAGUS  FEBRTJGINEUS. 

Rusty  Grackle. 
Scolecophatjui  ferruyineus  SWAINSON.,  F.  Bor.  Am.,  II;  1831,  286. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sp.  CD.  Form,  rather  robust.  Size,  quite  large.  Feet,  medium.  Tongue,  long,  thin  and  horny,  with  a  terminal 
tuft  of  hair-like  fibers.  Sternum,  as  given  above. 

COLOR.  Adult  male  in  summer.  Uniform  lustrous  black  throughout,  with  greenish  reflections.  Bill,  black,  lighter 
at  base  of  lower  mandible.  Feet,  brown. 

Adult  female  in  sumemr.  Uniform  dark-plumbeous  throughout,  lighter  on  the  throat,  becoming  very  dark  on  the  wing* 
and  tail  where  there  are  greenish  reflections. 

Adult  and  young  in  autumn.  Similar  to  the  summer  adult  but  having  all  thefeathers  margined  with  reddish-brown, 
•while  the  adult  females  are  darker. 

Young  of  the  year.  The  males  are  dull  black  with  the  entire  plumage  overwashed  with  reddish-brown.  There  are  also 
superciliary  lines  of  the  same.  The  female  is  dull-plumbeous,  but  is  so  overwashed  with  rusty  that  the  ground  color  is  quite 
obscured. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

There  is  considerable  variation  in  size  but  there  is  no  essential  difference  in  color  in  birds  of  the  same  age  and  sex. 
Readily  known  by  the  uniform  black  and  plumbeous  plumage  in  the  adult  stage,  and  the  young  may  be  distinguished  by 
the  rusty  overwashing.  Distributed  in  summer  throughout  Eastern  North  America,  north  of  the  White  Mountain  range. 
Winters  from  the  Carolinas  to  Middle  Florida. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  ten  specimens.  Length,  9'50;  stretch,  I4'50;  wing,  4'45;  tail,3'50;  bill, -75;  tarsus,  1'25. 
Longest  specimen,  9'70;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  14'90;  longest  wing,  4'80;  tail,  3'95;  bill,  '80:  tarsus,  T30.  Shortest  speci- 
men, 8-65;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  13'60;  shortest  wing,  4"  12;  tail,  3'35;  bill, -70;  tarsus,  1-20. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  bushes,  composed  of  twigs,  weeds,  ami  grass,  the  latter  being  mixed  with  mud.  The  whole  is  lined 
with  leaves  and  fine  grass.  Dimensions;  external  diameter,  6'50,  internal,  2'00.  External  depth,  4'00,  internal,  2'00. 

Eyys,  from  three  to  five  in  number,  oval  in  form,  pale-blue  in  color,  spotted  and  lined  with  light-brown.  Dimensions 
from  l-05x-75  to  l'OOx'70. 

HABITS. 

Just  south  of  Blue  Springs,  Florida,  was  a  thick  grove  of  Palmettoes  which  bordered 
a  narrow  strip  of  marsh  that  lay  between  it  and  the  St.  John's  River.  These  trees,  like 
many  others  which  grow  in  rich  soil,  were  quite  high  and  the  fronds  very  large,  consequent- 
ly the  shade  was  so  dense  that  the  sun  was  quite  excluded.  Thus  a  somber  light  pervaded 
the  place  which  was  not  conducive  to  the  growth  of  plants  so  that  the  dark  soil  was  covered 
with  rapidly  decaying  fragments  of  palm  fronds.  This  debris  naturally  formed  a  shelter 
for  many  insects  and  minute  mollusks  which  were,  however,  far  from  being  safe  in  their 
gloomy  retreat,  for  large  numbers  of  Rusty  Grackles  had  found  that  they  were  abundant 


KUSTV  CRACKLE.  147 

there  and  entering  from  the  marsh,  visited  the  grove  regularly.  I  always  found  them  there 
in  the  morning,  walking  about  on  the  ground  and  overturning  the  rubbish  in  search  of 
their  prey.  They  were  not  in  the  least  shy,  in  fact  it  was  difficult  to  make  them  fly  at  all, 
but  when  approached  quite  closely  or  when  alarmed  at  the'  report  of  a  gun,  they  would 
alight  on  the  trees  over  my  head,  but  after  a  moment  would  settle  down  again.  They  re- 
main in  Florida  until  after  the  first  of  March  when  they  migrate. 

The  Rusty  Blackbirds  arrive  in  Massachusetts  about  the  middle  of  the  month  and 
frequent  the  trees  and  shrubbery  by  the  side  of  streams.  They  are,  while  here,  the  most 
unsuspicious  of  all  the  Blackbirds,  allowing  one  to  come  quite  near  them  without  exhib- 
iting the  slightest  alarm.  In  Florida  they  are  silent  or  at  best  only  utter  that  peculiar 
chirp  of  alarm  given  by  all  the  Blackbirds,  but  here  they  make  a  most  unmelodious  attempt 
to  sing,  emitting  a  wheezy  kind  of  croak.  This  rude  lay  is  all  the  song  that  our  dark- 
colored  friends  are  capable  of  giving  and  evidently  the  birds  consider  it  a  most  brilliant 
performance  for  they  spread  their  tails,  raffle  their  feathers,  and  strut  proudly  before  the 
silent  females  who  are  seemingly  quite  impressed  with  the  superiority  of  their  mates. 
These  Grackles  linger  for  a  time,  but  in  the  middle  of  April  depart  northward. 

There  are  spots  on  the  Magdalen  Islands  which  might  rightly  be  termed  sloughs, 
for  they  are  perfectly  inaccessible  as  the  surface,  although  apparently  solid,  is  in  reality  so 
thin  that  it  will  not  bear  the  weight  of  a  dog.  This  floating  mass  of  vegetation,  however, 
supports  bushes  and  in  some  cases  small  trees  all  of  which  grow  very  thickly  together.  I 
had  observed  Blackbirds  about  them  on  several  occasions,  but  as  they  kept  well  in  the 
center  of  the  large  tracks,  I  could  not  make  out  at  first  what  they  were  but  after  a  time 
found  that  a  large  colony  of  Rusty  Grackles  were  evidently  building  in  one  of  the  above 
described  places.  All  efforts  to  penetrate  the  fastness  proved  unavailing  and  upon  visiting 
tin  locality  somewhat  later,  (about  the  middle  of  July)  I  concluded  by  the  movements  of 
the  birds  that  the  young  were  out,  but  I  did  not  procure  any.  This  species  breeds  at  Lake 
Utnbagog,  Maine,  and  Mr.  E.  Harrington  obtained  a  nest  there,  early  in  June,  which 
contained  fresh  eggs. 

By  the  last  week  in  September  the  Rusty  Grackles  reappear  in  Massachusetts  where 
they  frequent  the  fields  of  ripened  corn,  but  I  do  not  think  they  eat  the  grain  for  I  never 
found  anything  in  their  stomachs  except  insects  and  small  mollusks.  They  remain  in 
small  flocks  until  the  middle  of  October,  then  depart  southward.  I  found  them  gathered  in 
large  numbers  with  the  Crow  Blackbirds  in  Pennsylvania,  and  migrate  with  them  a  little 
later  in  the  month. 


GENTS  VIII.     ()IISCAI.I  S.    THE  BOAT-TAILED  BLACKBIRDS. 

'ins.  I'M.  Bill,  stuut,  nut  n-ri/ iininli-il  nor  hrnnd  at  tip,  about  as  lonyasthe  head.  Upper  mandible,  curved.  Wini/.i, 
a  lill/e  short/ r  thnn  the.  tail  irhiili  is  (jrniliuitnl.  f<  /•/,  larye.  Sternum,  narrow.  Krt-l,  ln;/li<r  than  one  half  I  hi-  iritlt/i  nj'lli' 
xiirnuni.  Mnrijinnl  indrntntinns  considerably  c.rccediny  in  depth  tin •  hrii/hl  <ij'  //«  /."/.  Coracoids,  much  shorter  tlian  thf. 
top  of  tkr  k"/.  XlnniiK'h.  «"/  r<  rij  muscular.  Size,  laryc. 

The  adult  males  are  black  in  color.  The  females  are  much  duller  and  smaller.  The  tail,  when  spread,  is  lioat-sliapod. 
Tlii-rc  are  never  any  bright 


148  QUISCALUS  VERS1COLOR. 


QUISCALUS  VEBSICOLOR. 
Purple  Grackle.    Crow  Blackbird. 

Quiscalus  versicolor  VIEILL,  Analyse;  1816. 

Quiecalus  ayetaMs  BAIRD,  Amer.  Jour.  Sci.  and  Arts,  XU,  87:  186(5. 

Quiscalus  teneus  RIDGWAY,  Proc.  Phil.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.;  180'J,  135. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sr.  CH.  Form,  robust.  Size,  quite  large.  Feet,  stout.  Tongue,  long,  somewhat  fleshy,  but  thin  and  hoiny  for  the 
terminal  fourth,  bifid,  and  provided  with  fine,  terminal  cilia  which  extends  along  the  sides  of  the  horny  portion.  Blue  in 
color,  black  at  tip.  Sternum,  not  very  stout. 

COLOR.  Adult  male.  Uniform  lustrous  black  throughout  with  bluish  and  greenish  reflections  on  the  head,  neck,  and 
upper  breast.  The  remainder  of  the  body  is  bronzy  with  violet  reflections  on  the  wings  and  tail.  Eyelids,  dark-brown. 
Iris,  white.  Bill  and  feet,  black. 

Adult  female.  Uniform,  dull  brownish-black  throughout,  with  greenish  reflections  on  the  head  and  with  bluish  on  the 
wings  and  tail.  Bill,  feet,  and  iris  as  in  the  male. 

Youny  of  the  year.  Similar  to  the  adult  female  but  the  males  show  some  of  the  bright  reflections,  but  the  frinales  are 
much  duller. 

Nestlings.  Uniform  dark-brown,  darkest  on  the  wings  and  tail,  where  there  is  a  slight  gloss  of  violet.  There  is  a  yel- 
lowish overwashing  beneath ,  where  there  are  indications  of  dusky  streakings.  Iris,  dark  slaty-blue.  Bill  and  i'cet  brown. 
The  wing  and  tail  feathers  are  moulted. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

There  is  a  great  amount  of  variation  in  skins' from  different  localities.  Birds  from  New  England  besides  being  quite 
large  in  size  have  usually,  though  not  always,  the  bluish-green  reflections  of  the  head  ending  in  a  well  defined  line  on  the 
neck,  and  the  wings  are  uniform  in  coloration.  Birds  from  Florida  differ  from  this  in  being  beautifully  varigated  on  the 
wings,  back,  sides,  and  rump,  with  bronze  and  violet  reflections,  while  the  head  is  of  a  purer  blue,  and  specimens  from  the 
middle  district  rather  combine  the  two  patterns  of  coloration.  I  have,  however,  seen  a  perfect  series  of  gradations  in  all 
respects  and  thus  look  upon  the  so-called  species  as  given  in  the  synonyms.  The  nestlings  are  at  first  much  darker  than 
those  described,  as  seen  by  a  male  partly  fledged  which  was  kindly  procured  for  me  by  the  Bangs  Brothers.  Distributed 
in  summer  throughout  Eastern  North  America  from  the  Arctic  Circle  to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico.  Wintering  in  the  mure  south- 
ern portions. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  fifteen  male  specimens  from  New  England.  Length,  12'62;  stretch,  17-73;  wing,  6'65;  tail. 
5'30;  bill,  1'75;  tarsus,  1'25.  Longest  specimen,  13-20;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  18-42;  longest  wing,  6'05;  tail,6-09;  bill, 
HX);  tarsus,  1'30.  Shortest  specimen,  12-00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  17' 10;  shortest  wing,  5'22;  tail,  4'5H;  bill,  1-45; 
tarsus,  1-09. 

Average  measurements  of  nine  female  specimens  from  New  England.  Length,  11  "45;  stretch,  15'76;  wing,  4'95;  tail, 
4-52;  bill,  1'45;  tarsus,  1'20.  Longest  specimen,  12-00;  greatest  extant  of  wing,  16-30;  longest  wing,  5-23;  tail,4'89;  bill. 
T55;  tarsus,  1'25..  Shortest  specimen,  ll'OO;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  15'30;  shortest  wing,  4'62;  tail,  4'10;  bill,  I'-IO;  tar- 
sus, ri5. 

Average  measurements  of  twenty  male  specimens  from  Florida.  Length,  12-14;  stretch,  IG'12;  wing,  4-04;  tail,  4'82: 
bill,  1'25;  tarsus,  1'22.  Longest  specimen,  12'50;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  17'30;  longest  wing,  5'55;  tail,  5'05;  bill,  1'30; 
tarsus,  1-30.  Shortest  speciman,  ll'OO;  smallest  extant  of  wing,  15-49;  shortest  wing,  4'40;  tail,  4'09;  bill,  1-20;  tarsus, 
1-08. 

Averags  measurements  of  twenty  farnale  spacimsns  from  Florida.  Length,  1T14;  stretch,  14-OU;  wing,  5-20;  tail, 
4'86;  bill, -98;  tarsus,  T22.  Longest  specimen,  11'75;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  15'49;  longest  wim:.  ;">•">•-!;  tail,  5-24;  bill, 
•82;  tarsus,  T25.  Shortest  specimen,  lO'OO;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  13-54;  shortest  wing,  4'75;  tail,  4"24;  bill,  1'22;  far>u-. 
•99. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  trees  and  bushes.  They  are  large,  compact  structures  composed  of  course  grass  and  weeds  mixed  with 
mud  and  moulded  into  form,  lined  with  fine  grass.  Dimensions:  external  diameter,  7-(K),  internal,  3'45.  External  depth, 
4-50,  internal,  3'.r>0. 

Eyys,  from  four  to  five  in  number,  oval  in  form,  pale-blue  in  color,  spotted,  blotched  and  lined  with  brown  and  umber. 
The  lines  arc  seldom  well  defined  on  the  edges,  and  the  ground  color  is  often  clouded,  being  sometimes  completely  obscured 
with  brownish  washing.  Some  specimens  are  uniformly  dotted  throughout.  Dimensions  from  l'30x'90  to  l-09x'8C. 


PURPLE  GRACKLE.  149 

11  \HITS. 

It  is  difficult  to  find  a  section  of  country  north  of  the  Florida  Keys,  cast  of  the  Miss- 
issippi Ki\er,  where  the  harsh  chirp  of  tlie  Crow  Blackbirds  is  not  to  be  heard,  at  least 
throughout  the  suiaincr.  They  are  so  versatile  in  their  habits  that  they  find  nearly  all 
localities  suitable  for  their  homes.  Thus  I  found  their  nests  fastened  to  the  waving  grass 
of  the  Kverglades,  and  they  build  in  immense  numbers  on  the  reedy  margin  of  the  upper 
St.  John's.  In  Pennsylvania  they  select  low  bushes  along  the  river  bottoms,  and  in  Mass- 
achusetts where  the  country  is  quite  thickly  populated,  experience  has  taught  them  the 
necessity  of  choosing  the  highest  pine  trees  as  summer  homes.  I  know  of  three  rookeries 
similarly  situated,  all  within  the  radius  of  a  mile  from  my  place.  At  Ipswich,  where  they 
are  seldom  disturbed,  they  often  breed  in  orchards  near  houses  or  in  small  trees  on  the  is- 
lands of  the  marshes,  and  the  nests  are  sometimes  placed  so  low  that  they  can  be  reached 
from  the  ground.  They  also  exhibit  a  propensity  to  nest  inside  deserted  buildings  and  I 
once  knew  a  pair  that  placed  their  domicile  in  the  mouth  of  a  partly  covered  well.  On  a 
few  occasions  I  have  taken  the  nests  from  holes  in  trees  at  Ipswich  but  they  most  always 
build  in  holes  of  old  stubs  that  stand  in  the  shallow  water  id' Lake  Umbagog.  The  mate- 
rial used  ami  the  form  of  the  structure  are  also  variable.  Thus  in  the  Everglades  I  found 
that  the  nests  were  firm,  compact  and  deep  with  a  contracted  entrance.  Those  placed  in 
high  trees  in  Massachusetts  are  composed  partly  of  mud  and  are  rather  flat  being  fonncd 
nearly  like  those  of  the  Robin,  while  on  the  coast  the  birds  generally  use  the  bleached  eel 
grass,  therefore  the  nests  are  much  lighter.  Those  which  I  have  taken  from  holes  in  trees 
were  largely  composed  of  mud  mixed  with  coarse  grass  and  weeds.  Although  so  variable 
in  breeding  habits  the  time  of  depositing  the  eggs  does  not  differ  much  in  the  wind-spread 
section  of  which  I  have  spoken,  when  we  consider  the  extremes  in  climate.  In  Florida  the 
eggs  are  laid  about  the  first  of  May  and  I  have  found  them  at  Ipswich  a  few  days  later, 
while  the  birds  lay  by  the  middle  of  the  month  at  Lake  Umbagog,  and  possibly  but  a  lit- 
tle later  much  farther  north. 

I  have  mentioned  that  these  birds  built  in  rookeries,  and  I  have  always  found  them 
nesting  in  communities  of  fifty  and  upwards.  In  fact  they  are  gregariously  inclined  at  all 
season>,  a-scmbling  iii  large  Hocks  in  the  autumn  and  winter,  often  in  company  with  the 
Boat-tailed  (irackle,  for  the  two  seemed  to  be  on  excellent  terms.  In  matter  of  diet  the 
Crow  IMackhirds  are  perfectly  omnivorous,  now  visiting  the  newly  sown  fields  in  order  to 
feed  on  the  grain,  or  [Hilling  up  the  farmer's  com  just  as  it  has  appeared  above  the  ground 
that  they  may  eat  the  swollen  kernel  at  the  root.  Then  in  autumn  vast  swarms  set  tie- 
on  the  fields  of  ripening  corn  and  eagerlr  strip  the  ears;  thus  they  are  constantly  in  mis- 
chief, hut  by  far  the  worst  charge  that  can  lie  laid  upon  them  is  their  trait  of  robbing  the 
nests  of  other  birds. 

They  will  visit  the  homes  of  those  species  which  build  in  accessible  situations  and 
deliberately  remove  the  eggs  or,  what  is  more  to  he  deplored,  the  helpless  young  and  de- 
vour them  in  spite  of  the  cries  of  the  distracted  pap'iits  who  are  powerless  to  prevent  the 
outrage,  as  the  aggressors  are  both  strong  and  agile.  So  frequently  were  these  depreda- 
tions committed  upon  the  homes  of  the  Robins  and  other  birds,  that  built  about  my  [place 
this  season,  that  there  was  scarcely  an  hour  in  the  day  during  early  summer  when  I  coul.l 


150  QUISCALUS  VERSICOLOR. 

not  hear  the  warning  cries  of  the  adult  birds,  followed  by  the  harsh,  scolding  notes  of  the 
Crow  Blackbird  as  he  was  vigorously  attacked  on  all  sides,  but  he  seldom  retreated  with- 
out accomplishing  his  purpose.  Such  continuous  slaughter  must  greatly  thin  the  ranks  of 
the  birds  that  are  thus  robbed  and  it  will  be  safe  to  say  that  the  Purple  Grackles  destroy 
more  birds  than  all  the  other  predatory  species  combined.  The  sufferers  quickly  forget 
their  wrongs,  for  it  is  only  during  the  breeding  season  or  when  the  young  are  small  that 
they  exhibit  any  enmity  toward  the  Blackbirds,  and  I  have  seen  the  Grackles  amicably 
eating  cherries  in  company  with  a  large  number  of  smaller  birds,  composed  of  half  a  dozen 
species. 

In  Florida,  where  the  Purple  Grackles  are  very  tame,  they  also  eat  a  variety  of  food. 
In  early  Winter  large  flocks  may  be  seen  on  the  tops  of  the  palmettoes,  feeding  on  the 
fruit,  and  they  also  eat  berries  in  their  season.  Later  small  flocks  are  found  on  the  mar- 
gin of  streams,  frequently  wading  into  them  in  search  of  little  mollusks,  crabs,  etc.,  and  it 
is  not  rare  to  meet  with  one  or  two  scattering  individuals  in  the  thick  hummocks,  overturn- 
ing the  leaves  in  order  to  find  insects  or  small  reptiles  Avhich  they  devour.  I  once  saw 
one  catch  a  lizard  which  was  crawling  over  the  fan-like  frond  of  a  palmetto,  and  fly  with 
it  to  the  ground.  The  reptile  squirmed  all  the  while  in  its  frantic  endeavors  to  escape, 
but  the  Blackbird  held  it  firmly  and,  after  beating  it  to  death,  removed  the  skin  as  adroitly 
as  if  accustomed  to  the  operation,  then  swallowed  the  body. 

The  harsh,  guttural  notes  of  the  Purple  Grackle  can  scarcely  be  called  a  song  but,  like 
all  the  other  Blackbirds,  they  make  great  display  when  uttering  them.  The  performance 
is  given  while  the  birds  are  perched  upon  some  elevated  situation,  and  I  have  frequently 
heard  an  entire  flock,  composed  of  some  hundreds  of  individuals,  thus  employed.  As  each 
evidently  tried  to  surpass  the  others  in  emitting  the  rasping  squeal,  they  succeeded  admi- 
rably in  producing  much  more  noise  than  music.  The  notes  of  the  local  race  found  in 
Florida  differ  from  those  which  occur  in  the  North  in  being  much  more  disagreeable,  if 
that  were  possible,  for  they  are  somewhat  harsher. 

The  young  leave  the  nest  by  the  last  week  in  June  and  become  fledged  by  the  middle 
of  July,  when  they  accompany  their  parents  and  all  gradually  gather  in  flocks,  so  that  by 
the  first  of  October  vast  numbers  have  accumulated.  They  always  select  some  particular 
spot,  usually  a  thick  swamp,  as  a  roosting  place,  to  which  they  return  regularly  every  even- 
ing, coming  in  small  flocks,  and  continuing  to  arrive  until  long  after  twilight.  They  are 
quite  watchful  even  during  dark  nights,  for  if  a  gun  be  discharged  in  one  of  these  resorts 
all  of  the  birds  will  rise  at  once  and  many  will  fly  away  to  neighboring  woods  while  others 
will  return  after  a  time,  but  if  disturbed  very  often  they  will  abandon  the  place  entirely. 
By  November  when  the  leaves  are  falling,  they  migrate,  lingering  for  a  time  in  Pennsyl- 
vania, where  such  quanities  accumulate  that  the  vast  flocks  fairly  darken  the  air.  They 
move  in  exceedingly  compact  bodies,  flying  so  closely  together  that  it  seems  impossible 
for  them  to  use  their  wings  at  all,  yet  they  fly  very  swiftly,  and  when  one  of  these  living 
clouds  is  passing  overhead  the  sound  produced  by  their  pinions  resembles  that  of  rushing 
water.  The  Crow  Blackbirds  take  their  final  departure  for  the  South  before  the  first  of 
November. 


QUISCALUS  MAJOR.  151 

QUISCALUS  MAJOB. 
Boat-tailed  Grackle. 

Quiscalus  major  VIKIUOT,  Xoiiv.  Diet.  XXVIII,  1819,  487. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  Feet,  very  stout.  Tongue,  long,  thin  and  horny,  deeply  bifid  at  tip,  and  pro- 
vided with  a  fringe  of  cilia  which  extends  along  the  sides  for  the  terminal  fourth,* black  in  color.  Sternum  stout. 

COLOR.  Adult  male.  Uniform  lustrous  black  throughout,  with  purplish-blue  reflections  on  the  head,  neck,  and  upper 
breast,  and  greenish  on  the  remainder  of  the  body,  being  duller  on  the  wings  and  tail.  Iris,  reddish  brown.  Bill  and  feet, 
black. 

Adult  female.  Dark-brown  above,  becoming  reddish  on  the  head,  with  a  greenish  gloss  on  the  back,  wings,  and  tail. 
Si' Its  of  head,  dusky,  with  a  superciliary  line  of  yellowish-brown.  Beneath  yellowish-brown,  becoming  darker  on  the  sides, 
flanks,  and  under  tail  coverts.  Iris,  hill,  and  feet  as  in  the  male. 

Young.  The  mules  lack  the  bright  reflections  and  the  feathers  of  the  breast  show  whitish  edgings.  The  female  is 
much  paler  beneath. 

Nestlings.  Similar  to  the  young  female  but  much  paler  beneath,  especially  on  the  throat  and  abdomen.  There  is  also 
a  strong  o\erwashing  of  yellowish-brown  above.  Bill  and  feet,  brown. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

There  is  little  or  no  variation  in  birds  of  the  same  age  and  sex  from  the  same  locality.  Readily  distinguished  by  the  large 
si/e  and  colors  as  described.  Distributed  in  summer  from  Florida  to  the  Carolinas  and  throughout  the  Gulf  States.  Win- 
ters in  the  more  southern  ]>ortions. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  thirty  male  specimens  from  Florida.  Length,  15'95;  stretch ,  22'70;  wing,  6'35;  tail,  G-45; 
bill.  l'G2;  tarsus,  1'95.  Loiigc-t  specimen,  16'90;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  25'00;  longest  wing,  7'70:  tail,  7'40;  bill,  2-00; 
tar-us,  3-05.  Shortest  specimen,  15'(»0;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  20'50;  shortest  wing,  5'00;  tail,  5'50;  bill;  1'25;  tarsus  , 
1-40. 

\  rug';  measurements  of  twenty  female  specimens  from  Florida.  Length,  12'74;  stretch,  17'35;  wing,  5'G2;  tail, 
5'30;  bill,  1-38;  tarsus,  1-31.  Longest  specimen,  13'50;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  18'00;  longest  wing,  5'95;  tail,  5'60;  bill, 
1-50;  tarsus,  MO.  Shortest  specimen,  12'00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  16'70;  shortest  wing,  5'40;  tail,  5'00;  bill,  1'25;  tar- 
sus, 1-25. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  grass  anil  bushes.  They  are  large,  compact  structures  composed  of  coarse  grass  and  weeds,  lined  with 
fine  trpass.  Dimensions;  external  diameter,  8'IK),  internal,  4-00.  External  depth,  5'00,  internal,  3'00. 

Eyys,  from  three  to  four  in  number,  oval  in  form,  pale-blue  in  color,  clearly  lined  and  spotted  with  brown  and  umber. 
The  lines  are  well  defined  on  the  edges,  but  the  ground  color  is  often  clouded  with  brownish.  Dimensions  from  l'35x  '90 
to  l-20x-80. 

HABITS. 

Among  the  most  noticeable  land  birds  of  Florida  are  the  Boat-tailed  Gracklcs.  This 
is  partly  due  to  their  large  size,  but  is  mainly  owing  to  the  fact  that  they  make  themselves 
conspicuous  by  their  loud  notes  and  ostentatious  display.  As  they  are  generally  regarded 
as  harmless  birds  they  are  seldom  molested  and  thus  have  acquired  confidence  in  man,  be- 
coming very  tame.  Indeed  they  are  the  most  unsuspicious  of  any  birds  of  such  large  sixo 
that  I  ever  saw,  and  I  have  frequently  passed  within  two  yards  of  them  as  they  sat  on  the 
low  lm~!irs  on  the  bank  of  the  river.  But  wherever  the  tourists  go,  they  are  prone  to  shoot 
everything  that  they  see,  and  the  Jackdaws,  as  they  are  called,  soon  become  aware  of  this 
propensity,  so  that  they  are  very  shy  about  cities  or  towns.  Being  remarkable  sagacious 
birds  they  do  not  remain  long  where  they  are  persecuted,  but  retreat  to  wilder  sections 


152  BOAT-TAILED  GRACKLE. 

where  they  are  very  abundant,  and  where  I  have  had  many  opportunities  of  observing  their 
habits. 

Like  the  preceding  species,  the  flight  of  the  Boat-tailed  Grackles  is  somewhat  heavy 
and  decidedly  marked,  for  the  long,  keel-shaped  tail  gives  the  bird  a  peculiar  appearance 
and  looks  as  if  it  were  too  heavy  for  the  remainder  of  the  body  which  is  often  kept  at  an 
inclination,  with  the  head  highest.  I  do  not  think  these  birds  are  as  agile  in  aerial  evolu- 
tions as  the  other  Blackbirds  for  they  seldom  wheel  in  circles,  but  fly  more  in  a  direct  line; 
in  fact  this  species  is  characterized  by  their  dignified  movements,  even  when  walking. 
They  spend  a  great  portion  of  their  time  on  the  ground,  frequenting  the  neighborhood  of 
streams  and  other  bodies  of  water  into  which  they  wade  in  search  of  small  mollusks,  crabs, 
etc.  Throughout  the  winter  these  Blackbirds  assemble  in  large  flocks,  some  of  which  are 
wholly  made  up  of  males  while  others  are  composed  mainly  of  females,  but  by  the  first  of 
March  these  large  assemblies  break  up  into  smaller  companies  and  both  sexes  come  to- 
gether. Then  the  males  begin  to  sing,  but  perhaps  I  am  violating  the  rules  of  harmony 
when  I  call  this  peculiar  lay  a  song.  Yet,  although  the  chirp  is  much  harsher  than  that 
of  the  Crow  Blackbird,  the  remainder  of  the  performance  is  much  different.  It  consists 
of  a  series  of  sharp,  short,  though  clear,  energetic  notes  uttered  somewhat  rapidly,  and 
taken  in  connection  with  the  primeval  surroundings,  produces  an  effect  which  is  exceed- 
ingly pleasing. 

As  I  have  remarked  before,  the  east  side  of  the  Indian  River  is  mainly  composed  of 
dry  prairies  through  which  are  interspersed  little  ponds.  The  space  occupied  by  the  water 
is  small,  but  it  is  surrounded  by  a  belt  of  marshy  ground,  of  a  greater  or  less  extent,  which 
has  thickly  grown  to  high,  coarse  saw  grass.  This  rank  herbage  which  is  often  six  feet 
high,  is  the  chosen  resort  of  the  Boat-tailed  Grackles,  and  the  nests  are  fastened  to  the 
large  stems.  Sometimes  there  will  be  willows  near  the  water,  and  on  a  few  occasions  I 
have  found  the  nests  in  them.  The  average  height  of  the  structures  above  the  surface 
was  four  feet,  but  I  took  one  from  a  branch  of  a  tree  that  was  placed  ten  feet  from  the 
ground. 

This  was  quite  exceptional,  in  fact  it  is  rare  to  find  them  elsewhere  than  in  the  grass 
The  birds  began  to  breed  in  the  Everglades  by  the  second  week  in  March,  and  I  found 
them  nesting  in  the  rushes  in  the  islands  at  Salt  Lake  by  the  seventeenth  of  the  month, 
but  it  was  as  late  a«  the  third  of  April  when  I  visited  the  breeding  ground  mentioned  a- 
bove.  The  eggs  had  evidently  been  deposited  for  some  time,  as  they  nearly  all  contained 
embryos,  but  some  were  fresh.  The  usual  number  was  two,  indeed  out  of  at  least  thirty 
nests  only  one  contained  three.  Farther  south,  in  the  Everglades  and  in  the  Indian  Hunt- 
ing Grounds,  I  almost  always  found  three. 

This  is  all  that  I  ever  obtained  but  Mr.  C.  H.  Nauman  has  taken  four,  three  are, 
however,  the  usual  number  deposited.  The  birds  were  quite  solicitous  for  thesafetyof  their 
eggs,  chirping  loudly  and  alighting  quite  near  us.  The  males  were  present  and  evinced 
considerable  interest,  for  they  elevated  the  feathers  on  their  heads,  fluttered  their  wings 
and  joined  in  the  general  outcry.  But  they  have  a  singular  way  of  exhibiting  their  excite- 
ment which  I  never  observed  in  any  other  species,  for  they  draw  the  nictitating  membrane 


COR V US  CARN1VOUS.  153 

of  the  eye  backwards  and  forwards  very  rapidly.  At  this  time  they  .also  uttered  a  croak 
which  resembled  the  alarm  note  of  the  Green  Heron.  I  do  not  think  that  the  males  share 
in  the  duties  of  incubation  but  they  certainly  care  for  the  young  when  they  appear.  I 
found  the  fully  fledged  nestlings  flying  at  Lake  llaruey  by  the  first  week  in  May,  and  Mr. 
Naiunan  writes  me  that  they  bring  out  two  or  even  three  broods  in  one  season.  I  have 
u  the  Boat-tailed  Crackles  as  far  north  as  Pamlico  Sound  in  North  Carolina,  on  the 
twentieth  of  November,  and  at  Siuithville  on  the  twenty-second,  but  I  did  not  meet  with 
them  after  this  along  the  coast  until  we  reached  the  St.  John's  River.  This  was  during 
the  cold  season  of.  1876-77  when  they  would  be  much  more  likely  to  seek  warmer  quarters. 
I  do  not  think,  however,  that  they  remain  above  Florida  during  winter,  but  they  migrate 
northward  in  the  spring  as  fa-r,  at  least,  as  Virginia. 

FAMILY  XVII.     CORVID^E.     THE  CROWS  AND  JAYS. 

Upper  mandible,  more  or  less  curved  and  usually  notched.  Lawcr  mandible,  not  swollen  at  base.  Nostrils,  almost  al- 
ways i-iin-rtil  iril/i  projfi-tini/  lirislles.  Coracoids,  shorter  than  top  of  keel  which  it  moderately  high,  liut  not  exceeding  in 
hiii/lit  one  third  the  length  of  the  coracoids.  Marginal  indentations  not  exceeding  in  depth  the  heiyht  of  the  keel.  Primaries, 
ten. 

This  Family  is  largely  represented  in  the  Old  Word  as  well  as  in  the  New.  There  Is  an  apparent  resemblance  to  some 
members  of  the  preceding  Family,  but  the  bristly  feathers  of  the  bill,  ten  primaries,  and  the  peculiar  form  of  the  sternum 
will  serve  to  distinguish  them.  The  coeca  are  very  well  developed,  and  the  stomach  is  usually  quite  muscular.  The  fe- 
male-, do  not  differ  from  the  males,  or  at  least  in  our  native  species. 

GENUS  I.  CORVUS.  THE  CROWS. 

(ins.  Cu.  Bill,  stout,  altout  as  long  as  the  head.  Upper  mandible,  curved.  Wings,  much  longer  than  the  tail  which  is 
roundnl.  .V<  rnum,  welt  proportioned  with  the  expanded,  termination  of  thefuratla  short.  Marginal  indentations,  very 
shallow.  Size,  large. 

The  prevailing  colors  are  black.  The  five  pairs  of  laryngeal  muscles  of  this  genus  are  particularly  distinct  and  will 
to  illustrate  this  character  as  given  under  Section  I,  Osctnes.  (Sje  plate  VI.  Nos.,  1,3,3,  and  4,  of  which  explanations 
are  given  at  the  end  of  this  section.) 

CORVUS  CARNIVOTJS. 

American  Raven. 
Corvus  carnivous  BARTRAM,  Travels  in  E.  Flu;  1793,  290. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sr.  Cu.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  Feet,  stout.  Tongue,  somewhat  fleshy,  but  thin  and  horny  at  tip,  which  is  bi- 
fid, and  provided  with  a  terminal  cilia  which  extends  along  the  sides,  black  in  color.  Sternum,  stout.  Feathers  of  neck 
ami  throat,  lanre-^liapnl. 

OR.     Adult  male.     Lustrous  black  throughout,  with  purplish  reflections  which  are  more  noticeable  on  the  back, 
•  nd  brrast.     Hill  and  feet,  black. 

Young  nf  the  year.  Quite  similar  to  the  adult  but  considerably  duller.  The  bill  is  brownish  and  the  soles  of  the  feet, 
lighter. 

Nestlings,  Uniform  dull  brownish-block  beneath.     Head  above,  darker.     The  wings  and  tail  arc  lustrous  with  purplish 
tion-s,  as  in  the  above  for  the  feathers  are  not  moulted.     Bill  and  feet,  brown.     Sexes,  similar  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

There  is  little  or  no  variation  excepting  in  size,  which  depends  greatly  upon  the  locality.  Winter  birds  are  brighter  in 
color.  Readily  known  by  the  superior  size,  and  li>.m-c-sliapcd  feathers  on  the  neck.  Distributed  as  a  eoustnut  resident 
throughout  Eastern  North  America  north  of  Massachusetts  and  everywhere  WWt  of  the  MteMppi  River.  Rare  in  the 
Alleglmny  Mountains  and  on  the  coast  of  New  Jcr 

HIIiDS  01    FU>KII>A.  20 


1 54  AMERICAN  RA  VEN. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  fifteen  male  specimens  from  North  America.  Length,  23'20;  stretch,  50'50;  wing,  16-50;  tail, 
9-90;  bill,  250;  tarsus,  2'48.  Longest  specimen,  25-00;  greatest  extent  of  win;;,  56-00;  longest  wing,  17-50;  tail,  UH)5;  bill, 
2-78;  tarsus,  2-66.  Shortest  specimen,  21-40;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  46-00;  shortest  wing,  15-50;  tail,  9-06;  bill,  2-40; 
tarsus,  2-35. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  trees  or  on  cliffs.  They  are  bulky,  compact  structures  composed  of  sticks,  lined  with  coarse  grass 
and  sea-weed.  Dimensions;  (approximate)  external  diameter,  36-00,  internal,  IS'OO.  External  depth,  18-00,  internal,  6'00. 

Eygs,  from  four  to  five  in  number,  dark-green  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  with  grayish  and  black.  Dimensions  from 
1-70x1-35  to  l-MOxl-45. 

HABITS. 

When  the  thick,  white  fog  hangs  like  a  pall  over  the  Magdalen  Islands  quite  obscur- 
ing the  surrounding  water  and  causing  the  steep,  conical,  grass-covered  hills  near  at  hand, 
to  look  like  dim,  greenish  clouds  suspended  in  mid  air;  when  nothing  is  to  be  heard  save 
the  monotonous,  never-ceasing  sound  of  waves  beating  at  the  base  of  the  higk  cliffs,  and 
the  east  wind  coming  fresh  from  the  ice-bergs  which  float  in  the  mighty  ocean  not  far 
away,  is  as  chilly  as  a  breath  from  the  tomb;  when  all  objects  appear  so  distorted  and  un- 
real in  the  misty  light,  that  one  seems  transported  to  another  world;  then  a  harsh  croak  is 
heard  sounding  out  with  such  sudden  distinctness  as  to  be  startling. 

One  who  is  unaccustomed  to  the  locality  gazes  about  in  amazement  for  there  is  not 
a  living  thing  in  sight,  and  the  cry  was  so  weird  and  coincided  so  perfectly  with  the  gloomy 
surroundings  as  to  suggest  that  it  was  of  supernatural  origin.  Again  the  uncouth  note  is 
repeated,  but  nearer,  harsher  and  more  real,  and  then  the  eye  guided  by  the  sound,  sees 
a  black  shape  gliding  through  the  mist.  Then  another  appears  and  still  another,  followed 
by  half  a  dozen  more,  while  the  air  is  filled  with  dismal  croakings.  One  can  by  this  time 
discern  that  the  mysterious  sounds  are  produced  by  Ravens  which  are  returning  from  a 
predatory  excursion  to  some  neighboring  island,  for  these  black  pirates  take  advantage  of 
the  obscuring  fog  in  order  to  rob  the  nests  of  various  sea-birds  which  breed  near. 

The  Ravens  subsist  largely  by  pillage,  at  least  during  summer,  eating  the  eggs  and 
destroying  the  young  of  other  birds.  They  also  attack  small  lambs,  picking  out  their  eyes, 
thus  causing  their  death,  and  they  will  sometimes  kill  large  sea-birds.  Dr.  E.  L.  Sturte- 
vant  informed  me  that  he  was  at  one  time  standing  on  a  beach  at  Grand  Menan,  when  ho 
saw  a  Gannet  soaring  very  high  in  air  with,  what  appeared  to  be,  a  black  spot  above  and 
below  it.  The  bird  seemed  distressed  and  continued  to  mount  upwards  until  both  dark 
spots  were  seen  to  be  above  it,  when  suddenly  it  fell  from  that  immense  height,  struck 
the  ground,  and  was  actually  dashed  to  pieces  by  the  force  of  the  shock.  Dr.  Sturtevant 
approached  it,  when  a  Raven  sprang  from  the  body  and  flew  away.  These  birds  also  eat 
fish  or  any  other  dead  animals  thrown  up  by  the  waves. 

The  Ravens  prefer  the  bleak,  wind-swept  islands  along  the  coast  and  build  their  nests 
on  the  rocky  shelves  of  high  cliffs.  They  always  choose  the  most  inaccessible  situations 
that  are  available,  often  placing  their  bulky  domiciles  in  a  niche  which  is  so  small  that  it 
can  hardly  contain  it.  The  newly  hatched  young  must  be  very  tenacious  of  life,  or  the 


COKVVS  AMKKICANUS.  155 

l);in'iits  must  guard  thorn  very  assiduously,  for  their  homes  are  often  placed  in  localities 
where  they  are  Cully  exposed  to  storms.  1  saw  one  on  the  naked  face  of  a  cliff  at  Bird 
K  ).-k  where  every  blast  coining  from  the  north-east  must  have  blown  against  it.  This  was 
in  July  so  the  nest  was  empty,  but  the  Light  Keeper  assured  me  that  the  eggs  were  de- 
posited as  early  as  the  first  of  April  and  that  the  adult  birds -had  succeeded  in  rearing  a 
brood  which  had  ilown  away  some  time  before  my  visit.  A  week  or  two  earlier,  in  June, 
I  found  a  nest  containing  young  on  a  high  cliff  at  Amherst  Island.  We  were  unable  to 
reach  it  without  incurring  great  risk  even  with  the  aid  of  ropes,  but  we  succeeded  in 
gaining  a  point  quite  near  it  where  we  could  observe  the  young.  The  adults  exhibited 
considerable  solicitude,  as  they  flew  distractedly  about  occasionally  giving  their  harsh 
cries,  but  taking  great  care,  however,  not  to  approach  within  gunshot  of  us.  Caution 
appears  to  be  a  special  attribute  of  the  Ravens  for  it  is  extremely  difficult  to  procure  a  shot 
at  one,  but,  as  they  fly  badly  during  a  high  wind  which  sweeps  them  out  of  their  course, 
they  are  frequently  blown  within  shooting  distance  and  my  friend,  Mr.  G.  W.  Brown,  suc- 
ceeded in  procuring  one  or  two  perfectly  adult  specimens  in  this  way,  but  as  this  was  in 
in  July  they  were  moulting  badly. 

The  movements  of  the  Ravens  are  much  heavier  than  those  of  the  Common  Crow 
which  they  resemble  in  many  respects,  and  their  flight  is  slower,  but  they  sail  more  often 
circling  about  high  over  head.  These  birds  are  migratory,  large  numbers  coming  from 
the  north  to  the  Magdalen  Islands  and  to  Grand  Menan  during  the  winter.  They  are  much 
tamer  during  the  severe  cold  weather  and,  as  they  give  considerable  trouble  by  killing 
lambs  as  previously  stated,  the  farmers  at  the  latter  named  place  are  obliged  to  shoot  them 
in  self-defense.  Thus  I  knew  one  man  who  managed  to  secure  sixteen  in  a  single  day  but 
they  were  unusually  abundant  that  season.  I  think  that  they  breed  in  the  White  Moun- 
tains and  also  at  Tyngsboro',  Massachusetts,  for  I  had  a  nestling  fully  fledged  which  was 
obtained  at  the  latter  named  place  by  Mr.  Will  Perham  who  states  that  he  is  positive  they 
nest  in  the  vicinity.  I  have  seen  them  on  one  or  two  occasions  in  the  Alleghany  Moun- 
tains but  they  are  very  rare  there,  while  they  are  occasionally  found  on  the  coast  of  New 
Jersey. 

COEVTJS  AMEEICANUS. 

Common  Crow. 
Corvus  Americanus.  AUD.  Orn.  Biog;  II;  1834,  317. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  quite  roboat  Si/e,  medium.  Feet,  stout.  Tongue,  somewhat  fleshy,  but  thin  and  liorny  at  the  tip, 
I'ifi'l,  ;>nd  provided  with  terminal  cilia  which  extends  along  the  sides,  black  in  color.  Sternum, rather  stout.  Feathers  of 
'he  nock,  not  lanoe-Bbaped.  Feet.  large1.  Middle  toe  and  claw,  shorter  than  the  tnrsu-i. 

•ii.     A'/ull.     Uniform,  lustrous  Mack   throughout,  with  violet  reflections  which  are  brightest  on  the  l>ack,  wings, 
nnd  tail.     JSill  ;ind  feet,  black. 

Young.  Arc  much  duller  throughout,  an  1  the  feather*  on  the  head  and  neck  nre  slightly  grayish.  Mill,  somewhat 
lighter  at  tip. 

NsstKngt.  Uniform,  dull  brownish-black,  witb  the  wings  and  tail  lustrous,  for  they  are  not  moulted.  Bill  and  Int. 
brown.  .S.-\cs,  >imilar  iu  all  sta^'i-*. 


156  COMMON  CROW. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

There  is  little  or  no  variation  in  birds  of  the  same  age  from  the  same  locality,  Imt  Florida  specimens  are  smaller  witli 
large  bills  and  feet.  Readily  distinguished  from  the  closely  allied  ossifrayvs  by  the  large  size  of  the  feet  and  the  shorter 
middle  toe.  Distributed  in  summer  throughout  North  America,  retreating  into  the  United  States  in  winter. 

DIMENSIONS. 

•  Average  measurements  often  specimens  from  New  England.  Length,  19-50;  stretch,  27'50;  wing,  12-30;  tail,  fi  -!fcj; 
bill,  2-25;  tarsus,  2'30.  Longest  specimen,  21-00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  38'00;  longest  wing,  12'GO;  tail,  7'50;  bill,  2'50; 
tarsus,  2-20.  Shortest  specimen,  18-00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  36'00;  shortest  wing,  12'00;  tail,  6-25;  bill,  2-00;  tar- 
sus, 2-00. 

Average  measurements  of  six  specimens  from  Florida.  Length,  18-22;  stretch,  35-40;  wing,  21-65;  tail,  7'25;  bill, 
2-30;  tarsus,  2-29.  Longest  specimen,  19-45;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  37-90;  longest  wing,  12-50;  tail,  8-00;  bill,  2-60; 
tarsus,  2-58.  Shortest  specimen,  17-00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  33'00;  shortest  wing,  10'80;  tail,  6'50;  bill,  2'00;  tarsus, 
2-00. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  trees.  They  are  large  structures  composed  of  sticks,  lined  with  grass,  weeds,  hair,  etc.  Dimensions; 
external  diameter,  18-00,  internal,  lO'OO.  External  depth,  10-00,  internal,  4'00. 

Eyys,  from  three  to  five  in  number,  oval  in  form,  varying  from  pale  to  dark-green  in  color,  spotted  and^  blotched  with 
yellowish  and  grayish-brown.  Dimension*  from  l'55x  I'lO  to  2'OOx  T30. 

HABITS. 

Among  the  first  birds  that  I  remember  noticing  were  the  Crows.  I  must  have  been 
very  young,  yet  the  earliest  impression  that  I  received  regarding  them  was  their  extreme 
shyness,  and  the  members  of  this  species  which  I  have  met  in  the  North  have  ever  taken 
the  greatest  pains  to  confirm  this  idea.  Sagacity  is  certainly  one  of  the  prime  character- 
istics of  the  Crow  and  sagaciousn»ss  has  taught  them  that  all  members  of  the  human  family, 
of  whatever  age,  sex,  or  color,  are  their  mortal  enemies.  Any  one  in  our  section  who  has 
endeavored  to  shoot  them  will  bear  testimony  to  this  and,  furthermore,  many  affirm  that 
the  birds  are  accurate  mathematicians,  being  enabled  to  calculate  to  an  inch  the  distance 
a  gun  will  send  shot,  and  thus  tantalizingly  keep  just  out  of  range.  Although  I  cannot 
exactly  confirm  this  statement,  I  do  know  that  the  birds  very  quickly  learn  where  they 
are  safe  and  where  they  must  be  cautious.  For  example,  there  is  an  estate  not  far  from 
my  place  where  no  one  ever  shoots,  as  the  owner  has  banished  all  guns  from  his  land. 
Birds  of  many  species  build  there  and  among  them  are  two  or  three  pairs  of  Crows.  These 
wary  birds  are  as  unsuspicious  as  Robins  when  at  home  and  I  have  frequently  walked 
within  twenty  yards  of  them,  but  they  are  as  shy  as  any  of  their  comrades  whenever 
they  visit  neighboring  farms. 

I  found  them  very  tame  in  Florida,  where  they  are  always  abundant,  excepting  in 
the  immediate  vicinity  of  settlements,  and  at  first  it  appeared  quite  odd  to  see  Crows 
alight  within  a  dozen  yards  of  me  without  the  slightest  indication  of  fear.  These  birds  in 
Massachusetts  have  a  peculiar  way  of  jetting  the  tail  and  of  keeping  the  head  erect  as  if 
constantly  on  the  lookout  for  danger,  but  the  southern  race  is  much  more  indolent,  for  I 
never  remember  observing  this  habit.  They  simply  gazed  at  me  quietly  and  then,  if  I  ap- 
proached too  near,  would  give  a  caw  or  two  and  fly  to  the  next  tree.  They  are  mainly 
found  in  the  piney  woods,  seldom  visiting  the  prairies  or  hummocks,  and  they  are  also  rare 
on  the  plantations  where  I  never  knew  of  their  being  in  the  least  troublesome. 


COK  V  UK  A  MEXICAN  US.  1 57 

In  Massachusetts  the  Crows,  most  unfortunately  for  the  fanner,  frequent  the  open 
country  and  are  ready,  at  tin-  slightest  notice  but  without  any  special  invitation,  to  feast 
on  the  newly  sown  grain  or  pull  up  the  freshly  sprouted  corn.  They  are  also  very  fond 
of  this  latter  named  article  of  diet  when  the  ears  are  in  the  milk,  that  is  just  before  ripen- 
ing. All  these  depredations  are  committed  in  such  a  sly  manner  that  the  thieves  elude 
completely  the  intended  vengeance  of  the  husbandman.  They  are  in  the  fields  at  break 
of  day  or  take  advantage  of  a  temporary  absence  of  the  guardian  of  the  crops.  Scare- 
crows, no  matter  how  artistically  constructed,  lose  their  sham  terrors  after  a  time  and 
other  inventions  for  frightening  them  almost  always  fail.  In  short  they  are  bound  to  have 
their  fill  and  will  not  be  driven  away  from  any  locality  where  they  get  good  living,  until 
one  or  two  are  slain  and  the  bodies  of  the  offenders  are  exposed  on  the  spot  where  they 
committed  their  venturesome  forays.  Then  the  survivors  take  the  hint  and  depart  but, 
persistent  to  the  last,  only  wing  their  way  to  some  neighboring  farm  where  they  will 
commence-their  ravages  with  fresh  vigor. 

I  found  the  Crows  building  in  the  tops  of  high  pine  trees  at  Miami  about  the  first 
week  of  April.  The  time  of  breeding  in  Massachusetts  varies  somewhat  with  the  season 
but  the  eggs  are  usually  deposited  by  the  first  week  of  May.  In  most  districts  they  se- 
lect high  pines  but  I  have  found  the  nests  at  Ipswich  in  apple  trees  not  ten  feet  from  the 
ground.  These  birds  are  not  very  shy  in  this  latter  named  section  as  they  are  seldom  dis- 
turbed, for  they  obtain  the  greater  portion  of  their  food  about  the  creeks  and  on  the  marshes, 
seldom  molesting  the  crops.  The  voice  of  the  Crow  is  harsh  but  the  caw  is  rather  enliv- 
ening, especially  in  winter.  This  note  is  all  that  they  usually  utter  but  occasionally  they 
emit  a  peculiar  cry  consisting  of  four  or  five  notes,  pitched  in  a  high  key.  It  appears  at 
first  thought  that  the  cawing  Crows  should  hardly  be  placed  in  the  same  section  with  the 
Mucking  Bird,  White-throated  Sparrow,  and  other  species  that  pour  forth  such 'charming 
melodies.  Not  only  are  the  notes  of  the  Crow  capable  of  considerable  modulation,  as  has 
been  illustrated  by  keeping  them  in  confinement  and  instructing  them,  but  they  also  have 
a  kind  of  song  which  is  given  during  the  breeding  season.  It  may  seem  absurd  to  talk 
about  Crows  singing,  but  having  heard  their  performance,  I  can  bear  testimony  to  its  ex- 
cellence, that  is  comparatively  speaking. 

I  was  once  watching  a-  pair  of  Crows  that  were  building  in  a  small  grove  in  Newton- 
ville  and,  as  I  had  succeeded  in  gaining  a  place  of  concealment  not  far  from  the  birds, 
without  attracting  their  attention,  had  a  fine  opportunity  of  observing  their  movements, 
while  they  were  entirely  unconscious  of  my  presence.  The  first  thing  that  I  noticed  was 
a  peculiar  sound  which  somewhat  resembled  the  cooing  of  a  Dove,  but  it  was  far  more 
musical.  As  only  one  of  the  birds  was  discernible  from  where  I  stood,  I  could  not  at  first 
make  out  from  what  direction  it  came,  but  after  a  moment,  moved  slightly,  when  I  saw  at 
once  that  the  author  of  this  singular  melody  was  no  other  than  a  Crow,  evidently  a  male, 
lie  was  seated  on  the  limb  of  a  tree  by  the  side  of  bis  mate  and  was  behaving  in  an  odd 
manner  for  so  grave  a  bird.  Jlo  would  move  sideways  on  his  perch,  bow  his  head,  spread 
his  tail,  and  droop  his  wings,  at  the  same  time  giving  utterance  to  the  cooing  note.  The 
female  watched  him  demurely  all  the  while  but  made  no  demonstrations  whatever,  and, 


158  COMMON  enow. 

after  performing  some  five  minutes,  both  flew  away.  Another  habit  which  I  have  observed 
relative  to  the  breeding  of  the  Crows,  is  that  sometimes  three  birds  will  be  engaged  in 
building  one  nest  and  then  all  will  remain  about  it  until  the  eggs  are  hatched.  I  have 
noted  this  upon  several  occasions  during  different  years,  but  of  what  sex  the  odd  bird  was 
I  am  unable  to  say,  yet  as  I  have  found  the  usual  number  of  eggs  in  the  nest  upon  two 
occasions,  judge  that  it  is  either  a  barren  female  or  a  male. 

In  winter  the  Crows  come  down  from  the  north  in  countless  numbers  and  frequent 
the  sea  shore  in  small  flocks.  At  this  season  they  subsist  on  animal  and  other  edible  food 
thrown  up  by  the  tide,  but  during  the  severest  weather,  when  the  earth  is  covered  with 
snow  and  the  creeks,  rivers,  and  bays  are  ice-bound,  they  undergo  many  hardships.  I 
have  frequently  seen  them  with  both  feet  frozen  so  stiff  that  they  were  unable  to  walk,  and 
in  this  condition  they  were  endeavoring  to  procure  food  from  the  margin  of  the  ice  where 
the  water  which  dashed  over  them  with  every  wave  froze  almost  as  soon  as  it  struck,  and 
their  tails  and  wings  became  clogged  with  ice.  It  seems  strange  that  these  birds  will  re- 
main in  such  an  inhospitable  region  where  they  must  suffer  greatly,  when  a  few  hours' 
flight  would  carry  them  to  much  warmer  quarters.  It  is  noticeable,  however,  that  a  large 
•quantity  of  the  Crows  do  migrate  just  before  storms,  returning  in  milder  weather.  The 
few  that  remain  more  in  the  interior  of  the  country  fare  better,  for  they  have  thick  woods 
to  which  they  can  retreat  and,  as  they  are  of  a  provident  disposition,  they  lay  up  stores 
of  corn,  acorns,  etc.  which  they  hide  in  holes  of  trees  or  bury  in  the  ground.  It  is  inter- 
esting to  watch  a  Crow  when  he  is  endeavoring  to  find  one  of  these  caches.  He  will  fly 
across  a  snow-covered  field  where  he  has  made  his  deposit  and,  after  taking  a  turn  or  two, 
evidently  misled  at  first  by  the  changes  which  the  weather  has  made,  soon  alights  and  con- 
fidently proceeds  to  a  small  mound,  but  a  moment's  scrutiny  of  this  satisfies  him.  He  then 
turns  to  another  but  with  no  better  success,  next  he  pauses  an  instant  to  take  a  better  sur- 
vey and  to  refresh  his  memory,  when  he  hops  briskly  a  few  yards,  gives  two  or  three  strokes 
with  his  powerful  beak,  and  unearths  his  treasure.  It  is  also  observable  that  he  is  silent 
until  he  has  completed  the  discovery  and  devoured  his  lunch,  then  he  gives  a  few  trium- 
phant caws  as  he  flies  slowly  away. 

The  Crows  form  a  self-constituted  police  force,  being  constantly  on  the  lookout  for 
offenders,  and  when  an  Owl  or  Hawk  appears  within  the  bounds  of  their  jurisdiction,  some 
will  give  chase,  sounding  the  peculiar  notes  which  call  others,  until  the  unfortunate  intrud- 
er is  surrounded  by  a  mob,  all  of  whom  vociferate  loudly.  They  will  not  desist  until  the 
object  of  their  alarm  has  taken  its  departure  or  hidden  itself.  Besides  these  gatherings, 
the  reason  for  which  is  obvious,  the  Crows  often  assemble  for  no  apparent  object.  They 
will  occasionally  gather  in  large  numbers,  generally  selecting  a  few  scattering  trees  which 
stand  in  an  open  country  as  a  place  of  rendezvous,  but  I  can  give  no  plausible  reason  for 
these  assemblies.  They  are,however,  of  not  unusual  occurrence  in  the  autumn.  I  do  not 
think  that  the  Crows  of  Massachusetts  or  south  of  this  point  are  migratory,  but  judge  that 
the  large  numbers  of  these  birds  which  frequent  the  coast  all  winter,  conic  from  the  far 
north,  for  they  are  larger  in  size  and  less  suspicious  than  the  natives,  as  if  unaccustomed 
to  being  disturbed. 


COR  V US  OSSIFRAGUS.  159 

CORVUS  OSSIPRAGUS. 

Fish  Crow. 
Corvus  ossifrayus  WILSON,  Am.  Orn.,  V;  1812,  27. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Si1.  CH.  Form,  slender.  Size,  small.  Feet,  not  stout.  Tongue,  somewhat  fleshy,  but  thin  and  horny  at  tip  which 
is  liitid  and  provided  with  terminal  cilia  which  extends  along  the  sides,  black  in  color.  Sternum,  not  stout.  Plumage, 
well  Mended.  Middle  toe  and  claw,  loni'cr  than  tile  tarsus. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Lustrous  block  throughout,  with  purplish  reflections  which  are  more  noticeable  on  the  back,  wings, 
and  tail.  Itill  and  (Vet,  black. 

Young  of  the  year.  Quite  similar  to  the  adult,  but  considerably  duller, especially  on  the  wings  and  tail  which  are  in- 
clined I"  lie  brownish. 

Nestlinys.  I'nitbrm,  dull  brownish-black  beneath.  The  wings  and  tail  are  lustrous  for  the  feathers  are  not  moult- 
ed. Bill  and  feet,  brown.  Sexes,  similar  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

As  will  be  swn  by  the  measurements,  there  is  considerable  variation  in  size  in  birds  from  the  same  locality,  otherwise 
they  are  >imilar.  Known  from  Anvriennus  by  the  inferior  size,  brighter  colors,  blended  plumage,  small  size  of  the  feet,  and 
shorter  middle  toe.  Distributed  in  summer  along  the  coast  as  far  north  as  New  Jersey,  retreating  southward  in  winter. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Au-rauv  im-asurrmeutsof  forty--ix  specimens  from  Florida.  Length,  15'75;  stretch,  33'75;  wing,  11'25;  tail,  6'25;  bill, 
Ho;  tarsus,  1-7").  Liiiig'^t  sp-eimcn,  21'0:);  greatest  extent  of  wing,  43'75;  longest  wing,  1 I'OO;  tail,  7'25;  bill,  2-05:  tar- 
sus, -J-05.  Shortest  specimen,  15'  10;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  30'00;  shortest  wing,  9'75;  tail,  5'50;  bill,  1-05:  tarsus,  1-50. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  trees.  They  are  bulky,  compact  structures  composed  of  sticks,  lined  with  coarse  grass  and  sea-weed. 
Dimensions  external  diameter,  18-00,  internal,  lO'OO.  External  depth,  lO'OO,  internal,  4'00. 

K/j/s,  from  four  to  five  in  number,  oval  in  form,  varying  from  pale  to  dark-green  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  with 
yellowish-brown  and  lilac.  Dimensions  from  l'40x  1'OSto  1'SOx  T15. 

1 1 A  BITS. 

Just  after  dark  on  the  fourth  of  December,  1876,  the  Yacht  Nina  was  hove  to,  some 
miles  at  sea,  off  North  Island,  South  Carolina.  All  day  we  had  been  sailing  down  the  coast 
before  a  fine  breeze,  but  now  the  wind  was  freshening  and,  as  the  dangerous  Remain  Shoals 
lay  just  in  our  course,  we  had  decided  that  it  was  best  to  put  into  the  Pedee  River.  The 
Ducks,  Loons,  and  other  sea  birds  had  been  flying  towards  land  for  the  last  few  hours, 
great  cumulus  clouds  were  rolling  across  the  darkening  sky,  the  sea  was  rising  fast,  in  fact 
everything  indicated  a  coming  gale.  We  were  waiting  for  the  moon  to  rise  for,  although 
the  Georgetown  Light  sent  its  guiding  rays  to  us,  the  passage  across  the  bar  was  intricate 
and  dillicult  to  follow  in  the  darkness.  Soon  the  east  brightened,  and  then  the  silvery  disk 
came  pushing  upward,  quickly  illuminating  the  waves  which  were  begining  to  toss  wildly 
under  the  influence  of  the  rising  wind.  Giving  one  more  look  at  the  chart  which  I  had 
been  somewhat  anxiously  studying,  I  caine  on  deck  and  we  put  our  little  vessel's  head  on 
her  course,  steering  directly  toward  the  land.  For  an  hour  or  more  we  dashed  onward, 
until  at  last  we  could  see  the  low,  black  line  of  coast.  As  we  drew  nearer,  we  could  discern 
the  white  sandy  beach  shining  in  the  pale  moonlight,  then  Hie  sound  of  breakers  came  to 
our  cars  but  still  we  resolutely  kept  on  for  I  knew  that  our  only  safety  lay  in  this  course. 
Suddenly,  just  as  we  seemed  to  be  leaping  into  the  now  foaming  breakers,  we  swung 


160  FISH  CROW. 

around  and  ran  along  the  smooth  beach  just  outside  the  breakers.  It  soon  became  appar- 
ent why  we  took  this  way  for  we  could  see  a  long  line  of  white-capped  waves  breaking 
over  a  shoal  that  lay  to  the  eastward.  So  we  ran  on  between  the  land  and  reef  until  the 
great,  luminous  eye  of  the  light-house  opened  upon  us  from  behind  the  palmetto  trees  that 
stood  on  North  Island,  then  we  once  more  turned  landward,  this  time  sailing  directly  into 
the  mouth  of  the  river  and  anchored  under  the  lee  of  a.  point.  It  was  well  for  us  that  we 
did  for  in  an  hour  the  wind  was  blowing  such  a  gale  that,  sheltered  as  we  were,  our  yacht 
dragged  her  anchor  and  we  were  obliged  to  put  over  a  second. 

As  we  lay  there  two  days  I  had  a  fine  opportunity  of  collecting  the  birds  on  the  neigh- 
boring islands.  I  never  remember  seeing  a  more  lovely  spot  than  North  Island.  It  con- 
sisted of  small  hillocks  with  ponds  interspersed  at  intervals,  while  the  whole  was  covered 
with  a  thick  growth  of  trees;  the  evergreen  live  oak,  stately  magnolias,  glossy-leaved  bays, 
beautiful  palmettoes,  and  large  holleys  grew  in  profusion.  They  were  covered  with  vines 
and  draped  with  long  streamers  of  Spanish  moss,  and  the  whole  was  surrounded  by  a  ridge 
of  white  sand  which  formed  a  very  appropriate  setting  for  the  most  perfect  gem  of  an  island 
that  I  ever  saw. 

The  wind  was  blowing  hard  and  cold  from  the  North-east  but,  as  the  trees  formed  a 
perfect  shelter,  hundreds  of  birds  were  congregated  there  and  by  far  the  most  numerous 
were  the  Fish  Crows;  in  fact  they  greatly  outnumbered  all  the  other  species  put  together. 
They  were  evidently  migrating  for  they  came  down  the  coast  in  an  almost  unbroken 
stream  and  continued  to  fly  all  day.  I  think  I  saw  more  pass  the  island  than  I  ever  saw 
before.  It  did  not  seem  possible  that  there  could  have  been  so  many  of  these  Crows  in 
existence  for  they  could  be  counted  by  tens  of  thousands.  I  have  always  found  that  they 
accumulate  in  large  flocks  in  winter  and  have  noted  immense  numbers  on  the  prairies  of 
Southern  Florida,  but  nothing  that  I  had  previously  seen  ever  gave  me  the  impression 
which  I  that  day  received  regarding  the  abundance  of  these  birds,  and  I  was  thoroughly 
satisfied  that  the  Fish  Crows  were  not  in  any  danger  of  being  exterminated,  at  least  in  the 
section  of  country  which  they  inhabit  north  of  South  Carolina. 

The  Fish  Crows  are  essentially  maritime  birds  and,  as  will  be  infered  by  the  above 
remarks,  gregariously  inclined  for  the  greater  portion  of  the  year.  They  spend  their  time 
about  shores,  not  only  of  the  sea  but  of  large  bodies  of  water,  subsisting  largely  upon 
what  they  can  pick  up  on  the  margin.  They  have,  however,  a  singular  habit  of  hovering 
over  the  surface  in  order  to  catch  any  floating  object,  and  I  have  seen  several  thus  en- 
gaged at  one  time  when  they  so  nearly  resembled  Gulls  that,  had  it  not  been  for  the  flight 
and  note,  they  might  have  been  taken  for  a  black  species  of  this  latter  named  family. 
They  do  not,  however,  depend  wholly  upon  the  water  to  supply  them  with  food,  for  they 
are  very  fond  of  the  fruit  of  the  palmetto  and  I  have  also  found  them  feeding  on  the  spicy 
berries  of  the  bay. 

The  Fish  Crows  are  not  always,  however,  content  with  such  diet  but,  unfortunately 
for  the  Herons,  Cormorants,  Terns,  and  other  birds  which  breed  in  rookeries,  are  extremely 
fond  of  eggs  and  will  always  eat  them  whenever  a  favorable  opportunity  offers  but,  as 
they  regard  the  parents  birds,  especially  the  sharp-beaked  Herons,  with  the  utmost  re- 


PLATE  Xli. 


COUVUS  OSSIRFAGUS.  161 

spcct,  they  never  visit  the  nests  excepting  in  the  absence  of  their  owners.  The  Crows  are 
'  always  on  the  alert,  however,  and  when  a  nest  is  left  unguarded,  even  for  a  moment,  they 
will  dart  into  it,  plunge  their  beaks  through  the  shell  of  the  eggs  and  carry  them  away. 
I  i  >m-(>  i'Dund  a  nest  of  a  Fish  Crow  built  in  a  low  tree  which  was  completely  surrounded 
by  the  shells  of  Cormorant's  eggs,  each  of  which  was  emptied  through  a  hole  in  the  side. 
There  was  a  rookery  on  a  neighboring  island  and  the  Crows  spent  their  time  in  flying  about 
it,  frequently  returning  with  an  egg.  "Whenever  we  visited  a  heronry  or  Cormorant  rookery 
the  Fish  Crows  had  a  fine  time,  for,  evidently  understanding  what  we  were  after  and  know- 
ing that  the  parent  birds  would  retreat  before  us,  they  came  in  numbers  and,  as  they  were 
not  shy,  would  always  manage  to  obtain  their  share  of  the  eggs.  Indeed  upon  one  occasion 
they  carried  away  all  the  eggs  from  a  heronry,  consisting  of  upwards  of  a  hundred  nests, 
in  an  hour's  time. 

Of  the  three  species  of  this  genus  which  occur  in  Eastern  North  America,  the  Raven  is 
the  least  active,  the  gravest  and  the  heaviest  flyer;  next,  as  an  intermediate,  comes  the 
Common  Crow;  while  the  present  species  represents  the  other  extreme,  being  full  of  nervous 
activity,  flying  with  a  quicker  motion  of  the  wings,  and  seldom  sailing.  They  also  stop 
suddenly  and  will  wheel  as  readily  in  the  air  as  a  Red-winged  Blackbird.  They  move  in 
straggling  flocks  and  as  they  go  utter  the  ha-ha  which,  although  not  much  lower  than  that  of 
the  Common  Crow,  has  such  a  peculiar  intonation  as  to  be  recognizable  at  once.  They  mi- 
grate constantly  through  the  winter,  and  large  numbers  often  pass  a  given  point,  thus  I 
have  seen  them  flying  for  several  hours  over  the  Everglades.  At  such  a  time,  if  I  shot  one 
and  it  fell  where  its  companions  could  see  it,  they  would  hover  over  the  spot,  then  circle 
about,  vociferating  loudly,  often  coming  within  a  few  yards  of  my  head.  They  appear  to 
select  particular  spots  as  roosting  places,  generally  in  swamps,  to  which  they  return  before 
sundown  and  depart  after  s  mrise.  These  Crows  breed  about  the  first  week  in  April,  fre- 
quently in  communities  but  I  have  found  single  nests.  The  structures  are  very  large  for 
the  size  of  the  bird  and  are  placed  in  trees.  Taken  all  together  the  Fish  Crows  can  scarce- 
ly be  considered  as  useful  birds  but  they  are  decidedly  characteristic  of  southern  maritime 
scenery,  and  many  a  barren  reach  of  sea-board  is  enlivened  by  their  cnegetie  movements 
ami  quaint  cries. 

I  have  spoken  of  the  Fish  Crows  as  inhabitants  of  the  sea-shore,  but  I  have  also  found 
them  on  the  rivers  in  the  interior  of  Florida  and  judge  that  they  occur  on  large  bodies  of 
fresh  water  some  distance  from  the  sea,  yet  think  that  in  winter  they  are  by  far  more  nu- 
merous along  the  coast.  I  have  seen  them  as  far  north  as  Norfolk,  Virginia,  as  late  as 
the  tenth  of  November,  but  they  were  migrating  then,  yet  it  is  possible  that  some  remain- 
ed all  winter. 

(JF.NTS  II.     (YANTUUS.    THE  BLUE  JAYS. 

('•i.\.  CH.  Bill,  stout  and  conical,  a  lit/le  shnrtrr  than  the  head  which  is  crested.  Winys,  alxiut  nfual  in  Icnyth  to  the 
taU  which  it  well  rounded.  Sternum,  will  proportioned.  Marginal  indentations  equa/iny  ini/tji/h  the  htiykt  of /!.<'  /.-/<•/. 
Size,  not  larye. 

The  prevailing  mlnr.  •ibovoat  lei~t.  i<  blue  which,  with  the  crested  head,  renders  the  species  in  this  genus  conspicuous. 
The  wings  arc  usually  barred  with  black. 

UIRDS  OF  1  LORI1M.  21 


162  CYANURVS  CR1STATUS. 


CYANUEUS  CEISTATUS. 

Blue  Jay. 
Cyanurus  cristatus  SWAINSON,  F.  Bor.  Am.,  II;  1831. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  robust.  Size,  medium.  Bill,  rather  thick  and  conical,  with  the  upper  mandible  slightly  curved. 
Sternum,  ratherstout.  Tongue,  broad,  thin  and  horny,  bifid,  and  provided  with  coarse,  terminal  cilia  which  extend  a- 
long  tlie  sides.  Crest,  not  very  long. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Above,  blue,  tinged  with  purplish,  purest  on  the  head.  Wings  and  tail,  pure  dark-blue,  with  the 
inner  webs  of  the  former  dark-brown,  and  with  the  feathers  of  the  latter,  excepting  central  pair,  as  well  as  the  secondaries, 
tipped  with  white,  and  all  are  barred  with  black.  The  greater  wing  coverts  are  also  barred  with  black  and  tipped  with 
white.  Forehead,  nasal  feathers,  ring  around  eye,  and  throat,  dusky-white.  Band  across  occiput,  extending  down  on  the 
sides  of  head  and  connecting  with  a  crescent  on  the  breast  by  a  longitudinal  bar,  black.  Loral  spot  and  under  wing  cov- 
erts, also  black.  Remainder  of  breast,  abdomen,  and  under  tail  coverts,  white.  Bill  and  feet,  black. 

Young.  Much  duller  above  and  with  less  white  on  the  wings  and  tail.  The  black  markings  of  the  head,  neck,  and 
breast  are  not  as  distinct,  while  there  is  rather  more  white  below. 

Nestlings.  Uniform  slaty  above,  black  on  the  head  where  there  is  only  a  short  crest.  Wings  and  tail,  as  in  the  above. 
The  black  markings  of  the  head,  neck,  and  breast  are  present,  but  are  rather  brownish.  The  remainder  of  the  lower  parts 
are  quite  white.  Bill  and  feet,  brown. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Occasionally  the  black  crescent  will  be  bordered  above  and  below  with  bluish.  Florida  specimens,  although  somewhat 
duller  in  color,  especially  below,  are  not  very  much  smaller  than  more  northern  skins.  Distributed  as  a  constant  resident 
throughout  Eastern  North  America. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  ten  specimens  from  New  England  and  Florida.  Length,  ll'OO;  stretch,  16'25;  wing,  5'32; 
tail,  5'50;  bill,  1'50;  tarsus,  1'30.  Longest  specimen,  21'CO;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  17'CO;  longest  wing,  6'25;  tail,  4'78; 
bill,  1'15;  tarsus,  1'40.  Shortest  specimen,  HVOO;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  15'50;  shortest  wing,  4'40;  tail,  5'00;  bill,  I'OO; 
tarsus,  1-20. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  trees,  composed  of  sticks  and  roots,  lined  with  strips  of  cedar  bark  and  rootlets.  Dimensions,  exter- 
nal diameter,  fi'OO,  internal,  4'50.  External  depth,  3'50,  internal,  2'00. 

Eyys,from  four  to  five  in  number,  oval  in  form,  varying  from  yellowish-brown  to  grayish-green  in  color,  spotted 
and  blotched  with  drab,  and  occasionally  dotted  with  black.  Dimensions  from  l'05x-55  to  l'20x'90. 

HABITS. 

I  have  said  that  the  Crows  were  sagacious,  but  they  certainly  find  rivals  in  this  par- 
ticular trait  in  the  Blue  Jay  for  it  will  be  difficult  to  find  a  species  which  exhibits  any  more 
sagacity  than  the  present,  in  many  points.  The  Crows  are  very  fond  of  hearing  their  own 
voices  and  in  this  they  are  also  surpassed  by  the  Jays  which  are  certainly  as  garrulous 
and  as  noisy  birds  as  any  of  our  native  species.  When  the  first  frost  has  opened,  the  burs, 
disclosing  the  dark-brown  chestnuts  within,  then  the  Jays  are  supremely  happy  and  their 
loud  cries  resound  through  the  still  autumn  air.  They  are  extremely  busy  but  utter  their 
cries  as  they  pursue  their  vocation,  for  this  is  their  harvest  time,  and  they  may  be  seen 
flying  toward  the  deep  woods,  laden  with  chestnuts  which  they  deposit  in  some  hiding 
place  as  a  winter  store.  They  usually  select  some  hole  in  a  tree  or  perhaps  a  cavity  behind 
a  lose  strip  of  bark  which  they  fill  with  nuts.  But  they  do  not  confine  all  their  attention 
to  the  above  named  article  of  diet  but  will  also  gather  acorns  and,  what  is  more  unfortunate 


BLUE  JAY.  163 

for  the  farmer,  will  visit  the  corn  field  in  order  to  carry  away  the  ripened  grain.  It  is 
astonishing  what  an  amount  of  corn  these  birds  will  manage  to  remove  in  a  few  weeks. 
When  they  have  once  found  a  field  which  is  near  enough  to  a  wood  for  them  to  enter  it 
unperceived,  they  will  labor  persistently  until  the  husbandman  inteferers  with  them  by 
shooting  some  of  the  thieves  or  by  removing  his  corn  to  the  barn.  Thus  the  provident 
Jays  find  a  store  of  provisions  awaiting  them  when  the  ground  is  covered  so  deeply  with 
ice  and  snow  as  to  be  inaccessible  to  them. 

In  Hying  the  Jays  are  somewhat  awkward,  moving  quite  slowly,  but  among  the  thick 
branches  of  the  dense  woods  they  are  perfectly  at  home  and,  as  they  are  exceedingly  watch- 
ful, they  are  very  difficult  to  approach.  If  one  who  has  had  but  little  experience  in  study- 
ing the  habits  of  these  birds,  enters  a  grove  which  is  resounding  with  their  loud  cries  in 
search  of  them,  he  will  be  surprised  to  find  that  the  noise  suddenly  ceases.  He  pushes 
onward  into  a  thicket  from  which  the  sound  appeared  to  come  only  a  moment  before,  but 
finds  nothing  and,  after  a  thorough  search  in  every  portion  of  the  woods,  is  obliged  to  give 
up  the  chase,  unsuccessful,  although  the  birds  have  not  left  the  place  and  have  doutlessly 
often  gazed  at  him  within  gunshot.  They  were  merely  practicing  the  art  of  concealing  them 
selves  and  in  this  they  are  almost  perfect.  I  use  'almost'  as  a  qualifying  word  for  I  long 
ago  discovered  a  vulnerable  point  in  their  armor;  unfortunately  they  are  very  inquisitive. 
As  long  as  the  intruder  bustles  about  and  shows  himself,  they  sit  very  quietly  in  their 
hiding  places  or  just  keep  out  of  his  sight  by  hopping  nimbly  from  limb  to  limb,  but  should 
he  merely  enter  the  grove  and  conceal  himself,  they  appear  eager  to  find  out  what  he  looks 
like.  They  go  about  it  very  cautiously,  however,  but  right  here  another  unfortunate  trait 
discloses  itself,  they  will  not  keep  quiet,  but  at  first  one  will  begin  a  low  muttering  sounding 
exactly  as  if  it  were  conversing  with  its  companions  who  will  then  answer.  Thus  I  have 
seen  many  a  Jay  come  to  grief  through  these  two  faults. 

Like  the  Crows,  the  Jays  always  mob  an  Owl  whenever  it  ventures  into  their  domains 
but  they  are  usually  content  with  simply  driving  it  out  of  the  woods,  seldom  following  it 
into  the  open  sections.  They  also  dislike  Hawks  and  will  follow  them  with  mocking 
cries,  taking  care,  however,  to  keep  well  out  of  the  way,  yet  will  always  try  to  annoy  their 
large  enemy  by  imitating  his  shrill  cries.  This  they  do  to  perfection  for  the  Jays  are  fine 
mimics  ami  their  voices  are  capable  of  considerable  modulation.  Their  usual  notes  are 
harsh  and  somewhat  discordant  yet  to  me  it  is  not  unpleasant,  but  I  presume  this  is  owing 
more  to  the  very  [(leasing  associations  connected  with  them  than  to  any  harmony  in  the 
sounds  themselves,  for  the  cries  of  the  Jays  are  oftener  heard  on  those  misty  autumnal  days, 
when  the  forests  of  New  Englanld  are  so  rich  in  color  and  when  the  air  is  as  soft  and  warm 
as  if  the  departed  summer  had  returned. 

The  Jays  always  seem  to  prefer  the  pine  or  evergreen  trees  and  in  winter  they  are 
seldom  found  far  away  from  them,  as  they  retreat  to  them  for  shelter  during  storms  and 
severe  weather.  No  matter  how  intense  the  cold,  these  birds  manage  to  survive  provided 
they  have  an  abundance  of  food,  but  I  have,  on  a  few  occasions,  found  them  frozen  to 
death.  This  was  when  a  sudden  cold  snap  succeeded  a  long  rain  storm,  then  doubtlessly 
the  Jays  were  wet  through  and  in  this  condition  their  feathers  were  not  such  perfect 


164  CYANOC1TTA  FLORIDANA. 

non-conductors  of  heat  and  cold  as  when  dry,  therefore  they  perished.  These  are  the  dark 
days  of  Jay  life,  but  usually  at  this  season  the  time  passes  pleasantly,  for  they  have  their 
stores  to  draw  upon  and  they  may  be  seen  perched  upon  a  branch  holding  a  frozen  chest- 
nut in  their  claws,  hammering  at  it  briskly  with  their  strong  beaks  until  it  is  broken  to 
pieces  when  it  is  swallowed.  On  fine  days  they  occasionally  make  excursions  into  the  or- 
chards in  search  of  the  eggs  of  insects,  such  as  caterpillars  and  canker  worms.  Thus  they 
prove  of  some  benefit  to  the  husbandman  but  they  are  too  great  transgressors  to  be  favorites 
as  they,  not  only  steal  the  farmer's  produce,  as  related,  but  also  rob  the  nests  of  other 
birds,  even  killing  the  young. 

In  spite  of  their  cautious  disposition,  Jays  are  stupid  about  some  things;  for  example, 
I  know  of  but  few  birds  that  are  easier  to  capture  in  snairs  than  this  species.  I  have  never 
found  any  difficulty  in  taking  them,  even  in  box  traps  baited  with  an  ear  of  corn.  They 
are  not  remarkably  interesting  as  pets,  as  they  do  not  become  tame  readily,  but  are  not 
especially  shy  in  their  native  state  when  not  molested  and  I  have  seen  them  very  abundant 
in  the  live  oakes  which  stand  in  the  streets  of  Jacksonville,  Florida,  often  alighting  with- 
in a  few  feet  of  the  heads  of  the  pedestrians.  They  also  become  quite  familiar  on  the 
farms  in  the  North,  especially  in  winter,  and  I  know  of  one  that  was  accustomed  to  enter 
a  shed  when  the  door  was  left  open.  He  would  hop  about  the  floor  or  bask  in  the  sun, 
but  was  always  ready  to  dart  out  whenever  any  one  approached.  The  Jays  of  New  England 
breed  the  first  week  of  May,  placing  the  nest  in  low  trees,  often  choosing  a  cedar  or  other 
evergreen.  The  birds  attend  very  closely  to  the  duties  of  incubation,  and  even  if  the  fe- 
male be  shy  at  other  seasons  it  is  difficult  to  make  her  leave  her  eggs  then.  When  the 
young  appear  both  parents  are  very  assiduous  in  guarding  them.  The  newly  fledged  nest- 
lings may  be  found  in  the  woods  by  the  first  of  July,  and  the  families  remain  in  company 
until  the  following  summer.  The  Jays  are  not  usually  migratory,  or  at  best,  only  during 
some  of  the  severest  seasons,  when  those  from  the  North  occasionally  come  as  far  south 
as  Massachusetts. 

GENUS  III.    CYANOCITTA.    THE  BUSH  JAYS. 

GEN.  CH.  Bill,  stout  and  conical,  shorter  than  the  head  which  is  not  crested.  Wings,  shorter  than  the  tail  which  is 
graduated.  Coracoids,  proportionately  shorter  than  those  of  the  preceding  genus.  Marginal  indentations  equating  in  depth 
the  height  of  the  keel.  Size,  not  large. 

The  prevailing  color  above  is  blue,  with  an  ashy  patch  on  the  back,  but  they  are  lighter  below.  The  wing^  are  not 
barred. 

CYANOCITTA  FLORIDANA. 

Florida  Jay. 
Cyanocilla  F/oridana  BON.,  List;  1838. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  rather  slender.  Size,  medium.  Bill,  rather  thick  and  conical,  with  the  upper  mandible  slightly  curv- 
ed. Sternum,  as  given  above.  Tongue,  broad,  thin  and  horny,  bifid ,  and  provided  with  coarse,  terminal  cilia  which  extend 
along  the  sides. 


FLORIDA  JAY.  1C5 

COLOR.  Adult.  Above,  including  wings  nml  tail,  dark-blue,  with  the  top  of  the  anterior  part  of  the  head,  lighter. 
Inner  wcKs  ul'  wing  feathers,  dark-brown.  Lories,  space  around  eye,  car  coverts,  and  under  wing  covert",  dusky.  Beneath, 
yellowM:-ash.  witli  a  sliglit  collar  crossing  the  breast,  and  under  tail  coverts,  bluish.  The  throat  and  under  portions  of 
neck  arc  streaked  with  dusky.  Bill  and  feet,  black. 

Yuuny.  Quite  similar  to  the  adult,  but  duller,  with  less  blue  on  the  breast,  and  the  top  of  the  head  is.  lighter.  Sex- 
es, similar  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

There  is  occasionally  a  superciliary  line  of  whitish,  while  the  throat  is  tinged  with  bluish, and  the  colors  above  are 
duller.  This  is  especially  noticeable  in  skins  which  I  obtained  at  Cedar  Keys  and  on  the  west  coast  of  Florida.  Thus  it 
will  be  seen  that  Floridana  approaches  the  western  forms,  for  I  am  inclined  to  regard  the  so-called  Woodhouseii  and  Calif  or- 
nica  as  only  local  races  of  this  species.  Distributed  throughout  Middle  and  Northern  Florida,  also  quite  likely  along  the 
Gulf  of  Mexico  in  suitable  localities. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  ten  specimens  from  Ftorida.  Length,  12'00;  stretch,  14'55;  wing,  4'52;  tail,  50'7;  bill,  1'05; 
tarsus,  1-:JO.  Longest  specimen,  12'50;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  15'GO;  longest  wing,  4'75;  tail.  5-90;  bill,  I'lO;  tarsus,  T40. 
Shortest  specimen,  ll'SO;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  14' 10;  shortest  wing,  4-30;  tail,  4'25;  bill,  I'OO;  tarsus,  T20. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Ncsls,  placed  in  bushes,  composed  of  sticks  and  roots,  lined  with  weeds  and  rootlets.  Dimensions,  external  diameter, 
6-00,  internal,  4'50.  External  depth,  3'50,  internal,  2'00. 

Eyys,  four  in  number,  oval  in  form,  olive-green  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  with  black.  Dimensions  from  1'lOx  '55 
to  1-85  x  -90. 

HABITS. 

The  soil  of  Florida  is  mainly  sandy  and,  although  capable  of  producing  much  more 
vegetation  than  one  would  suppose  when  cultivated,  is  in  many  sections  covered  with  noth- 
ing larger  than  shrubbery  which  is  mostly  composed  of  dwarf  and  willow  oaks.  The  usual 
height  of  these  trees  is  about  five  feet,  but  in  some  localities  they  attain  to  nearly  double 
tliis  altitude  and  then  the  plains  which  they  cover  are  called  high  scrub  land  to  distinguish 
them  from  the  low  scrub.  As  related,  the  latter  is  inhabited  by  the  White-eyed  Towhee, 
while  in  the  former  the  Florida  Jays  find  a  home,  and  as  this  peculiar  growth  is  confined  to 
certain  sections,  these  birds  are  quite  local  in  distribution.  Thus  the  first  place  in  which  I 
found  them,  in  going  up  the  St.  John's  River,  was  at  Blue  Springs.  Here  they  were  abun- 
dant, and  they  occupied  a  belt  of  country  some  forty-five  miles  wide,  extending  from  the 
above  named  part  to  the  coast.  They  were  also  numerous  on  the  East  side  of  Indian  River 
as  far  south,  at  least,  as  Merritt's  Island,  but  the  strong  hold  of  these  birds  is  in  the  high 
scrub  lands  of  the  Western  Coast,  where  they  fairly  swarm.  They  occur  as  far  south  as 
Tampa  Bay,  and  I  found  them  in  quite  large  flocks  on  the  main-land  opposite  Cedar  Keys. 
How  much  further  west  they  extend  I  am  unable  to  say,  but  should  not  be  surprised  to 
find  them  in  suitable  localities  along  the  entire  northern  shore  of  the  Gulf  of  Mexico. 

The  Florida  Jays  are  noisy  birds  at  times,  and  the  first  intimation  which  one  receives 
of  their  presence  is  a  harsh  scream  which  is  given  as  a  note  of  alarm.  As  they  usually 
move  in  flocks,  this  cry  is  taken  up  by  others,  and  soon  the  scrub  for  many  rods  around 
will  be  resounding  with  these  peculiar  sounds.  When  undisturbed  they  feed  on  the  ground 
or  in  bashes  bat,  upon  the  approach  of  an  intruder,  will  mount  the  highest  point  available, 
where  they  remain  until  driven  away.  They  are  not  usually  shy  and  will  allow  one  to 


166  CYANOCITTA  FLORID  ANA. 

approach  them  quite  closely,  but  when  one  or  two  are  shot  the  survivors  instantly  disap- 
pear. Then  it  is  very  difficult  to  catch  sight  of  them,  for  they  are  very  expert  in  conceal- 
ing themselves,  or  rather  they  are  expert  in  keeping  a  safe  distance  between  themselves 
and  their  enemy.  They  will  glide  through  the  bushes  with  remarkable  rapidity,  never 
once  showing  themselves,  or  if  they  have  an  open  space  to  cross  dart  over  it,  not  in  flocks, 
but  singly,  and,  plunging  into  the  next  thicket,  they  will  be  at  once  lost  to  view.  It 
requires  considerable  tact  to  obtain  more  than  three  or  four  out  of  one  community  the  same 
day,  the  best  way  being  to  conceal  oneself  and,  by  imitating  their  cries,  attract  them. 
They  are  very  inquisitive  and,  when  bent  upon  investigating  any  object,  will  forget  their 
usual  caution  and  venture  quite  near,  muttering  in  a  low  tone  to  their  companions  who 
will  answer  and  they  will  converse  in  a  similar  manner  to  that  practiced  by  the  Blue 
Jays. 

They  are  of  quite  a  compassionate  disposition  for,  when  one  of  their  companions  is 
wounded,  they  will  evince  by  their  frantic  movements  and  cries  the  utmost  sympathy  for 
its  misfortune.  At  one  time  when  I  had  disabled  some  Parakeets,  several  Jays  evidently 
attracted  by  their  cries,  gathered  around  and  uttered  a  singular  harsh  note  which  I  had 
never  heard  before.  Shortly  after,  as  I  was  looking  for  Ducks  in  some  small  ponds  near  a 
plantation,  not  far  from  Lake  Biersford,  my  attention  was  attracted  by  hearing  this  partic- 
ular grating  cry  which  was  repeated  several  times.  Looking  in  the  direction  from  which 
the  sound  came  I  was  surprised  to  see  a  Florida  Jay  clinging  to  the  flanks  of  a  cow.  As 
this  was  to  me  a  new  feature  in  the  history  of  these  birds,  I  anxiously  watched  the  pair  for 
further  developments.  After  a  moment  the  Jay  jumped  upon  a  branch  near  but  almost 
instantly  alighted  upon  the  side  of  the  animal  and  appeared  to  be  picking  something  from 
her  skin.  This  was  evidently  agreeable  to  the  cow,  for  she  stretched  out  her  head  in  a 
way  peculiar  to  these  quadrupeds  when  they  are  being  caressed  by  their  companions. 
The  bird  maintained  its  position  by  grasping  the  shaggy  hair  with  its  feet  and  in  this 
way  moved  completely  under  its  large  friend.  Wishing  to  obtain  a  closer  view  of  this 
procedure,  1  approached,  when  the  cow  which  was  one  of  these  half  wild  animals  found  in 
Florida,  perceived  me  and  started  away  upon  the  ran,  brushing  the  bird  off  in  her  rapid  pas- 
sage through  the  bushes.  It  alighted  on  a  small  tree  when  I  shot  it  and,  upon  examining 
the  contents  of  its  stomach,  found  that  it  was  filled  with  ticks  or  jiggers  which  infest  the 
skin  of  all  quadrupeds  in  this  section  of  Florida.  Thus  the  apparently  strange  companion- 
ship of  the  two  animals  was  explained  and  it  occurred  to  me  that,  as  the  Jay  was  probably 
accustomed  to  associate  with  deer  for  a  similar  purpose,  the  loud  cry  which  I  heard  was 
intended  as  a  note  of  warning  to  its  friend  for  the  bird  was  aware  of  my  presence,  but 
the  cow  was  not  sufficiently  well  posted  to  understand  it  as  she  was,  in  a  measure,  domestica- 
ted whereas  the  wilder  animals  being  always  exceedingly  wary,  would  have  comprehended 
at  once  that  the  Jay  perceived  an  enemy.  I  afterwards  saw  some  others  similarly  engaged, 
so  concluded  that  it  was  a  regular  habit. 

The  Florida  Jays  breed  in  the  scrub  in  communities,  and  I  have  seen  many  of  their 
nests  in  the  winter  but  was  not  fortunate  enough  to  obtain  one  with  eggs.  They  lay 
quite  late  in  the  season,  about  the  first  of  May,  and  at  that  time  are  very  assiduous  in 


PERISOKEUS  CANADENSIS.  167 

guarding  the  locality  which  they  have  chosen  as  homes.  At  times  the  Jays  become  very 
familiar,  approaching  the  houses  on  the  edges  of  settlements  in  order  to  pick  the  bones 
which  are  thrown  about  or  will  even  venture  to  cat  the  meat  hung  close  to  the  hunters 
camp. 

GENUS  IV.     PERISOREUS.    THE  GRAY  JAYS. 

I!  EX.  Cn.  Dill,  stout  and  conical,  much  shorter  than  the  head  which  is  semi-crested.  Wings,  longer  than  the  tail  which 
ix  wrli  r/mntlcil.  Size,  medium. 

The  principal  colors  are  gray  throughout.  The  feathers  are  cf  that  peculiar  loose  structure  seen  in  the  Titmouse,  giving 
the  birds  a  downy  appearance. 

PERISOREUS  CANADENSIS. 

Canada  Jay. 
Perisoreus  Canadensis  BON.  List;  1838. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Si>.  Cn.  Form,  robust.  Siza,  medium.  Feathers  of  semi-crest,  very  downy.  Tongue,  broad,  thin  and  horny,  bifid, 
and  provided  with  coarse  cilia  which  extend  along  the  sides. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Alxive,  ashy-plumbeous,  with  the  top  of  the  head  and  neck,  yellowish-white,  crossed  by  a  nauchal 
band  of  plumhrnus.  The  secondaries  and  tail  are  slightly  tipped  with  whitish.  Beneath,  grayish,  lighter  on  the  throat 
and  dusky  posteriorly.  Under  wing  coverts,  plumbeous.  Bill  and  feet,  black. 

Young.  Not  nearly  as  light  about  the  head  as  in  the  adult,  and  they  are  duller  below,  while  there  is  n  slight  indica- 
tion of  a  dusky  line  through  the  eye. 

Nest/inys.  Verydusky  throughout  with  little  or  no  white  on  the  head.  There  isalso  a  well-defined  dusky  line  through 
the  eye.  The  throat  is  also  dusky.  Sexes,  similar  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

There  is  a  noticeable  similarity  in  plumage  in  si>eeimens  of  the  same  age  and  sex  butsome  are  a  little  lighter  below  than 
thixe  which  I  have  described.  Distributed  throughout  Northern  North  America,  coming  into  Northern  United  States, 
especially  in  winter. 

DIMENSIONS. 

.\\cragc  measurements  of  five  specimens  from  New  Hampshire.  Length,  12-00;  stretch,  17'45;  wing,5'75;  tail  5-75; 
bill, '80;  tarsus,  1-65.  Longest  specimen,  12'10;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  17'50;  longest  wing,  5'50;  tail,  G'OO;  bill, '85; 
tarsus,  1.70.  Shortest  specimen,  11'25;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  17'00;  shortest  wing,  5-60;  tail,  5'70;  bill,  '75;  tarsus,  T52. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  built  in  trees,  composed  of  sticks  moss  and  grass,  lined  with  fine  roots.  Dimensions,  external  diameter,  6MK), 
internal,  3-50.  External  depth,  4'00;  internal,  2'00. 

Rjijs ,  five  to  six  in  number,  oval  in  form ,  pale  gray  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  with  brown.  Dimensions  from  1  '05  x 
•55  M  l'25x-<JO. 

HABITS. 

There  is  a  great  contrast  in  the  country  inhabited  by  the  bird  which  we  now  have  un- 
der consideration  and  the  one  last  described.  The  home  of  the  Florida  Jay  is  in  a  land 
where  frosts  are  seldom  known  and  where  snow  never  falls,  aland  of  almost  perpetual  sun- 
shine where  the  flowers  bloom  throughout  the  year.  The  Canada  Jays  inhabit  the  gloomy 
evergreen  forests  of  the  North,  where  the  thick  branches  of  the  giant  hemlocks  and  spruces 
exclude  the  sunlight  and  the  short  summer  passes  so  quickly  that  vegetation  has  but  little 
time  to  advance,  while  for  a  greater  portion  of  the  year  the  Ice  King  reigns  supreme. 

It  was  in  the  primitive  forests  of  Northern  New  Hampshire,  that  I  first  met  with 
the  Canada  Jay.  This  was  on  the  third  of  November,  18C8,  and  there  had  been  a  heavy 


168  CANADA  JAY. 

fall  of  snow  during  the  night  and  the  ground  was  covered  with  a  white  mantle.  The 
early  morning  found  me  following  an  old  logging  road  through  the  woods.  The  branches 
of  the  trees  which  met  over  my  head  were  bending  with  the  weight  of  snow  that  lay 
upon  them,  while  the  smaller  undergrowth  was  completely  enshrouded.  Thus  I  was  entire- 
ly surrounded  by  masses  of  glittering  white  which  not  only  prevented  my  seeing  the  sky 
overhead,  but  also  excluded  any  extended  view  on  either  hand.  I  was  some  miles  from 
the  nearest  settlement;  thus  not  a  living  thing  was  in  sight  and  not  a  sound  broke  the 
stillness,  when  at  once  I  was  somewhat  startled  by  hearing  a  most  peculiar  note.  A  few 
days  before,  two  of  us  had  chased  a  lynx  through  this  very  section  and  I  was  certain 
that  the  noise  was  made  by  one  of  those  animals  for  it  was  a  kind  of  mew  not  unlike  that 
given  by  the  wild  cat.  This  sound  was  repeated  several  times,  followed  by  a  low  mur- 
muring and,  as  I  remained  perfectly  quiet,  the  author  of  these  peculiar  notes  approached 
nearer  when  I  was  enable  to  discover  that  it  was  a  Caimda  Jay.  Then  another  appeared 
and  still  another  until  I  was  surrounded  by  quite  a  flock  of  them.  They  were  all  vocifer- 
ateing  loudly  as  if  surprised  at  seeing  a  human  being  in  such  a  lonely  spot  but  they  were 
not  in  the  least  shy  as  they  came  within  a  few  feet  of  my  head  in  order  to  examine  me 
critically.  I  have  always  found  these  birds  tame  in  the  section  remote  from  settlements 
but  in  the  more  cultivated  districts  they  soon  become  wild.  Thus  I  found  them  very 
difficult  to  approach  at  Bethel,  Maine,  where  they  occur  in  winter  and  where  they  are 
frequently  shot. 

This  latter  named  point  is  about  their  southern  range  in  winter,  but  on  one  occasion 
I  saw  an  individual  in  Newtonville.  This  was  in  early  summer  some  four  years  ago  and 
I  was  walking  through  the  streets  of  the  village  accompanied  by  a  friend,  when  I  observed 
a  bird  flying  over  a  vacant  lot  pursued  by  two  or  three  Robins.  It  was  flying  very  slow- 
ly as  if  weary  and,  coming  directly  toward  us,  alighted  panting  on  the  sidewalk  with- 
in a  few  yards  of  our  feet.  I  instantly  went  forward  and  recognised  it  as  a  Canada  Jay. 
The  poor  bird  was  so  completely  dazed  with  fright,  that  I  nearly  caught  it  in  my  hands, 
but,  as  I  stooped  to  take  it  up,  it  flew  into  a  neighboring  garden  taking  refuge  in  some 
ornamental  evergreens  where  we  followed  and  endeavored  to  capture  it;  but  it  always  elud- 
ed our  grasp  then,  after  recovering  somewhat,  flew  away  over  some  house  tops  and  was  lost 
to  our  view.  How  this  stranger  came  so  far  from  its  home,  especially  during  such  warm 
summer  weather,  remains  an  unsolved  mystery,  nor  did  I  ever  hear  of  this  particular  Jay 
again. 

In  comparing  the  flight  of  the  three  Jays  of  which  I  have  spoken,  I  find  that  that  of 
the  Blue  Jays  is  the  strongest,  and  they  frequently  fly  long  distances;  the  Florida  Jays 
are  inclined  to  sail  more,  especially  when  moving  across  a  short  space  and  they  seldom  go 
far  at  one  time;  while  the  Canada  Jays  are  the  poorest  flyers  of  them  all  usually  sailing 
about  through  the  trees  and  seldom  leaving  the  woods  in  order  to  taking  a  prolonged  flight. 
They  are  very  agile  among  the  trees,  however,  hopping  from  limb  to  limb  with  great  ra- 
pidity and  when  anxious  to  conceal  themselves  will  manage  to  accomplish  it  in  an  exceed- 
in^ly  short  time.  They  are  said  to  breed  in  February  placing  their  nests  in  evergreen 
trees,  thus  the  young  appear  in  early  spring. 


CLAMATORES.  169 


SECTION  II.    CLAMATORES.    SONGLESS  BIRDS. 

Inferior  larynx  provided,  with  less  than  five  pairs  of  muscles.  The  stcrno-trachcalis 
has  its  origin  above  the.  broncho-trachealis. 

Birds  in  this  Section  lack  the  complicated  singing  apparatus  found  in  those  which  are 
placed  under  Oscincs.  These  last  named  birds  have  five  pairs  of  vocal  muscles  in  addition 
to  the  stcrno-trachcalis  which  may  be  considered  as  a  sixth  pair,  for  they  not  only  support 
the  trachea  but,  by  drawing  it  downward,  thus  relaxing  the  tympaniforui  membrane,  aid 
in  producing  sound. 

I  have  given  life-sized  drawings  of  the  inferior  larynx  of  a  Crow  in  Plate  VI,  figs.  1 
to  4,  in  order  that  students  may  understand  the  various  parts.  Fig.  4  shows  a  view  from 
the  lower  side;  0,  is  a  portion  of  the  trachea  and  B,  the  bronchial  tubes  which  extend  to 
the  lungs.  The  muscles  which  are  deeper  in  color,  are  as  follows:  Bt,  broncho-trachealis; 
Bp,  broncho-trachealis  posticus.  Fig.  3  exhibits  a  side  view  with  the  same  figures  ap- 
plied to  the  same  parts  as  far  as  explained.  The  broncho-trachealis  is  better  defined  and 
its  division  into  the  broncho-trachealis  anticus,  B,  and  posticus,  Bp,  is  very  clearly  seen. 
The  broncho-trachealis  brevis  is  given  at  Bb,  the  bronchialis  posticus  at  BB,  which  with 
the  bronchialis  anticus,  BB.\,  make  up  the  number  of  vocal  muscles;  their  counterparts 
being  on  the  opposite  side.  It  is  observable  that  the  sterno-trachealis  has  its  tracheal  or- 
igin below  the  division  of  the  broncho-trachealis;  the  other  extremity  being  attached  to 
the  costal  process  of  the  sternum,  seen  in  fig.  5,  Cp.  The  exact  point  from  which  this 
muscle  emerges  from  the  trachea  is  of  great  importance  in  determining  in  which  section 
of  the  order  Insessores  any  particular  species  is  to  be  placed,  for,  in  all  birds  which  only 
have  the  power  of  modulating  their  voices  to  a  limited  extent,  this  muscle  will  be  found 
to  originate  on  the  trachea  quite  above  the  broncho-trachealis.  This  will  be  further  il- 
lustrated in  a  future  plate  in  which  I  purpose  giving  drawings  of  the  larynx  of  some  mem- 
ber of  Section  II. 

The  other  accessories  for  producing  melodious  sounds  are  the  tympaniform  membrane 
which  stretches  across  the  under  side  of  the  upper  portion  of  the  bronchial  tubes,  fig.  2, 
M,  and  the  scmilunar  membrane,  shown  in  fig.  1,  which  is  a  section  of  the  larynx,  at  S.  It 
is  supported  by  the  os  transversale,  T,  a  slender  bone  which  crosses  the  interior  of  the  tra- 
chea. The  office  of  the  laryngeal  muscles  is  to  tighten  these  two  membranes,  which  then 
vibrate  and  produce  sound. 

FAMILY  I.     TYRANNID^J.     THE  TYRANT  FLYCATCHERS. 

Bill,  more  or  less  Irianyu/ar  inform,  wider  than  hiyh  at  base,  and  the  upper  mandible  /'«  abruptly  curved  at  tip  which  it 
notched.  Nasal  and  loral  rcyion  at  base  uf  upper  mandible  provided  with  stiff  bristles  which  also  very  often  occur  on  the  chin. 
Sternum,  broad  with  hiyh  keel. 

i-  a  largo  family  with  dull  colors,  occasionally  relieved  by  yellow  below  or  by  bright  markings  on  tlie  crown. 
The  dill  r.  nr,  ,  between  the  various  genera  are  slight,  although  constant.  I  have  made  some  change"  in  the  arrangement 
of  the  genera,  ba-eJ  mainly  upon  anatomical  characters.  The  tympaniforui  membrane  is  always  present  bat,  although  I 
have  found  the  os  transversalo  in  all  that  I  have  examined,  yet  I  hove  never  seen  the  semilunar  membrane.  The  coracoids 
are  short,  but  are  set  on  at  an  angle  causing  t'.ia  farcular  to  b3  wall  arched,  an  1  in  tjr-nin  vl  prJSJ-H  is  short. 

BIRDS  OF  FLORIDA.  22 


170  MYIARCHUS  CR1NITVS. 


GENUS  I.    MYIA11CHUS.    THE  CRESTED  FLYCATCHERS. 

GEN.  Cn.  Bill,  about  as  lony  as  the  head,  which  is  crested,  but  without  a  Mr/lit  central  patch  of  feathers.  Outer 
yuills,  not  incised.  Tail,  slightly  rounded.  height  of  keel,  less  t/ian  one  half  the  length  of  the  coracoids.  Upper  outline 
ofmanubrium,  viewed  from  the  side,  straight  for  one  third  the  length  then  any  led  obliquely  downward.  Marginal  indenta- 
tions, narrow  andshallow.  Broncho-trachealis  anticus  and posticus present ,  also  traces  of  bronchialis  anticus. 

The  colors  above  are  dull,  but  there  is  more  or  less  yellow  below.  I  have  placed  this  genus  nearest  the  Section  Oscines 
partly  on  account  of  the  similarity  of  the  stsrnil  charactars  but  m  jre  particularly  on  account  of  the  developement  of  the 
laryngeal  muscles  which  exceed  those  of  any  species  in  this  Section  that  have  come  under  my  notice. 

MYIARCHUS  CRINITUS. 

Great  Crested  Flycatcher. 

Myiarchus  crinitus  CABANIS,  Jour,  fur  Ornith.  Ill;  1855,  479. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  rather  robust.  Size,  large.  Sternum,  as  given  above.  Feathers  of  the  crest,  long  but  rounded  at  the 
tip. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Above,  olivaceous-green  with  the  feathers  of  the  top  of  the  head  showing  darker  centers.  Upper 
tail  coverts  and  tail,  dull-cinnamon,  tinged  with  greenish,  with  the  inner  webs  of  the  feathers  of  the  latter,  excepting  a  nar- 
row margin  next  the  shaft,  bright-cinnamon.  Wings,  including  coverts,  dark-brown,  with  the  tips  of  the  latter,  forming 
bars,  and  the  edges  of  the  scapularies  and  secondaries,  pale-yellow,  while  the  outer  edge  of  the  basal  portions  of  the  primaries 
are  bright-cinnamon,  and  the  inner  webs  of  all  the  longer  feathers  are  edged  with  pale-cinnamon.  Throat  and  upper 
breast,  dark-ash.  Remainder  of  upper  parts,  including  under  wing  and  tail  coverts,  lemon-yellow.  Bill,  brown.  Feet, 
black. 

Young.  Differ  from  the  adult  in  having  the  bars  on  the  wings  less  clearly  defined,  in  being  darker  above,  and  in  hav- 
ing greenish  on  the  anterior  portions  of  the  sides.  The  cinnamon  is  also  darker. 

Young  of  the  year.  Color  above,  inclined  to  be  reddish,  the  bars  on  the  wings  are  clearly  defined,  but  the  whitish  is 
replaced  by  pale-cinnamon  and  the  edgings  show  very  little  yellow.  The  outer  webs  of  the  tail  feathers  are  lighter  cinna- 
mon, the  throat  is  lighter,  and  the  yellow  of  the  breast  encroaches  upon  the  dusky. 

Nestlings.  The  top  of  the  head  is  overwashed  with  pale-cinnanon.  Beneath,  very  pale  with  the  yellow  encroaching 
upon  the  breast  considerably.  Sexes,  similar  in  ail  .stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Occasionally  there  will  be  indications  of  narrow  cinnamon  edgings  to  the  feathers  of  the  crest,  this  being  especially 
observable  in  Florida  specimens.  Birds  from  this  latter  named  section  are  also  darker  than  the  more  northern  skins  other- 
wise they  are  quite  similar  m  coloration,  but  the  bill  is  almost  always  longer  and  the  curved  point  of  the  upper  mandible  is 
more  elongated;  they  do  not  differ  in  size,  however.  Distributed  in  summer  throughout  Eastern  North  America  from  Mid- 
dle Maine  to  Southern  Florida,  wintering  on  the  Keys  and  in  the  West  Indies. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  thirteen  specimens.  Length,  8'8#;  stretch,  13'30;  wing,4'15;  tail,  3'75;  bill,  '80;  tarsus, -81. 
Longest  specimen,  9'20;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  13'60;  longest  wing,  4'35;  tail,  4MtO;  bill,  '92;  tarsus,  '90.  Shortest 
specimen,  8'50;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  13'0();  shortest  wing,  4-00;  tail,  3'50;  bill,  '70;  tarsus,  '77. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  holes  of  trees,  composed  of  grass  and  fine  weeds  with  an  occasional  cast-off  skin  of  a  snake.  Dimen- 
sions, external  diameter,  4MK),  internal,  2-50.  External  depth,  2400,  internal,  TOO. 

Eggs,  four  to  five  in  number,  rather  elliptical  in  form,  buff  in  color,  streaked  and  lined  with  brown  and  lilac.  The 
markings  are  usually  placed  longitudinally  and  give  the  eggs  a  peculiar  appearance  rendering  them  at  once  distinguishable. 
Dimensions  from  '80  x'65  to  '85  x  '70. 

HABITS. 

There  are  few  birds,  even  among  the  most  melodious  of  the  Oscines,  that  render 
themselves  more  conspicuous  by  their  voices  than  the  Great  Crested  Flycatchers.     It  is  true 


ORE  A  T  CRESTFD  FL  YCA  TCHER.  171 

that  all  the  notes  which  they  utter  are  given  in  about  the  same  tone,  yet  their  cries  are 
loud,  consisting  of  a  scries  of  somewhat  shrill  whistles  often  followed  by  a  harsh  chatter. 
There  is  considerable  individual  variation  in  the  notes  of  these  birds,  yet  there  is  a  similar- 
ity of  intonation  by  which  they  can  at  once  be  recognized.  Besides  the  regular  lay,  I 
have  heard  them  give  a  peculiar  note  which  so  nearly  resembles  the  call  of  the  Quail  that 
it  is  impossible  to  decide  which  of  the  species  is  producing  the  sound.  The  first  place 
that  I  ever  heard  this  cry  was  in  a  thick  hummock  at  Miami,  when  I  was  so  completely  de- 
ceived that  I  advanced  carefully  through  some  yards  of  tangled  thicket,  expecting  every 
moment  to  start  a  Quail,  and  did  not  discover,  my  mistake  until  I  had  approached  so  near 
a  Great  Crested  Flycatcher  which  was  perched  on  a  low  bush,  as  to  be  enabled  to  perceive 
the  motion  of  its  throat  as  it  gave  utterance  to  the  imitative  strain.  The  locality  in 
which  I  found  this  particular  bird  was  exceptional  for  these  Flycatchers  do  not  often  occur 
in  the  hummocks  of  Florida  but  prefer  the  more  open  country,  being  usually  found  in  the 
piny  woods.  These  latter  named  sections  are  usually  vast  plains  with  slight  depressions 
which  are  fdled  witn  water  and  grown  up  to  cypress  trees.  These  swamps,  generally  cir- 
cular in  form  and  which  vary  from  fifty  to  several  hundred  yards  in  diameter,  are  the  chos- 
en resort  of  the  Great  Crested  Flycatcheis.  Indeed,  it  is  difficult  to  find  a  swamp  which 
is  surrounded  by  pine  woods,  after  the  first  of  April  that  is  not  guarded  by  one  or  more  of 
these  birds.  I  say  guarded,  for  like  nearly  all  members  of  this  section  they  seem  to  con- 
sider the  land  in  their  immediate  vicinity  as  their  special  property  and  will  instantly 
eject  any  uvian  intruder  which  ventures  upon  their  domains. 

The  Great  Crested  Flycatchers  spend  the  entire  winter  on  the  Keys  but  do  not  make 
their  appearance  on  the  southern  portions  of  the  main-land  of  Florida  until  March.  They 
reach  the  vicinity  of  Jacksonville  in  early  April,  arrive  in  Pennsylvania  about  the  first  of 
May,  and  I  have  taken  them  in  Massachusetts  during  the  second  week  of  the  month.  In 
Pennsylvania  I  found  them  frequenting  old  apple  orchards  and  they  build  in  holes  after 
the  manner  of  the  Blue  Bird,  depositing  their  eggs  about  the  middle  of  June.  It  is  a 
well  known  fact  that  the  sloughs  of  snakes  are -very  frequently  found  in  their  nests,  they  do 
not  always  occur,  yet  their  presence  is  so  general  as  to  leave  no  doubt  but  that  it  is  a 
decided  habit  of  the  Flycatchers  to  use  thorn.  Why  these  singular  objects  are  employed 
is  of  course  a  matter  of  pure  conjecture,  yet,  as  the  skins  arc  placed  in  a  conspicuous  posi- 
tion and  as  the  birds  must  take  considerable  pains  to  secure  them,  it  is  probable  that  they 
are  intended  as  something  more  than  mere  building  material.  Dried  snakes'  skins  are  hard- 
ly attractive  enough  to  be  considered  as  ornamental,  even  to  birds,  so  we  are  forced  to  the 
conclusion  that  they  must  be  regarded  as  useful  by  the  Flycatchers.  It  is  noticeable  that 
many  birds  exhibit  great  fear  of  snakes,  and  Robins  or  other  species  may  be  kept  from 
eating  berries  by  simply  hanging  the  slough  of  a  snake  on  the  bushes. 

Therefore  it  is  quite  possible  that  the  Flycatchers  taught  by  a  long  experience,  use 
the  skins  of  these  reptiles  to  frighten  away  such  predatory  species  as  Cuckoos  and  Crow 
Blackbirds.  The  Great  Crested  Flycatchers  become  attached  to  certain  localities  and  will 
build  their  nests  for  several  successive  years  in  the  same  hole  if  not  disturbed.  Individu- 


172  TYRANNUS  CAROLINENSIS. 

als  also  have  the  habit  of  visiting  particular  trees  during  certain  hours  of  the  clay  and  I 
have  seen  the  same  bird  return  to  perch  on  the  top  of  a  high  black  walnut  regularly  every 
day  at  a  given  hour  in  the  afternoon.  I  do  not  think  that  he  missed  a  day  during  the 
two  or  three  weeks  that  I  observed  him.  These  birds  guard  their  nests  quite  assiduously, 
especially  when  they  have  young,  but  do  not  appear  to  pay  their  offspring  much  attention 
after  they  have  left  the  nest  and  have  become  somewhat  accustomed  to  snapping  up  insects, 
in  which  art  they  soon  become  expert.  About  the  middle  of  August,  when  the  young  are 
flying  about,  the  adults  become  silent  and  retire  to  the  woods  to  moult  and  soon  after  mi- 
grate. 

GENUS  II.    TYRANNUS.    THE  KING  BIRDS. 

GEN.  CH.  Head,  semi-crested  with  a  briyht  central  patch  of  feathers.  Outer  quills,  incised.  Tail,  square  and  s!iy!it/>j 
emaryinale.  Height  of  keel ,  about  equal  to  one  half  the  length  of  the  coracoids.  Upper  outline  of  manubrium,  viewed  from 
the  side,  showiny  a  rounded  process  with  a  truncated  end.  Marginal  indentations,  shallow  but  not  very  narrow.  Only  sliyhl 
traces  of  either  division  of  the  broncho-trachealis  but  the  bronchiaHs  is  well  developed. 

The  colors  above  are  dark  but  lighter  below  being  either  white  or  yellow.  The  central  patch  of  the  crown  is  only  pres- 
ent in  the  adult  stage.  This  genus  appears  to  come  next  Myiarchus  in  laryngeal  developement  as  well  as  in  sternal  char- 
acters. 

TYRANNUS  CAROLINENSIS. 

King  Bird. 
Tyrannus  Carolinensis  BAIRD,  Birds  N.  A.;  1858, 171. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  robust.  Size,  medium.  Sternum,  not  very  stout.  Feathers  of  the  crest,  somewhat  lance-shaped. 
Bill,  shorter  than  the  head.  Tongue,  thin,  flat,  and  horny,  bifid  at  tip,  but  not  provided  with  cilia. 

Color.  Adult.  Above,  dark  slaty-blue  with  the  top  of  head  nearly  black.  Upper  tail  coverts,  dark  and  edged  with 
white.  Tail,  black  with  the  outer  web  of  two  thirds  of  the  terminal  portion  of  outer  feather  rather  widely,  and  a  shorter 
terminal  portion  of  all  the  remaining  feathers  narrowly  edged,  and  tips  of  them  all,  white.  Wings,  dark-brown  with  the 
lesser  coverts  slaty,  and  both  rows  tipped  with  white  with  a  tinge  of  sulphury-yellow  forming  indistinct  bars,  while  all  the 
remaining  feathers  are  edged  with  white.  Central  patch  of  feathers  on  the  crown,  bright-orange  under  which  arc  some  of 
yellow.  Beneath  including  under  tail  coverts,  pure-white  with  under  wing  coverts,  sidas,  flanks,  and  an  indistinct  band 
across  the  breast,  slaty.  Bill  and  feet,  black. 

Young.  Show  traces  of  brown  above,  the  head  is  not  as  dark,  the  orange  patch  is  not  as  extended,  and  the  white  tip- 
ping to  the  tail  is  not  as  broad. 

Young  of  the  year  in  autumn.  Quite  similar  to  the  preceding  but  browner  above,  especially  on  the  head  which  is 
without  the  concealed  central  patch.  The  white  edgings  of  the  feathers  of  the  rump  are  replaced  by  reddish  and  the  other 
white  markings  above  are  tinged  with  sulphury-yellow. 

Nestlinys.  Uniform  brownish-slaty  above.  The  white  markings  are  much  less  extended  than  in  the  young  and  cither 
decidedly  sulphury  or  yellowish-rufous.  Beneath,  pure  silky-white  with  but  few  traces  of  slaty  anywhere.  Inside  of  mouth, 
yellow.  Bill,  black.  Feet,  plumbeous.  Sexes,  similar  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

There  is  but  little  individual  variation  in  plumage  even  in  specimens  from  Florida,  but  the  bills  of  the  more  southern 
birds  are  larger  and  have  the  curved  tip  longer.  Nestlings  from  the  same  brood  vary  somewhat  in  amount  of  white  on  the 
wings  and  tail,  also  in  shade  of  color  above  and  amount  of  slaty  below.  Distributed  in  summer  thoughout  Eastern  United 
States  from  Florida,  at  least  as  far  north  as  Canada. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  seven  specimens  from  New  England.  Length,  8'37;  stretch,  14'55;  wing,  4'21;  tail,  3-31: 
bill,  '72;  tarsus,  '65.  Longest  specimen,  8'55;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  15'27;  longest  wing,  5'05;  tail,  4'42;  bill,  -70; 
tarsus,  •(«>.  Shortest  specimen,  8'20;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  13-77;  shortest  wing,  4'37;  tail,  3'10;  bill,  '75;  tarsus,  "70. 


KING  BIRD.  173 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

.V  </*,  placed  in  trees,  rntlier  bulky  structures,  composed  of  grass,  weeds,  of  which  the  common  everlasting  usually  forms 
the  urrater  part,  and  roots,  lined  with  fine  grass  and  rootlets.  Dimensions,  external  diameter,  4'50,  internal,  2'50.  Exter- 
nal depth.  2-M.  internal,  1'50. 

<.  four  to  five  in  number,  oval  in  form,  pale-buff  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  irregularly  with  umber  and  lilac. 
Dimen-ioiis  from  1  '00 x  '75  to  '85  x  '65. 

HABITS. 

About  the  second  week  in  May,  when  the  advancing  vegetation  has  given  assurance 
that  the  cold  season  has  fairly  passed,  the  peculiar,  shrill,  continuous  cries  of  the  King 
Birds  are  heard  in  the  open  fields  and  orchards  of  New  England.  The  males  arrive  first 
and  with  a  characteristic  promptness  which  this  species  ever  displays,  each  individual  selects 
some  particular  spot  as  a  home  and  guards  it  with  great  assiduity.  A  few  days  later  the 
females  arrive  and  both  soon  begin  the  duties  of  nest  building.  The  King  Birds  in  certain 
districts  appear  to  prefer  particular  kinds  of  trees  in  which  to  place  their  domiciles.  Thus 
in  some  sections  it  is  quite  difficult  to  find  a  nest  which  is  not  built  in  a  buttonwood.  In 
other  localities  the  birds  select  apple  trees,  while  in  some  places  they  show  a  predilection  for 
bushes  which  overhang  the  water.  They  never  build  in  very  close  assemblies  for  in  no  case 
will  one  pair  allow  another  to  settle  very  near  them,  but  they  sometimes  exhibit  a  decid- 
ed inclination  to  sociability  by  building  in  detached  communities.  When  family  affairs 
are  fairly  under  way,  and  the  female  is  sitting,  the  male  redoubles  his  watchfulness  but 
when  the  young  appear  both  parents  guard  the  vicinity  of  the  nest  with  the  most  jealous 
care.  Then,  all  such  enemies  to  small  birds  as  Crows  and  Hawks  are  obliged  to  exercise 
care  while  passing  near  a  King  Bird's  nest,  for  upon  the  appearance  of  one  of  these  birds 
he  is  instantly  attacked  with  a  fury  that  cannot  be  resisted,  for  the  King  Bird  is  both 
powerful  and  agile.  I  have  seen  an  unfortunate  Crow  which  was  merely  flying  over  an 
(in-hard  in  which  a  pair  of  these  irascible  birds  had  a  home,  assailed  and  not  only  driven 
from  the  spot  but  pursued  for  half  a  mile. 

The  boldness  of  the  King  Birds  is  noticeable  and  their  attacks  even  to  species  much 
lamer  than  themselves  is  no  trifling  matter,  for  they  do  not,  like  many  other  birds  under 
similar  circumstances,  merely  dash  at  the  object  of  their  dislike  and  pass  it  without  touch- 
ing it,  but  they  stvikc  so  hard  with  their  sharp  beaks  as  to  frequently  make  the  feathers 
fly.  At  any  rate,  I  never  saw  a  Crow  or  Hawk  but  what  would  retreat  as  hastily  as  possi- 
ble, their  usual  plan  being  to  rise  very  high  in  the  air,  thus  escaping  the  persecutions  of 
the  persistant  little  tyrants.  Even  cats  arc  ignominiously  driven  from  the  field  by  the  brave 
King  Birds.  Cats  are  very  cowardly  when  they  are  obliged  to  encounter  any  danger 
which  they  do  not  understand,  and  I  once  saw  one  badly  frightened  by  a  Chipping  Sparrow. 
This  particular  animal  was  notably  brave  and  would  seldom  retreat  before  a  dog,  but  in 
the  case  in  hand  the  Sparrow  alighted  directly  upon  her  head  as  she  was  about  to  spring 
upon  its  young,  chirping  loudly,  at  the  same  time  pecking  her  ears  fiercely.  The  Cat 
was  completely  mystified  by  this  strange  proceeding  and  instantly  rushed  away,  shaking 
her  head  as  she  ran,  thus  dismounting  the  bird.  The  downward  swoops  of  the  Flycatchers 
which  are  always  accompanied  by  loud  screams  judiciously  delivered  by  the  birds  at  the 


174  TYRANNUS  DOMINICENSIS. 

moment  they  strike,  generally  prove  too  much  for  feline  courage,  and  I  never  saw  a  cat 
that  would  await  a  second  attack. 

The  King  Birds  also  appear  to  prefer  certain  plants  for  building  materials,  for  exam- 
ple in  the  interior  they  very  frequently  use  the  common  everlasting,  while  on  the  sea  shore 
they  choose  the  bleached  eel-grass.  The  eggs  are  deposited  early  in  June  and  the  young 
leave  the  nest  by  the  middle  of  July.  This  is  a  time  fall  of  anxiety  for  the  parents  as  they 
are  extremely  solicitous  for  the  safety  of  their  offspring.  They  manage  to  keep  them  to- 
gether never  permitting  one  to  stray  far  from  the  others,  then  when  danger  appears  they 
Avill  fly  around  them  and  by  their  cries  induce  them  to  move  away. 

I  once  saw  a  family  of  four  nestlings  sitting  together  and,  as  I  came  near,  the  adult 
birds  tried  to  persuade  them  to  fly  by  uttering  loud  cries,  going  a  short  distance  in  the 
direction  they  wished  them  to  take  and  returning.  Their  offspring  were  quite  young  and 
did  not  appear  to  comprehend,  for  they  did  not  move.  As  I  drew  nearer,  the  adults  be- 
came quite  excited  and  darted  frantically  about,  then  finding  that  the  objects  of  their  care 
did  not  understand  what  they  wanted,  one,  evidently  the  female,  flew  swiftly  against  two 
that  were  sitting  together,  causing  them  to  take  wing,  when  the  remainder  followed  and 
all  moved  away  to  a  distant  tree. 

Just  after  sunset,  during  the  bright  evenings  of  summer,  the  King  Birds  have  a 
singular  habit  of  taking  a  rapid  flight  upward.  After  going  some  yards  silently,  they  will 
suddenly  dart  obliquely  a  few  feet  uttering  a  shrill  twittering,  then  will  mount  higher, 
only  to  repeat  this  eccentric  movement  again  and  again.  Then  having  attained  to  a  con- 
siderable altitude,  they  will  quietly  descend  into  the  gathering  darkness.  I  never  remember 
observing  this  excepting  during  twilight  and  think  that  the  same  bird  performs  but  once 
during  the  evening.  As  the  males  only  exhibit  this  peculiarity,  it  may  be  regarded  as  an 
attempt  at  a  song  and,  although  not  very  melodious,  is  not  unpleasant.  There  are  prob- 
ably few  birds  which  are  so  useful  as  the  King  Birds  for  they  are  almost,  if  not  wholly, 
insectivorous  and,  aside  from  their  habit  of  eating  a  few  honey-bees,  never  do  any  harm. 
They  may  be  seen  perched  on  a  convenient  fence-post  or  mullen-stalk,  occasionally  launch- 
ing out  at  some  passing  insect  and,  with  a  decisive  snap  of  their  strong  beaks,  terminating 
its  career.  The  King  Birds  remain  in  New  England  until  about  the  middle  of  September, 
then  depart  southward.  I  think  that  they  must  migrate  very  rapidly,  passing  quite  out 
of  the  United  States  to  winter  in  the  West  Indies.  They  enter  Florida  on  their  return 
about  the  first  of  May,  a  few  remaining  to  breed. 

TYRANNUS  DOMINICENSIS. 

Gray  King  Bird. 
Tyrannus  Dominicensis  RICH.  List;  1837. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  very  robust.  Size,  large.  Sternum,  stout.  Feathers  of  the  crest,  somewhat  lance-shaped.  Bill,  stoat, 
longer  than  the  head.  Tail,  somewhat  forked. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Above,  light-slaty  inclined  to  brownish,  with  the  top  of  the  head  darker.  Wings  and  tail  dark- 
brown  with  all  the  feather?  edged  with  sulphury-yellow.  These  edges  are  wider  on  the  secondaries  and  tertiaries  and  both 


GRAY  KIN G  BIRD .  175 

rows  of  coverts  nre  tipped  with  tlic  same  color,  forming  indistinct  Imrs.  Conccnlc<l  coronal  patch,  orange  and  yellow  with 
white  iit  the  base.  There  is  a  broad,  dusky  line  commencing  nt  the  lores  and  extending  over  the  ear  coverts.  Beneath,  in- 
cluding under  tail  coverts,  yellowish-white,  with  the  sides,  flunks,  and  indistinct  bar  across  the  breast,  slaty.  Under  wing 

-,  sulphury-yellow.     Bill  and  feet,  black. 

Y.-'inij.  Similar  to  the  adult,  hut  browner  above,  and  with  much  less  white  on  the  wings  which  is  often  replaced  by 
brownish.  Sexes,  similar  in  ail  .stage-. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

There  is  some  variation  in  the  size  and  form  of  the  hill  but  there  is  a  great  similarity  of  coloration.  Readily  known 
from  tin'  preceding  spivics  l>y  the  larger  size,  stouter  and  longer  bill,  absence  of  white  on  the  tip  of  the  tail,  and  general 
]  paler  colors  above.  Distributed  in  summer  throughout  the  Keys  and  along  both  coasts  of  Florida,  north  on  the  Atlantic 
side  to  Charlston,  South  Carolina;  accidental  in  Massachusetts.  Winters  in  the  West  Indies. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  twenty-two  specimens  from  Florida.  Length,  9'52;  stretch,  15-32;  wing,4'43;  toil,  3-82;  bill, 
1-24;  tarsus. -77.  Longest  spceiincn,  D'hO;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  1C- 10;  longest  wing,  5'06;  tail,  4-;J.r>;  hill,  1-45;  tarsus, 
•80.  Shortest  specimen,  9'25;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  14'55;  shortest  wing,  3'80;  tail,  3'40;  bill,  1  04;  tarsus,  '74. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

A''  sis,  placed  in  hushes,  composed  of  grass  and  weeds,  lined  with  fine  grass  and  rootlets.  Dimensions,  external  diam- 
eter, 4-75,  internal,  2  75.  External  depth,  2'75,  internal,  1-75 

Eyys,  Four  in  number,  deep-salmon  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  irregularly  with  umber  and  lilac.  Dimensions  from 
1  •  10  x  -80  to  "JO  x  '70. 

HABITS. 

The  first  time  that  I  ever  saw  the  Gray  King  Bird  was  on  the  seventh  of  April, 
1  S71 .  I  was  in  company  with  my  friend,  Mr.  II.  W.  Henshaw,  and  we  were  just  return- 
ing from  a  trip  into  the  Everglades.  As  we  were  pulling  slowly  along  the  sluggish  stream 
which  is  the  begining  of  the  Miami  River,  we  were  saluted  by  a  loud  whoop  and,  turning 
in  the  direction  of  the  sound,  saw  the  tall  form  of  the  young  Seminole  chief,  Tiger-tail, 
looming  up  over  the  tops  of  the  grass  which  is  not  very  high  at  this  point.  He  had  ob- 
served us  and,  wishing  to  cross  the  river,  had  hailed  us.  After  setting  him  on  the  other 
side,  we  passed  onwards  but  it  was  owing  to  the  slight  delay  which  this  incident  occasioned 
that  we  saw  the  Flycatcher  now  under  consideration  for,  just  as  we  neared  the  rapids 
which  occur  in  the  river  as  it  emerges  from  the  Everglades,  a  bird  flew  silently  across 
and  alighted  on  a  tall  cypress  which  stood  near  the  margin.  I  at  once  recognized  it  as 
being  the  Gray  King  Bird  and  pointed  it  out  to  my  companion,  who  landed  and  secured 
the  specimen. 

This  bird  was  evidently  a  straggler  for  I  did  not  see  any  more  at  Miami,  nor  did  I 
meet  with  the  species  again  until  the  last  week  in  April,  when  I  found  them  very  abun- 
dant among  the  Keys.  There  is  a  similarity  in  the  flight  of  the  Gray  King  Bird  and 
that  of  the  common  King  Bird  but,  the  former  may  be  at  once  recognized  by  their  heavier 
movements,  and  they  are  much  less  agile.  The  northern  species  are  noisy  birds  but  in 
this  respect  they  are  excelled  by  the  Gray  King  Birds  which  are  constantly  chattering. 
They  not  only  utter  their  cries  while  flying,  but  will  also  give  their  shrill  notes  while  sit- 
ting, raising  their  wings  while  so  doing,  very  much  after  the  manner  of  the  Red-winged 
Blackbirds. 


176  CONTOP  US  B  OREAL1S. 

The  Gray  King  Birds  appear  to  prefer  the  outer,  or  higher,  keys  and  visit  them  in 
great  numbers,  especially  during  the  spring  migration.  In  order  to  give  some  idea  of  the 
homes  of  these  birds,  I  will  describe  Bamboo  Key  where  I  found  them  particularly  common. 
This  little  island  which  contains  nearly  two  acres  of  land,  lies  about  midway  between  Key 
West  and  Cape  Florida.  It  is  one  of  a  line  of  outer  keys  which  have  an  old  coral  reef  for 
a  foundation  and,  as  the  present  reef  which  extends  parallel  with  the  keys  but  which  lies  five 
miles  at  sea,  is  clearly  visible,  this  is  used  as  a  wrecking  station  and  has  a  lookout  erect- 
ed upon  it.  There  were  two  families  living  there  but,  with  the  characteristic  improv- 
idence of  the  poorer  class  in  Florida,  they  did  not  attempt  to  cultivate  the  soil,  choosing 
rather  to  depend  upon  a  precarious  livelihood  gained  by  wrecking.  Thus  the  vegetation 
of  the  place  was,  in  a  great  degree,  in  a  primitive  condition.  Nearly  Ihe  whole  key  was 
surrounded  by  a  belt  of  mangroves  but  these  grew  on  very  low  ground  over  which  the  tide 
rose  every  day;  higher,  on  the  dryland,  were  bushes  among  which  two  or  three  species  of 
cacti  grew  in  profusion  and,  as  the  whole  was  overgrown  by  a  tangled  mass  of  vines,  it 
formed  an  impenetrable  thicket.  The  wreckers  had  formed  a  small  clearing  in  the  midst  of 
this  jungle  and  erected  two  or  three  wretched  houses. 

I  landed  on  the  first  of  May  and  remained  there  several  days  during  which  time  I 
saw  hundreds  of  Gray  King  Birds.  They  appeared  to  be  migrating,  for  numbers  were  con- 
stantly arriving  from  sea-ward,  yet,  unlike  many  other  species,  they  invariably  came  in 
pairs  and  were  evidently  mated  as  they  were  constantly  pursuing  each  other  through  the 
air  in  a  playful  manner,  at  the  same  time  vociferating  loudly.  They  exhibit  a  decided 
preference  for  mangroves  and  later,  by  the  middle  of  the  month,  build  their  nests  in  them, 
usually  selecting  bushes  which  overhang  the  water.  These  birds  inhabit  all  of  the  higher 
keys  from  Key  West  to  Cape  Florida.  They  also  occur  on  the  West  Coast  in  suitable 
localities  but  I  do  not  think  that  they  are  as  abundant  on  the  East  side  of  the  peninsula. 
They  must  migrate  early,  as  I  never  found  them  in  autumn. 

GENUS  III.    CONTOPUS.    THE  PEWEES. 

GEN.  Cn.  Bill,  shorter  than  the  head  which  is  crested  but  without  the  central  coronet  patch.  Outer  quills,  sliyhlly  in- 
cised. Tail,  square  and  cmarr/inate.  Upper  outline  of  manubrium,  viewed  from  the  side,  rounded  gradually  downward. 
Heiyht  of  keel,  a  little  less  than  one  half  the  lenc/th  of  the  coracoids.  Broncho-trachealis,  sliyhtly  developed.  Bronchialis, 
quite  larye. 

The  colors  are  dull,  relieved  only  by  restricted  white  markings  below.  There  is  a  silky  patch  of  elongated,  white  feath- 
ers growing  from  the  sides  of  the  upper  rump.  The  under  mandible  of  the  adult  is  yellow,  veined  with  red  in  life. 

CONTOPUS  BOREALIS. 

Olive-sided  Flycatcher. 

Contopus  Borealis  BAIRD,  Birds  N.  A.;  1858,  188. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  robust.  Si/e,  large.  Sternum,  stout.  Tongue,  triangular  in  form,  thin,  horny,  bifid,  provided  with 
coarse  cilia  which  extend  along  the  sides.  Stomach,  somewhat  muscular.  Wings,  long  and  pointed.  Feathers  of  seini- 
crest,  rounded. 

Color.  Adult.  Above,  including  wings,  tail,  and  upper  tail  coverts,  dark  sooty-brown  overwashed  with  plumbeous  on 
all  portions  excepting  top  of  the  head.  Edges  of  secondaries,  tertiaries,  and  tips  oftwo  rows  of  wing  coverts,  forming  indis- 
tinct bars,  white.  Beneath,  including  under  tail  coverts,  yellowish-white.  Narrow  band  across  breast,  sides,  flanks,  and 


OLIVE-SIDED  FLYCATCHER.  177 

un.ler  win.;;  coverts,  thirkly  streaked  witli  olivaceous-slaty.  Upper  inancliMe,  dark-hrown,  under,  yellow,  darker  at  tip. 
l-'eet.  l>laek. 

Yo-um/  of  the  year  in  autumn.  Similar  to  the  a<lult  but  more  strongly  tinged  with  yellow  below,  the  wing  bars  show 
n  tingini:  "I' rufous  and  the  under  mandible  is  dark-brown. 

M-itl/iny.i.  Are  more  oli\ne»>ous  above.  The  white  of  the  wings  is  replaced  by  rufous.  Under  portions,  inclined  to 
buff.  Hill,  dark-brown,  yellow  at  base  of  bwer  mandible.  Sexes,  similar  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

There  is  but  little  variation  in  plumage  in  specimens  of  the  same  age  Readily  known  from  all  allied  species  by  the 
lame  >i/.e  and  olivaceous  markings  lielow  as  well  as  by  the  greater  proportionate  length  of  wing.  The  descriptions  of  the 
younger  stages  are  from  specimens  in  the  cabinet  of  Mr.  Win.  Brewster.  Distributed  in  summer  from  Massachusetts,  north- 
ward. \\imeis  south  of  the  I'nited  States. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Avenge  measurements  of  seven  specimens  from  New  England.  Length,  7*02;  stretch,  12-92;  wing,  4-00;  tail,  2-82: 
bill.  -(>0;  tarsus -ft*.  Longest  specimen,  7'74;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  13-50;  longest  wing,  4'20;  tail,  2'09;  bill,  -71; 
tarsus,  •(>«.  Shortest  specimen,  7'50;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  12-45;  shortest  wing,  3'80;  tail,  2'74;  bill,  '65;  tarsus, '60. 

DESCRimON  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Netts,  placed  in  trees,  composed  of  sticks  and  weeds,  lined  with  fine  roots.  Dimensions,  external  diameter,  4'00,  inter- 
nal, 2-0(1.  Kxternal  depth,  2'00,  internal,  I'OO. 

K/i/.t.  three  to  four  in  number,  oval  in  form,  salmon  colored,  spotted  and  blotched  with  yellowish-brown,  umber  and 
lilac.  Dimensions  from'75x-60  to'85x'65. 

HABITS. 

The  last  Flycatcher  described  was  a  member  of  the  avi-fauna  of  the  extreme  southern 
portion  of  the  United  States  and  now  we  will  turn  to  one  which  inhabits  the  more  north- 
ern section  of  the  Union.  In  many  parts  of  Maine  and  New  Hampshire,  clearings  are 
made  in  the  primitive  woods  by  cutting  away  the  smaller  growth  of  timber,  but  the  larger 
trees  are  merely  girdled.  A  belt  of  bark  of  greater  or  less  width  is  removed  completely 
around  the  trunk,  after  which  the  trees  soon  die  but  are  left  standing  until  they  decay. 
These  uiuantic  spruces  and  hemlocks  which  have  required  centuries  to  come  to  maturity, 
do  not  quickly  succumb  to  the  destroying  elements  but  the  bark  soon  falls  away  and  the 
exposed  wood  becomes  whitened  by  the  sun  and  air.  They  will  last  for  years  and  portions 
of  forests  thus  treated  are  called  deadnings,  a  suggestive  name,  for  these  leafless  giants 
stretching  their  withered  and  whitened  limbs  over  the  despoiled  soil,  strongly  remind  one 
of  tombstones  in  p  cemetery.  The  Olive-sided  Flycafchers,  however,  do  not  appear  to 
regard  them  in  such  a  melancholy  light,  but  look  upon  them  as  convenient  roosting  places 
and  whenever  one  of  these  clearings  occur  on  the  side  of  a  mountain  or  other  rising  ground, 
the  loud  whistling  notes  of  these  birds  may  be  heard.  If  the  deadnings  be  large,  there 
may  be  two  pairs  but  usually  there  is  only  one,  for,  like  the  other  members  of  this  family, 
the  Olive-sided  Flycatchers  are  very  quarrelsome  and  will  not  permit  any  birds,  much  less 
one  of  the  same  species,  to  settle  very  near  them. 

The  notes  of  these  birds  are  very  loud,  fully  equalling  those  of  the  Great  Crested  Fly- 
catchers, if  not  exceeding  them.  The  ordinary  call  slightly  resembles  the  plaintive  pe-wee 
of  the  Wood  Pewee,  but  is  so  much  harsher  and  is  given  with  so  much  emphasis  that  the 
similarity  is  scarcely  perceived  upon  hearing  the  cry,  but  comes  as  an  after-thought.  Be- 
sides this  comparatively  gentle  strain,  the  Olive-sided  Flycatchers  utter  some  loud  whistles 
when  alarmed  that  may  be  heard  at  a  great  distance. 

BIRDS   OF  FLORIDA.  23 


178  CONTOPUS  V1RENS. 

In  Massachusetts,  these.  Flycatchers  appear  to  prefer  old  fields  grown  up  to  cedars, 
but  place  the  nest  on  the  outermost  limb  of  some  deciduous  tree,  either  an  apple  or  an  oak. 
They  become  attached  to  certain  localities  and  will  return  year  after  year  to  breed  in  the 
same  place,  for  Mr.  II.  A.  Purdie  has  found  the  nest  several  successive  seasons  in  one  field. 
They  are  extremely  solicitous  for  the  safety  of  their  eggs  and  sound  their  loud  alarm  notes 
so  frequently  that,  as  Mr.  Purdie  remarks,  they  always  betray  their  nesting  place. 

They  arrive  in  New  England  about  the  middle  of  May,  nest  the  first  week  in  June, 
the  young  leave  their  homes  by  the  middle  of  July,  and  all  migrate  by  the  last  of  August. 
I  saw  a  single  specimen  on  a  slope  of  the  Alleghany  Mountains  near  Williamsport,  Penn- 
sylvania, as  late  as  the  first  week  of  June,  thus  it  is  possible  that  they  breed  in  the  more 
elevated  portions  of  that  section,  more  especially  as  the  growth  of  timber- there  corresponds 
quite  nearly  to  that  of  Northern  New  Hampshire. 

CONTOPUS  VIRENS. 

Wood  Pewee. 
Contopux  virens  CABAXIS,  Jour,  fur  Ornith.,  Ill;  1855,  479. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  slender.  Size,  small.  Sternum,  not  stout.  Tongue,  rather  long,  tliin  and  horny,  bifid,  but  without 
the  terminal  cilia.  Stomach,  not  very  muscular. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Above,  including  upper  tail  coverts,  olivaceous-brown,  darkest  on  the  head.  Wings  and  tail,  brown 
with  the  secondaries  and  tertiaries  edged  with  yellowish-white.  Tips  of  two  rows  of  wing  coverts,  forming  bars,  also  white. 
Beneath,  yellowish-white,  with  the  sides,  flanks,  tibea,  and  indistinct  band  across  breast,  olivaceous-brown.  Under  tail 
coverts,  yellowish-white,  streaked  with  olivaceous.  Upper  mandible,  dark-brown,  lower,  yellow.  Feet,  black. 

Adult  iy.  autumn.  Darker  above  and  much  yellower  below  than  in  spring.  The  under  mandible  is  also  dark-brown, 
but  pale-yellow  at  the  base.  The  wing  markings  show  a  strong  tinging  of  yellow. 

Youny  of  the  year.  Quite  brown  above  with  an  overwashing  of  yellowish-rufous  on  the  nape,  rump,  and  upper  tail 
coverts.  The  wing  bars  are  broader,  but  the  white  is  replaced  by  yellowish-rufous.  Under  portions,  similar  to  the  adult, 
but  the  dark  markings  are  greener.  Bill,  very  dark-brown,  yellow  at  bass  of  Ijwer  mandible. 

Nnsllinys.  Similar  above  to  the  plumage  last  described,  but  browner  and  showing  more  yellowish-rufous.  Beneath, 
olivaceous-brown,  with  the  abdomen  and  under  tail  coverts,  yellowish-white.  Bill,  usually  black,  with  dull-orange  at  the 
base  of  the  upper  mandible,  but  a  specimen  not  quite  fully  grown,  kindly  procured  for  me  by  the  Bangs  Brothers,  has  the 
under  mandible  entirely  yellow  as  in  the  adult. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Specimens  of  the  same  age  vary  but  little,  excepting  inform  of  bill.  In  the  younger  stages  this  member  is  broader  and 
has  a  shorter  curved  tip,  especially  in  nestlings.  It  is  somewhat  difficult  to  obtain  a  specimen  which  is  entirely  in  the  first 
plumage  as  they  acquire  the  second  dress  before  they  are  fully  grown  and,  on  the  other  hand,  the  adults  delay  so  long  in 
assuming  the  antumnal  dress  that  it  is  rare  to  take  one  in  this  stage  in  New  England;  the  one  which  I  have  described  being 
taken  on  the  autumnal  migration  in  Pennsylvania.  Known  from  borcalis  by  the  smaller  size,  more  slender  form,  and  the 
uniformity  of  the  darker  markings,  they  being  in  streaks  in  the  larger  species.  Distributed  in  summer  throughout  Eastern 
North  America  from  Canada  south,  at  least,  to  Georgia.  Winters  in  Mexico  and  Central  America. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  fourteen  specimens.  Length,  6'45;  stretch,  10'sJO;  wing,  3-37;  tail,  2'44;  bill,  -57;  tarsus,  -50. 
Longest  specimen,  (i'80;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  10'85;  longest  wing,  3'GO;  tail,  2'75;  bill,  '65;  tarsus,  -55.  Shortest  speci- 
men, 6-10;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  9-65;  shortest  wing,  3' 15;  tail,  2-24;  bill, '50;  tarsus, '45. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  trees,  composed,  inwardly,  of  grass  and  pine  leaves.  The  outside  is  smoothly  covered  with  lichens  se- 
cured by  cobwebs.  Lined  with  fine  grass.  The  whole  structure  somewhat  resembles  that  ol  the  Humming  Bird.  Dimen- 
sions, external  diameter,  2'50,  internal ,  2 -00.  External  depth,  1-50,  internal,  TOO. 

Eygs,  three  in  number,  oval  in  form,  creamy-buff  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  around  the  larger  end  with  brown, 
unibsr,  and  lilac,  there  being  few  or  no  markings  on  the  smaller  end.  Dimensions  from  '71  x'50  to  '75  x  '55. 


WOOD  PEWEE.  179 

IIAHITS. 

Among  the  numerous  birds  which  visit  New  England  in  summer,  there  are  none  that 
come  with  less  display  than  the  Wood  Pewees.  Almost  all  of  our  returning  migrants  an- 
nounce their  arrival  more  or  less  ostentatiously;  the  flocking  Blackbirds  chatter  loudly  as 
soon  as  they  enter  the  meadows,  the  Bobolink  greets  his  old  home  with  his  most  cheerful 
song,  the  notes  of  the  Oriole  seem  the  clearest  when  he  sings  among  the  blossoming  cherry 
lives,  and  even  the  little  Chipping  Sparrow  does  not  allow  an  hour  to  pass  after  he  enters 
the  garden  without  informing  his  old  friends  of  his  advent  by  uttering  his  peculiar  notes. 
In  fact,  field,  meadow,  and  woodland  are  ringing  with  the  melody  of  newly  arrived  song- 
sters and  amid  this  joyous  outbreak,  the  gently  given  pe-wee  of  our  somber-colored  little 
friends  passes  almost  unheeded.  But  later,  in  June,  when  the  oaks  and  maples  are  cov- 
ered with  delicately  tinted  foliage,  when  the  ferns  have  fully  unrolled  their  beautiful 
pinnate  fronds,  when  Nature  has  clothed  all  vegetable  life  with  her  loveliest  greens  and  the 
air  in  the  groves  is  redolent  with  that  spicy  odor  only  to  be  observed  in  early  summer, 
then  the  plaintive  lay  of  the  Wood  Pewee  is  heard  to  perfection.  It  is  more  noticeable 
near  the  middle  of  the  day  when  many  birds  are  biking  their  noon-time  siesta  and  naught 
is  to  be  heard  excepting  the  long-drawn  notes  of  this  Flycatcher  which  are  given  very 
low  as  if  the  bird  was  not  desirous  of  breaking  the  stillness.  They  sing  throughout  the  day 
all  summer  long,  constantly  reiterating  their  lay  even  during  the  most  sultry  days  of 
August. 

As  might  be  infered  from  the  plaintive  melody  uttered  by  the  Wood  Pewees,  they 
are  rather  indolent  in  habit  when  compared  with  the  other  Flycatchers.  Neither  are  they 
quarrelsome  and  I  cannot  recall  an  instance  when  I  saw  one  make  an  attack  upon  another 
species.  This  indolence,  however,  is  more  seeming  than  real,  it  being  the  habit  of  the 
birds  to  go  quietly  about  their  vocations  without  bluster.  They  will  perch  on  some  high 
limb  in  the  woods,  in  an  upright  attitude  with  drooping  wings,  but  it  can  be  seen  that  they 
are  watching  keenly  all  the  while,  for  the  head  is  turned  quickly  from  side  to  side  and 
the  bright  eyes  are  surveying  every  object  far  or  near  with  microscopic  exactness.  Sud- 
denly it  catches  sight  of  a  passing  insect  which  is  desirable,  for  the  Wood  Pewees  are 
epicures  to  a  certain  extent  as  they  will  not  eat  all  species  of  insects,  then  it  launches  out 
with  an  almost  inconceivable  swiftness,  checks  its  rapid  (light  by  spreading  its  tail  to  the 
'utmost,  and  the  loud  snap  of  its  beak  announces  that  its  victim  has  met  its  fate.  Their 
prey  is  usually  taken  on  the  wing,  but  I  have  occasionally  seen  them  picking  insects  from 
the  brandies. 

They  are  generally  silent  when  feeding,  the  notes  of  which  I  have  spoken  being  given 
more  frequently  when  the  birds  are  at  leisure.  Besides  this  call,  the  Wood  Pewees  in- 
dulge in  a  kind  of  song.  They  will  alight  on  a  limb,  usually  flying  upward  before  so 
doing,  and,  giving  a  little  flutter  of  the  wings,  will  utter  a  few  murmuring  notes  which  are 
so  low  that  they  can  be  heard  but  a  few  yards.  This  peculiar  lay  is  only  given,  as  far  as 
I  have  observed,  in  the  breeding  season  and,  as  if  is  evidently  an  attempt  to  sing,  proves 
that  the  birds  would  indulge  in  as  melodious  a  carol  as  any  of  the  members  of  the  Section 
Oscines,  were  they  not  debarred  by  physical  impossibilities.  Thus  in  the  Wood  Pewee  we 


180  CONTOPUS  VJRENS. 

find  a  clear  illustration  of  the  use  of  the  vocal  muscles,  they  being  imperfectly  developed 
the  bird  is  incapable  of  uttering  any  thing  approaching  the  songs  of  its  better  endowed 
neighbors.  Rarely,  these  birds  give  a  harsh  cry  not  unlike  some  of  the  sounds  produced 
by  the  Olive-sided  Flycatchers. 

I  have  described  the  Wood  Pewees  as  inhabiting  (he  deep  woods  and,  although  this 
is  their  frequent  custom,  they  occasionally  inhabit  orchards,  but  it  is  quite  rare  to  find  a 
nest  on  other  than  a  forest  tree.  The  neat  domicile  of  this  Flycatcher  is  one  of  the  prettiest 
among  those  of  our  native  birds  and  its  covering  of  lichens  renders  it  quite  inconspicuous 
when  placed  on  a  limb.  The  birds  are  usually  wise  enough  to  select  a  large  branch  where 
the  nest  resembles  one  of  the  peculiar  knobby  excrescences  so  often  seen  on  oaks.  There 
are  a  few  species  of  birds  which  use  this  peculiar  kind  of  covering  for  their  structures. 
Notably  among  these  are  the  Vireos,  Gnatcatchers,  the  present  species,  and  the  Humming 
Birds,  and  it  is  observable  that  all  birds  which  make  use  of  it  seldom  employ  any  other 
material,  even  if  they  build  in  widely  different  sections.  Thus  the  nests  of  the  Wood 
Pewees  that  I  have  examined  which  were  taken  in  Georgia  were  not  essentially  different 
from  those  taken  in  Maine.  There  is  also  a  singular  uniformity  in  the  eggs  of  this  species 
which  are  among  the  most  beautiful  of  any  I  ever  saw,  occasionally  one  is  found  that  is 
not  spotted  as  thickly  as  usual,  but  the  form  of  the  egg,  the  shade  of  ground  color,  with 
the  position  of  the  markings  are  so  peculiar  and  constant  that  the  species  is  always  recog- 
nizable at  sight. 

The  Wood  Pewees  arrive  late,  about  the  first  week  in  May,  shortly  after  which  they 
begin  to  build  but,  as  some  time  is  required  to  construct  their  elaborate  domiciles,  the  eggs 
are  not  deposited  until  June.  The  birds  guard  their  nests  very  carefully  and  in  spite  of 
their  usual  gentle  disposition,  will  not  hesitate  to  dart  into  the  face  of  any  one  who  attempts 
to  scale  the  tree  in  which  their  home  is  placed.  The  young  appear  about  the  first  of  July 
and  leave  the  nest  the  latter  part  of  that  month.  They  follow  their  parents  for  a  long 
time  and  are  fed  by  them,  as  their  bills  are  quite  soft  and  are  long  in  assuming  the  hooked 
form  peculiar  to  the  adults  and  which  may  be  necessary  in  order  to  catch  insects  successfully. 
At  this  time  the  young  have  a  continuous  twittering  cry,  quite  unlike  anything  that  their 
parents  ever  utter,  and  they  always  keep  well  together,  seldom  scattering  about  woods. 
Thpy  remain  in  Massachusetts  until  the  middle  of  August,  when  they  all  disappear.  I 
found  them  more  abundant  in  Watsontown,  Pennsylvania,  the  first  week  in  September, 
than  I  ever  saw  them  in  any  other  given  section.  Their  call  notes  could  be  heard  on  all 
sides  for  there  were  hundreds  of  them,  but  in  a  few  days  they  had  all  departed  for  the 
south. 

(iEXUS  IV.     SAYORNIS.    THE  PIICEBES. 

(TEN-.  CH.  Bill,  much  shorter  than  the  head  which  is  semi-crested  but  without  the  central  coronal  patch.  Outer  quills, 
not  incised.  Tail,  square  and  smart/mate.  Upper  outline  ofmanubrium,  viewed  from  the  side,  anylcd  ob.i'jue/y  downward. 
Httyht  of  keel,  about  eyual  to  one  half  the  Icnyth  of  the  coracoids.  flroncho-trachealis,  very  sliyhtly  developed.  Jlronr/na- 
Hs,  i/uite  large. 

Colors  above  quite  dark,  usually  relieved  by  lighter  below.  The  bill  is  black  on  both  mandibles.  Although  there  i-  ;in 
elongated  patch  of  f jathers  on  the  upper  rump,  yet  they  are  not  as  thick  as  in  the  last  genus,  nor  as  white. 


SA  YORNIS  FUSCUS.  181 

SAYORNIS  FUSCUS. 
Phoebe.    Bridge  Peweo. 
Sayonisfusrus  HAIKU,  Birds  N.  A.;  1858,  184. 

DESCRI1TION. 

SP.  Cii.  Ftom,  rather  robnst.  Size,  medium.  Sternum,  as  given  above.  Tongue,  thin  nnd  horny,  bifid,  but  without 
t':e  terminal  cilia.  Stomach,  rather  muscular. 

Count.  Aitull.  Alxive,  including  upper  tail  coverts,  sooty-brown,  darkest  on  the  head,  with  a  tinge  of  olivaceous  on 
nil  jmpiiinis  excepting  tup  of  head.  Wings  and  tail,  dark-brown  with  the  outer  edges  of  all  the  feathers,  yellowish-white. 
Both  rowstif  wing  coverts,  narrowly  tipped  with  white,  firming  indistinct  bars.  Beneath,  including  under  wing  and  tail 
<-o\erts,  pale  yellowish-white,  with  the  sides,  flanks,  and  an  indistinct  band  across  breast,  sooty-brown.  Bill  and  feet, 
black. 

Adult  in  autumn.  Darker  above  than  in  summer,  the  wing  tors  are  clearer,  the  under  portions  are  of  a  decided  sul- 
phury yellow,  and  the  dark  markings  arc  not  as  extended. 

Youny  nfthr  yrar.  More  olivueei  >us  above  than  in  the  adult  stage.  The  whitish  wing  bars  are  replaced  by  yellowish 
rufous,  there  is  a  deeper  shade  of  yellow  below,  nnd  the  M»>ty-hrown  markings  are  olivaceous. 

Nnsllinyt.  Much  browner  above  than  the  young,  being  overwashed  with  yellowish-rufous,  but  the  top  of  the  head  is 
darker.  The  wing  bars  are  yellowish-rufous.  Beneath,  pale  yellowish-white  with  faint  indications  of  brownish  on  the 
sides.  1'pper  mandible,  black,  under,  brown.  Sexes,  similar  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

There  is  little  or  no  difference  in  plumage,  in  specimens  of  the  same  age  and  season  but  there  is  a  slight  variation  in 
form  of  the  bill  as  usual  in  this  group.  Known  from  the.  Wood  Pewee  by  the  larger  size,  black  bill  which  is  longer  even 
in  nestlings,  and  general  browner  ( •.,!,. rs  above  in  all  stages,  and  from  other  Flycatchers  by  the  characters  as  given.  Dis- 
tributed in  summer  throughout  Eastern  North  America,  from  Canada  at  least  as  far  south  as  South  Carolina.  Winters  in 
the  southern  section  from  the  Carolina*,  to  Florida  and  on  the  Keys. 

DIMENSIONS. 

A \t-r.ige  measurements  of  twenty-five  specimens  from  New  England  and  Florida.  Length,  7'00;  stretch,  1T41;  wing, 
2.60;  tail,  2-07;  bill, -55;  tarsus, -70.  Longest  specimen,  7'50;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  12-60;  longest  wing,  3'82;  tail, 3'75; 
bill, -60;  tarsus, -75.  Shortest  specimen,  6'50;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  10-32;  shortest  wing  2'40;  tail,  2-50;  bill, '50;  tarsus, 
•65. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  under  bridges,  buildings,  in  the  shelter  of  ledges  of  rocks,  upturned  trees,  or  banks  of  earth.  Composed 
of  moss  jind  roots  lined  with  tina  grass,  rootlets,  and  hair.  Dimensions,  external  diameter,  4'50,  internal,  2'50.  External 
depth,  2-50,  internal,  1-23. 

Eyys.  four  to  six  in  number,  oval  in  form,  creamy-white  in  color,  occasionally  dotted  with  reddish-brown.  Dimensions 
from -75 x -50  to -80s '60. 

IIAIilTS. 

On  the  thirty-first  of  December,  18C8, 1  found  myself  for  the  first  time,  gun  in  hand, 
in  the  piny  woods  of  Florida.  As  this  was  then,  comparatively  speaking,  an  unknown 
section  to  ornithologists,  I  was  naturally  anxious  to  find  what  birds  occurred  there.  I  had 
not  gone  far  when  I  saw  a  Flycatcher  perched  on  the  lower  branch  of  a  pine,  but  some 
distance  above  my  head;  this  I  instantly  shot,  and,  upon  picking  it  up,  was  a  little  disap- 
pointed at  finding  that  it  was  a  Phoebe,  for  after  traveling  so  far  I  expected  to  find  some- 
thing with  which  I  WAS  not  quite  so  familiar,  but  later  in  the  day  I  secured  several  fine 
birds  that  I  had  never  seen  living  before  and  as  I  always  consider  it  necessary  to  actually 
shoot  every  species,  in  order  to  be  absolutely  sure  of  their  identification,  I  was  conten- 
ted for  I  had  proved  beyond  a  doubt  that  this  Flycatcher  wintered  in  Florida.  I  did  not 


182  PHCEDE.    BRIDGE  PEWEE. 

recognize  the  bird  when  I  first  saw  it,  partly  because  I  was  looking  for  something  quite 
different  but  more  particularly  because  I  had  not  been  accustomed  to  finding  this  species 
in  the  woods.  Since  that  time,  however,  I  have  found  that  they  prefer  the  wooded  dis- 
tricts in  the  south,  but  they  are  occasionally  found  on  the  plantations,  and  at  Key  West  I 
observed  them  about  the  gardens  of  the  city. 

The  Phoebcs  are  among  the  first  of  our  spring  migrants  to  enter  New  England  and 
their  energetic,  oft-repeated  phe-be  is  frequently  heard  when  the  fields  are  white  with 
snow.  It  must  be  quite  difficult  for  these  birds  to  find  insects  thus  early  in  the  season  but 
they  do  manage  to  get  them  for  all  that  I  ever  dissected,  no  matter  how  cold  the  weather, 
were  filled  with  flies  or  beetles.  I  say  all  but  I  must  make  one  exception;  this  was  a 
specimen  that  I  shot  on  the  eighth  of  April,  1868,  during  a  snow  storm  which  was  of  a 
long  duration.  The  bird  was  sitting  in  a  hawthorn  hedge  when  I  procured  it  and,  upon 
opening  it,  I  found  that  it  had  been  eating  the  dried  berries  of  that  shrub.  Thus  it  will 
be  seen  that  birds  which  are  as  strictly  insectivorous  as  these  Flycatchers  will,  when  com- 
pelled by  necessity,  adopt  a  vegetable  diet. 

Almost  immediately  after  their  arrival,  the  Phcebes  select  a  suitable  breeding  place. 
In  Massachusetts  this  is  usually  a  nook  on  a  conveniently  placed  prop  under  a  bridge  or 
barn,  or  in  some  out-building  but,  as  they  appear  to  prefer  the  neighborhood  of  water, 
the  former  named  structures  are  more  frequently  chosen.  At  Ipswich  there  are  certain 
bogs  where  peat  was  dug,  when  this  substance  was  used  for  fuel,  and  as  the  meadows  be- 
longed to  farmers  who  often  lived  at  a  distance,  they  constructed  small  houses  there  in 
order  to  store  the  peat  when  it  was  dry.  When  coal  became  abundant  and  cheap,  peat 
was  abandoned  and  thus  the  little  buildings  became  useless.  They  were  left  standing, 
however,  much  to  the  delight  of  the  Phoebes  who  now  occupy  them  every  season.  I  do 
not  think  I  ever  entered  one  of  these  structures  at  the  proper  season  but  what  I  found  a 
nest  of  one  of  these  Flycatchers.  There  were  never  more  than  one  to  a  house,  however, 
for  the  Bridge  Pewees  never  permit  a  second  pair  of  the  same  species  to  build  very  near 
them. 

After  a  pair  of  these  Flycatchers  have  taken  possession  of  any  particular  place  it  is 
difficult  to  make  them  leave  it;  no  matter  how  persistently  they  are  robbed  they  will  build 
anew,  often  choosing  the  exact  spot  from  which  the  former  nest  was  removed.  The  same 
pair  or  their  successors  must  occupy  the  same  site  for  many  years  as  I  once  knew  of  an  old 
mill  under  which  a  pair  of  Phoebes  built  season  after  season,  until  the  building  was  de- 
stroyed by  fire,  when  they  merely  moved  to  an  adjacent  edifice.  If  undisturbed  they  will 
often  place  a  second  nest  over  the  first  but  I  do  not  think  that  the  old  domicile  is  ever 
used  without  additional  material.  Two  broods  are  nearly  always  reared  the  same  season 
and  a  new  lining  is  placed  over  the  old  one  on  which  the  fresh  litter  of  eggs  are  then 
deposited. 

It  is  not  common  to  find  the  nest  of  a  Phoebe  in  other  than  the  situations  described 
in  Massachusetts  for  there  are  many  available  places  awaiting  their  choice,  but  in  northern 
Maine,  where  out-houses,  bridges,  etc,  are  not  as  common,  they  breed  in  the  shelter  afford- 
ed by  the  upturned  roots  of  trees.  In  buildings  the  nest  is  sometimes  placed  flat  upon  the 


KMP1DONAX  MINIMUS.  183 

top  of  some  beam,  but  it  is  oftener  fastened  to  the  side  of  a  perpendicular  wall  after  the 
method  practiced  by  the  Swallows,  and  then  mud  or  clay. is  used  to  make  the  material  ad- 
hesive. This  latter  named  mode  of  constructing  their  domiciles  is  more  often  employed  in 
the  woods  than  any  other. 

In  Pennsylvania  I  have  found  the  nest  of  the  Bridge  Pewees  under  the  shelter  of 
overhanging  rocky  shelves  in  quarries  and  also  beneath  the  projecting  banks  of  earth  along 
the  Susquehanna  River.  They  arc  remarkably  abundant  in  the  latter  named  section  and 
one  can  scarcely  go  a  mile  along  the  stream  where  suitable  places  occur,  without  finding 
one  of  the  neatly  constructed  homes  of  these  Flycatchers.  The  birds  appeared  to  be  less 
pugnacious  in  this  particular  locality  for  they  would  build  in  close  proximity  to  the  Rough- 
winged  Swallows  that  occupied  the  deserted  holes  of  Kingfishers,  not  more  than  a  dozen 
yards  away  and  both  species  were  on  excellent  terms. 

The  Phoebes  arrive  in  New  England,  as  previously  remarked,  very  early  when  compar- 
ed with  other  members  of  the  family,  stragglers  often  making  their  appearance  in  March, 
but  they  become  common  during  the  first  week  of  April.  They  lay  their  first  litter  of  eggs 
at  least  by  the  first  of  May  and  the  young  leave  the  nest  in  June.  Immediately  after  this 
they  lay  again  and  the  second  brood  may  be  found  in  August  in  company  with  their  parents. 
It  is  also  quite  probable  that  a  third  brood  is  occasionally  reared  but  this  is  not  usual.  As 
the  Bridge  Pewees  arc  the  first  of  all  the  Flycatchers  to  come  into  New  England,  so  they 
are  the  last  to  take  their  departure,  lingering  as  late  as  the  last  of  October.  At  this  sea- 
son these  birds  are  usually  silent,  having  apparently  forgotten  the  lay  practiced  in  spring. 
Their  notes  are  somewhat  plaintive  at  times  but  are  more  frequently  given  with  energy, 
especially  in  early  spring  when  the  birds  merely  reiterate  the  phe-be  at  intervals.  As  the 
season  advances,  they  will  often  repeat  this  lay  quite  rapidly  and  on  summer  evenings  they 
have  the  habit  of  rising  in  the  air  by  short,  oblique  flights,  when  their  notes  are  given  in 
quick  succession.  This  rude  attempt  at  a  vesper  song  resembles  that  made  by  the  King 
Birds,  but  the  Phoebes  do  not  indulge  in  it  as  regularly.  These  Flycatchers  are  found 
throughout  the  Atlantic  States  in  winter  from  the  Carolinas,  south,  and  I  have  seen  them 
common  even  at  Key  West. 

GENUS  V.    EMPIDOXAX.    THE  LITTLE  FLYCATCHERS. 

' !  EN.  Cn.  Bill,  considerably  shorter  than  the  head  which  is  slightly  crested  but  without  the  central  coronal  patch.  Oul- 
'r  i/ui/h.  sliyhlly  incised.  Tail,  somewhat  rounded.  Upper  outline  of  manubrmm,  viewed  from  the  side,  rounded  gradually 
doirnwanl.  Ibiyht  of  keel,  a  little  exceeding  one  half  the  length  of  the  coracoids. 

Colors  above  are  dark-olivaceous,  below,  either  white  or  yellowish.  The  markings  of  the  bill  are  variable.  The  devel- 
opment of  the  laryngeal  muscles  is  also  variable  and  is  given  under  specific  characters.  The  wings  are  short  and  rounded. 

EMPIDONAX  MINIMUS. 

Least  Flycatcher. 
Empidonax  minimus  BAIRD,  Birds  N.  A.;  1858,  195. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sr.  Cu.  Form,  slender.  Size,  rather  small.  Sternum,  not  stout.  Tongue,  thin  and  flat  but  not  horny,  provided  with 
a  hiliil  tuft  of  cilia  at  tip  which  extend  along  the  side  for  one  third  of  the  terminal  length;  yellow  in  color.  Stomach,  quite 


1 84  LEAST  FL  YCA  TCHER. 

muscular,  walls  '15  thick.  Larynx  provided  with  a  thick  and  strong  sterno-trachealis.  Broncho-trachealLs  quite  well  de- 
veloped, also  bronchialis  anticus. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Above,  including  upper  tail  coverts,  olivaceous-green,  darkest  on  the  head,  where  the  feathers  show 
dusky  centers,  and  paler  on  the  rump  and  upper  tail  coverts,  with  a  plumbeous  under  tint  on  the  nape.  AVings  and  tail, 
dark-brown,  with  the  outer  feathers  of  the  latter  lighter.  Tips,  edges  of  the  terminal  two  thirds  of  the  secondaries,  outer 
edges  of  thetertiaries,  tips  of  primaries  andoftwo  rowsofwing  coverts,  forming  bars,  pale  yellowish-white.  Beneath,  white, 
becoming  yellowish  on  the  abdomen  and  under  tail  coverts.  Sides,  flanks,  and  an  indistinct  band  across  breast, olivaceous. 
Under  wing  coverts,  yellowish-white.  There  is  a  broad  white  ring  around  the  eye  and  the  lores  are  white  mixed  with 
dusky.  Bill,  brown,  yellow  at  base  of  lower  mandible.  Feet,  brown. 

Youny  of  the  year  in  autumn.  Browner  above  than  in  the  adult  stage,  the  whitish  wing  bars  are  decidedly  yellowish , 
and  the  olivaceous  markings  below  are  inclined  to  be  yellow  also,  while  the  band  on  the  breast  is  better  defined.  The  un- 
der mandible  Is  wholly  yellow. 

Nest/inys.  Nearly  slaty  above,  with  a  greenish  overwashing.  Beneath,  white,  with  a  faint  tingeof  yellowish.  The 
band  on  the  breast  is  scarcely  discernible  and  the  other  dark  markings  below  are  not  nearly  as  extended.  Sexes,  similar  in 
all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Specimens  vary  somewhat  in  shade  of  color  above,  some  being  quite  dark  while  the  same  birds  will  frequently  be  very 
yellow  below,  with  the  hand  across  the  breast  quite  clearly  defined.  In  this  stage  of  plumage,  these  birds  .«o  nearly  resem- 
ble Traill's  Flycatcher  that  it  is  almost  impossible  to  detect  any  difference  in  the  dried  skins  although  the  same  birds  would 
be  easily  recognized  in  the  flesh.  The  precise  differences  between  this  species  and  other  members  of  the  genus  are  given 
under  observations  in  the  succeeding  pages.  Distributed  in  summer  throughout  Eastern  United  States  between  latitudes 
40°  and  47J.  Winters  in  Central  America. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  twenty  specimens  from  New  England.  Length,  5'50;  stretch,  8' 10;  wing,  2'40;  tail,  2' 17; 
bill, '66;  tarsus,  '38.  Longest  specimen,  3*70;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  3'50;  longest  wing,  2'65;  tail,  2' 40;  bill, '70; 
tarsus,  '42.  Shortest  specimen,  5'30;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  7'70;  shortest  wing,  2'25;  tail,  2'5<);  bill,  '62;  tarsus,  '35. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  trees,  composed  of  dried  grass,  woody  fibers,  cotten,  etc.,  all  neatly  woven  and  held  in  place  with  cob- 
webs. Lined  with  horse-hair  and  feathers.  Dimensions,  external  diameter,  2'75,  internal,  1'57.  External  depth,  2'00, 
internal,  1'50. 

Eyys,  four  in  number,  rather  elliptical  in  form,  yellowish-white  in  color,  usually  unspotted.  Dimensions  from '60s 
•50  to  '65  x  -52. 

HABITS. 

About  the  first  week  in  May  the  abruptly  given  che-beck  of  the  Least  Flycatcher  is  to 
be  heard  in  the  orchards  and  along  the  hedge-rows  of  New  England,  and  I  will  venture  to 
assert  that  there  are  none  among  our  native  birds  whose  advent  is  so  noticeable.  Not  only 
do  their  energetic  notes  announce  their  presence,  but  the  disturbance  which  they  always 
create  among  the  other  members  of  the  feathered  tribe,  renders  them  conspicuous;  for  the 
Least  Flycatchers  are  the  most  pugnacious  species  which  visit  us,  not  excepting  even  the 
King  Birds.  Like  most  of  the  present  family,  they  migrate  very  rapidly  and,  as  particu- 
lar birds  exhibit  a  predilection  for  certain  spots  to  which  they  return  season  after  season, 
every  orchard  is  soon  tenanted  by  its  elf.  I  say  elf,  for  truly  elvish  are  the  tricks  displayed 
by  the  Least  Flycatchers.  Nothing  in  the  form  of  a  bird  is  allowed  to  remain  Avithin  the 
bounds  of  their  jurisdiction;  a  group  of  brightly  colored  Warblers  will  come  trooping  through 
the  orchard  in  order  to  feed  upon  the  insects  which  infest  the  growing  leaves,  when  sud- 
denly, down  swoops  the  little  tyrant  with  loud  cries  and,  rapidly  snapping  his  bill,  like  an 
epitomized  fury  he  darts  from  left  to  right  among  the  astonished  visitants  who  unable  to 
withstand  this  fierce  assault,  beat  a  hasty  retreat  and  in  a  twinkling  the  Flycatcher  is  back 


EMP1DONAX  TRAILLI.  185 

again  to  his  perch  on  some  favorite  branch,  quietly  reiterating  his  che-bcck.  He  has  very 
little  time  to  rest,  however,  especially  (luring  the  migrating  season,  for  he  is  constantly 
called  ui)ou  to  drive;  some  intruder  from  his  domains  and  no  matter  how  large  the  species 
may  be  they  are  all  forced  to  retreat,  most  ignominiously  defeated,  before  the  sudden  and 
well  directed  attacks  of  their  little  foe.  This  extreme  pugnacity,  however,  is  only  exhib- 
ited during  the  excitement  of  the  breeding  season;  after  the  eggs  are  laid  and  domestic 
cares  engage  his  attention,  his  tyrannical  spirit  becomes  somewhat  subdued  and  then  he 
is  gradually  transformed  into  as  sedate  and  peaceful  a  member  of  avian  society  as  can  be 
found  in  the  orchard. 

As  already  described,  the  usual  notes  of  the  Least  Flycatchers  are  very  abrupt,  they 
are  also  extremely  harsh  and  attract  attention  by  their  oddity  for  they  form  a  strong  con- 
trast to  the  harmonious  strains  of  many  of  the  Oscincs.  These  Flycatchers,  however, 
frequently  make  an  attempt  to  sing,  for  they  will  alight  on  a  twig,  flutter  their  wings,  at 
the  .same  time  uttering  a  feeble  twitter  which  is  so  low  that  it  can  be  heard  but  a  few 
yards  yet,  in  comparison  to  their  other  efforts,  it  is  somewhat  melodious.  This  rude  lay 
is  only  practiced  during  the  breeding  season  for  when  the  young  appear,  both  sexes  are 
busily  engaged  in  supplying  them  with  food. 

The  Least  Flycatchers  begin  to  build  soon  after  their  arrival  but,  as  some  time  is  re- 
quired to  construct  their  domiciles,  the  eggs  are  not  generally  deposited  until  the  first 
week  in  June.  The  situations  chosen  are  almost  invariably  forked  twigs  on  apple  trees, 
for  these  birds  are  fond  of  the  open  country,  seldom  being  seen  in  the  deep  woods.  Both 
sexes  incubate  and  the  young  hatch  in  less  than  two  weeks.  They  are  very  unsuspicious 
when  they  nest  near  houses  and  a  pair  that  built  in  a  tree  near  my  door  the  past  summer 
would  permit  me  to  examine  their  neatly  constructed  home  without  evincing  any  concern, 
oven  when  it  contained  young.  The  young  are  out  of  the  nest  by  July  and  accompany 
their  parents  for  a  short  time  but  they  soon  learn  to  provide  for  themselves,  when  they 
tter  about  the  country,  often  entering  the  woods  at  this  season.  I  do  not  think  that 
the  adults  moult  at  all  while  in  the  north  as  I  never  took  one  that  was  assuming  the  au- 
tumnal dress,  even  as  far  south  as  Pennsylvania.  They  do  not  remain  late  in  the  season, 
generally  leaving  Massachusetts  by  the  second  week  in  September,  but  I  have  seen  them 
as  late  as  the  twentieth  of  the  month.  They  linger  for  a  short  time  in  Pennsylvania 
when  they  inhabit  the  woods,  rather  avoiding  the  open  country,  but  before  the  first  of 
Octobor  there  is  not  one  to  be  found  in  the  north. 

There  arc  few  birds  which  arc  of  more  benefit  to  the  husbandman  than  the  Least  Fly- 
catchers as  they  have  few  faults  and  the  quantity  of  insects  which  they  destroy  is  very 
large.  These  are  mainly  captured  where  they  arc  doing  the  greatest  amount  of  damage, 
for  these  Flycatchers  do  not  wander  far  from  the  gardens  and  orchards  in  which  they  build. 
Besides  snapping  up  numbers  of  dipterous  insects,  they  feed  largely  upon  small  beetles  of 
various  species,  and  I  have  even  known  them  to  eat  canker  worms.  Thus,  although  not 
so  ornamental  or  melodious  as  many  of  our  native  species,  we  must  cheerfully  accord  this 
quaint  little  Flycatcher  a  place  in  our  gardens  for  which  it  will  amply  repay  us  by  doing 
its  best  to  check  the  increase  of  our  insect  enemies. 

BIRDS  OF  FLORIDA.  24 


186  TRA  ILL' S  FL  YCA  TCHER. 

EMPIDONAX  TEAILLI. 

Traill's  Flycatcher. 
Empidonax  Trailli  BAIRD,  Birds  N.  A.;  1858,  193. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  slender.  Size,  medium.  Sternum,  not  stout.  Tongue,  thin  and  flat  but  not  horny,  provided  with  a 
bifid  tuft  of  cilia  at  tip  which  extend  along  the  side  for  one  third  of  the  terminal  length;  yellow  in  color.  Stomach,  quite 
muscular.  Larynx,  provided  with  a  thick  and  strong  sterno-trachealis.  Broncho-trachealLs  quite  well  developed,  also  bron- 
chial is. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Above,  including  upper  tail  coverts,  uniform  olivaceous-green,  with  the  foathers  of  the  head  showing 
dusky  centers.  Wings  and  tail,  dark-brown,  with  the  outer  feathers  of  the  latter,  lighter.  Tips,  edges  of  the  terminal  two 
thirds  of  the  secondaries,  outer  edges  of  the  tertiaries,  tips  of  primaries  and  of  two  rows  of  wing  coverts,  forming  bars,  yel- 
lowish-white. Beneath,  yellowish-white,  becoming  darker  on  the  abdomen  and  under  tail  coverts.  Sides,  flanks,  and  band 
across  breast,  olivaceous.  Under  wing  coverts,  yellowish.  There  is  a  narrow,  yellowish  ring  around  the  eye  but  the  lores 
are  olivaceous  mixed  with  dusky.  Bill,  brown,  yellow  on  lower  mandible.  Feet,  brown. 

Nnsllinys.  Above,  very  olivaceous-brown.  Beneath,  yellowish.  The  band  on  the  breast  is  scarcely  discernible  and 
the  other  dark  markings  below  are  not  nearly  as  extended.  Sexes,  similar  in  all  stages .  • 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Specimens  vary  greatly,  being  often  as  light  as  typical  Least  Flycatchers,  from  which  it  is  difficult  to  distinguish  them. 
In  lifj,  the  two  species  are  so  different  that  any  one  can  decide  between  them,  but  with  the  dried  skins  this  Is  not  as  easy. 
Although  the  experienced  ornithologist  separates  them  rather  by  intuition  than  by  actual  differences,  yet  I  find  by  careful 
study  of  a  large  series  of  both  spscies  that  the  following  characters  in  Traill's  Flycatcher  are  more  or  less  constant.  The 
size  is  generally  larger  but  not  always.  The  bill  h  usually  broader  but  this  cannot  be  depended  upon;  while  the  yellow 
under  mandible,  which  in  life  is  veined  with  purple,  is  not  a  point  that  counts  for  much  as  the  Least  Flycatcher  occasion- 
ally shows  one  that  is  similar.  Now  for  tire  true  differences.  The  plumage  of  Trai/ti  is  very  silky,  the  rump  is  as  dark  as 
as  the  back,  the  circle  around  the  eye  is  quite  narrow  and  yellow,  while  the  lores  nre  decidedly  olivaceous.  The  differen- 
ces between  this  species  and  other  members  of  the  genus  are  given  under  observations  in  the  succeeding  pages.  Distrib- 
uted in  summer  throughout  New  England  north  of  latitude  43J,  and  across  the  continent;  ranging  as  far  south  in  the  west, 
however,  as  latitude  37J  and  north  into  the  Fur  Countries;  the  western  form  (pusil/us )  now  being  considered  identical 
with  the  eastern.  Winters  in  Mexico  and  Central  America. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  eleven  specimens  from  New  England.  Length,  5 'fiO;  stretch,  8'25;  wing,  2-6r>;  tail,  2'58; 
bill,  '66;  tarsus,  '45.  Longest  specimen,  5'75;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  8'75;  longest  wing,  3'75;  tail,  2'70;  bill,  '70;  tarsus, 
•60.  Shortest  specimen,  5'29;  smallest  extant  of  wing,  7'75;  shortest  wing,  '2'50;  tail,  2'28;  bill,  "6!);  tarsus,  '40. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGOS. 

Nests,  placed  in  trees,  composed  of  sticks  and  weeds  lined  with  dried  grass.  Dimensions,  external  diameter,  3'00,  inter- 
nal, 1-75.  External  depth,  1'50,  internal,  1-00. 

Eyys,  three  to  four  in  number,  oval  in  form,  creamy-white  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  irregularly  with  reddish- 
brown.  Dimensions  from  '75  x  '50  to  '78 x  '55. 

HABITS. 

For  several  of  the  earlier  years  of  my  ornithological  experience,  I  looked  in  vain  for 
Traill's  Flycatcher  and  the  region  about  my  home  underwent  a  careful  scrutiny.  Many 
an  innocent  Least  Flycatcher  fell  when  he  chanced  to  wander  into  the  woods  where  I  was 
looking  for  its  rarer  relative.  All  this  close  study  into  the  habits  of  at  least  one  species  of 
the  genus  greatly  aided  me  in  after  years  and,  when  on  the  first  of  June,  18G9, 1  did  meet 
with  the  first  specimen  of  Traill's  Flycatcher  that  I  had  ever  seen  living,  I  recognized  it, 
even  before  shooting,  as  being  something  new.  It  is  not  at  all  strange  that  I  missed  find- 
ing this  little  bird  so  long,  as  now,  with  all  my  experience  with  the  species,  I  should  be 
obliged  to  let  many  migrating  seasons  pass  without  finding  one  in  Eastern  Massachusetts. 


TRAILL'S  FLYCATCHER.  187 

Not  but  what  a  certain  number  pass  us  every  year,  but  that  it  is  quite  difficult  to  tell  just 
when  they  will  pass  and  just  where  to  find  one  for,  like  the  other  members  of  the  genus, 
this  Flycatcher  migrates  very  rapidly  and  is  withal  somewhat  eccentric  in  choice  of  local- 
ities in  which  to  feed.  I  have  found  them  on  the  upland  among  deciduous  trees,  in  thick 
pines,  and  in  swampy  thickets.  This  was,  however,  when  they  were  on  the  way  to  their 
summer  homes,  but  when  once  settled  in  the  woods  of  Northern  New  England,  they  almost 
always  prefer  the  alder  thickets  which  border  the  countless  streams  of  that  well  watered 
region. 

It  would  be  quite  difficult  to  detect  the  presence  of  this  small  Flycatcher  when  the 
leaves  arc  on  the  trees,  were  it  not  for  its  notes  which  are  quite  peculiar,  sounding  like  the 
syllables  ke-wick,  rather  slowly  given  when  compared  with  the  che-beck  of  the  Least  Fly- 
catcher and  are  somewhat  harsher.  This  lay  is  repeated  about  twice  a  minute  during  the 
earlier  portion  of  the  day,  after  which  the  bird  becomes  silent.  While  singing  it  is  almost 
always  perched  upon  some  elevation  but  not  so  high  as  to  render  it  observable  as  it  is  con- 
cealed by  foliage. 

It  is  only  in  its  chosen  home  in  the  mountain  valley  where  the  rushing  sound  of  rap- 
idly flowing  water  fills  the  cool  air,  that  the  peculiar  notes  of  this  Flycatcher  are  heard. 
During  the  migration  they  are  silent;  consequently  they  are,  as  already  intimated,  not  easy 
to  find.  Yet  as  they  are  seldom  found  in  other  than  thick  woods,  it  is  well  to  examine 
carefully  any  small  Flycatcher  seen  there  for  it  will  quite  likely  be  this  species.  The 
Least  Flycatcher  does  occasionally  venture  into  the  wooded  districts  but  it  is  by  far  a  more 
nervous  and  active  bird  than  Traill's  which  although  it  has  a  similar  habit  of  jerking  the 
tail,  so  noticeable  in  the  common  species,  yet  this  is  done  less  frequently.  Besides  this, 
Traill's  Flycatcher  is  apt  to  perch  lower,  often  being  found  in  thickets  only  a  few  feet  high, 
and  I  have  shot  them  when  they  were  sitting  within  a  foot  of  the  ground.  As  related, 
they  are  not  constant  to  any  particular  kind  of  woodland  during  the  spring  migration,  but 
in  autumn  I  have  nearly  always  found  them  in  the  wooded  lowland  and  in  the  vicinity 
of  water. 

In  spring,  Traill's  Flycatcher  appears  in  Pennsylvania  about  the  middle  of  May, 
reaching  .Massachusetts  some  two  weeks  later  and  arriving  in  its  summer  resort  about  the 
first  week  of  June.  They  soon  commence  the  duties  of  nest  building,  placing  the  domi- 
cile in  an  upright  fork  of  an  alder  not  far  from  the  ground,  according  to  Mr.  Brewster  who 
has  obtained  several.  The  eggs  are  laid  about  the  last  of  June.  When  the  young  appear, 
the  adults  exhibit  considerable  solicitude,  flying  about  the  intruder  and  reiterating  their 
cries  quite.'  rapidly.  The  fledgelings  leave  the  nest  in  August  and  accompany  their  parents 
lor  a  time,  but  scatter  when  migrating  and  I  have  obtained  solitary  individuals  in  Massa- 
chusetts as  late  as  the  eleventh  of  September.  But  the  southward  march  is  even  more 
hurried  than  the  spring  migration  and  by  the  first  of  October,  they  have  all  departed,  at 
least  from  the  Northern  and  Middle  sections  of  the  United  States.  I  do  not  think  that 
this  Flycatcher  ever  appears  in  Florida;  in  fact  all  of  the  members  of  the  present  genus  are 
rarely  found  in  the  latter  named  section,  as  in  migrating  they  pursue  a  westerly  course, 
keeping  along  the  Mississippi  Valley,  and  so  on  through  Texas,  into  Mexico. 


188  EMP1DONAX  ACADICVS. 


EMPIDONAX  ACADICUS. 

Acadian  Flycatcher. 
Empidonax  Acadicus  BAIRD,  Birds  N.  A.;  1858,  197. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Plate  X.     Adult  in  spring  with  the  nest  and  eggs. 

— -— ^— — y 

SP.  CH.  Form,  rather  robust.  Size,  large.  Sternum,  stout.  Tongue,  thin  and  flat  but  not  horny,  bifid  at  tip  but 
not  provided  with  terminal  cilia.  Bill,  broad.  Stomach,  somewhat  muscular,  walls -10  thick.  Larynx,  provided  with  a 
thick  and  strong  sterno-trachealis.  Bronchialis,  quite  well  developed,  but  there  is  only  a  small  remnant  of  either  division 
of  the  broncho-trachealis. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Above,  including  upper  tail  coverts,  olivaceous  with  a  decidedly  greenish  tinge  predominating,  dark- 
est on  the  head,  where  the  feathers  show  dusky  centers.  Wings  and  tail,  lirown,  with  the  outer  edges  of  the  feathers  of 
the  latter,  greenish,  and  outer  webs,  lighter.  Outer  edges  of  primaries,  also  greenish.  Tips,  edges  of  the  terminal  two 
thirds  of  the  secondaries,  outer  edges  and  tips  of  the  tertiaries,  tips  of  two  rows  of  wing  coverts,  forming  bars,  yellowish- 
white,  with  the  upper  bar  inclined  to  be  of  a  deeper  yellow.  Beneath,  white,  with  the  sides,  flanks,  under  wing  and  tail 
coverts,  greenish-yellow.  There  is  a  greenish-yellow  ring  around  the  eye  but  the  lores  are  olivaceous.  Bill,  brown,  yellow 
on  lower  mandible.  Feet,  brown. 

Youny  of  the  year  in  autumn.  Somewhat  darker  above  than  in  the  adult  stage,  but  the  greenish  markings  below  are 
more  restricted  and  the  yellow  of  the  wings  is  darker  or  replaced  by  yellowish-rufous. 

Nnsllinys.  Very  light  beneath,  showing  but  little  of  the  greensh  markings.  More  olivaceous  above  than  in  the  pre- 
ceding stage  and  having  indistinct  transverse  bars  of  dusky. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Specimens  of  the  same  age  and  season  do  not  vary  much;  the  wing  bars  are  occasionally  darker  than  the  type  but  oth- 
erwise the  plumage  is  similar.  The  bills  are  also  singularly  uniform  in  size  and  color  for  Flycatchers.  Known  from  other 
members  of  the  genus  by  the  larger  size,  broader  bill,  decidedly  greener  color  above,  and  lighter  tints  beneath,  but  more 
particularly  by  the  proportionately  shorter  fourth  primary  which  causes  quite  a  gap  in  the  otherwise  regular  graduation  of 
the  ends  of  the  quills  when  seen  from  above.  Distributed  in  summer  throughout  Eastern  United  States  south  of  latitude 
42°,  exclusive  of  New  England  and  Florida.  Winters  in  the  West  Indies. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  eleven  specimens  from  Pennsylvania.  Length,  5'75;  stretch,  8'95;  wing,  3'00;  tail,  2'25; 
bill,  '50;  tarsus,  '55.  Longest  specimen,  5'90;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  9'00;  longest  wing,  3'10;  tail,  2'40;  bill,  '55;  tarsus, 
•60.  Shortest  specimen,  5'60;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  8'90;  shortest  wing,  2'80;  tail,  2' 15;  bill,  '45;  tarsus,  '50. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS, 

Nests,  placed  in  trees  and  bushes,  composed  of  sticks,  moss,  and  dried  blossoms  of  beach  trees,  lined  with  moss.  Di- 
mensions, external  diameter,  3'00,  internal,  2'00.  External  depth,  I' 50,  internal,  '75. 

Eyys,  three  to  four  in  number,  oval  in  form,  creamy-white  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  irregularly  with  reddish- 
brown.  Dimensions  from  '75  x  '50  to  '78 x  '55. 

HABITS. 

In  the  spring  of  1872,  I  wont  to  Williamsport,  Pennsylvania,  in  order  to  study  the 
habits  of  some  birds  that  I  had  never  before  had  the  opportunity  of  seeing  alive  and  through 
the  kindness  of  my  friend,  Mr.  August  Koch,  whose  hospitality  I  enjoyed  for  several  weeks, 
I  soon  became  familiar  with  the  best  collecting  grounds  in  the  vicinity,  for  Mr.  Koch  proved 
a  most  excellent  guide  as  he  had  always  lived  in  the  place  and  had  scoured  the  country 
diligently  every  season  from  childhood  in  search  of  its  avian  treasures.  Therefore  his 
assistance  proved  invaluable  to  me  as  without  it  I  should  have  been  long  in  discovering 
some  of  the  most  delightful  spots  that  I  ever  beheld. 

The  country  about  Williamsport  is  very  conducive  to  bird  life  as  it  presents  features 
which  prove  quite  attractive  to  nearly  all  species.  The  Susquehanna  Kiver  flows  through 


PLATE   XXX. 


EMPIDONAX  ACADICUS. 
Acadian  Flc<itcheT    Adt . 


ACADIAN  FLYCATCHER.  189 

the  place  and  the  shores  are  bordered  by  fertile  meadows  that  on  the  west  side  slope 
gradually  upward  into  more  elevated  lands  which  are  occupied  by  houses  that  are  sur- 
rounded by  cultivated  fields  and  orchards.  The  Allcghany  mountains  rise  just  io  the 
eastward  of  the  settlement  and  their  steep  sides  are  covered  with  a  thick  growth  of  timber 
which,  on  the  lower  acclivities,  is  composed  of  quite  lofty  trees,  but  higher  they  become 
smaller  and  on  the  Hat  wind-swept  hill-tops  they  are  considerably  dwarfed.  But  it  is 
along  the  base  of  the  foot-hills  that  the  forests  are  the  thickest.  Here  the  ground  is 
swampy,  being  plentifully  watered  by  numerous  rills  which  trickle  down  from  the  decliv- 
ities above.  The  moist  soil  is  deep  and,  as  it  is  extremely  rich',  produces  an  abundance 
of  undergrowth  which  is  mainly  composed  of  the  large  laurel  or  rhododendron.  These 
shrubs  are  some  ten  or  fifteen  feet  in  height  and,  as  they  are  not  only  dense  but  also  sup- 
port numerous  trailing  vines,  the  whole  forms  a  luxurious  thicket  which  fairly  swarmed 
with  birds,  being,  in  fact,  a  collector's  paradise. 

There  was  scarcely  a  day  during  my  stay  in  this  section  that  I  did  not  visit  these 
swamps  and  on  the  twenty-third  of  May,  I  heard  a  peculiar  note  which  was  new  to  me 
and  was  certain,  even  before  I  saw  the  bird,  that  the  sound  was  produced  by  the  Acadian 
Flycatcher.  This  was  not  strange,  however,  partly  because  I  was  expecting  to  find  this 
species  but  more  particularly  as  I  was  perfectly  familiar  with  the  notes  of  all  the  other 
small  Flycatchers  and  knew  instantly  that  the  sound  which  I  heard  was  not  made  by  any 
one  of  them.  I  secured  several  Acadians  there  but  was  obliged  to  leave  just  before  they 
commenced  breeding.  Later,  however,  during  the  first  and  second  weeks  in  June,  I  found 
them  very  abundant  in  White  Deer  Valley,  a  point  some  twenty  miles  down  the  river,  and 
obtained  several  nests. 

This  valley  is  narrow  and  lies  between  the  timber-covered  mountains  which  rise  so 
abruptly  on  either  side  that,  for  a  greater  part  of  the  day,  the  sun  cannot  reach  even  the 
top  of  the. lofty  forest  which  springs  from  the  rich  soil  that  occupies  the  limited  area  along 
the  bottom.  As  the  trees  which  make  up  the  woodland  are  either  evergreen  and  conse- 
quently dense,  or  deciduous  and  well  clothed  with  leaves,  but  a  small  portion  of  sunshine 
ever  penetrates  to  the  ground  below;  thus  a  murmuring  brook  which  flows  among  the  moss- 
covered  rocks  and  beneath  the  nodding  ferns  is  nearly  always  in  shadow.  This  spot  which 
at  some  seasons  might  appear  gloomy,  was  most  delightfully  cool  during  the  warm  days 
of  summer,  especially  as  I  was  obliged  to  traverse  a  hot  and  dusty  road  in  order  to  reach 
the  place. 

There  were  but  few  species  of  birds  inhabiting  this  valley  and  the  Acadian  Flycatch- 
ers were  by  far  the  most  abundant  and  I  had  an  excellent  opportunity  of  carefully  studying 
their  habits.  The  Lr-asf  Flycatchers,  as  related,  prefer  the  open  orchards  and  revel  in  the 
brightest  li^ht  of  the  long  summer  days,  but  I  have  found  that  the  Acadian  Flycatchers 
live  the  darkest  portions  of  the  woods.  Not  that  they  are  especially  fond  of  thickets, 
for,  although  I  found  them  in  dense  swamps  at  Williamsport,  they  kept  well  above  the 
more  tangled  portions,  living  among  the  comparatively  open,  although  shaded,  tops  of  the 
laurels,  and  in  this  valley  I  found  that  they  frequented  the  rather  sparse  growth  of  small 
trees  and  tall  shrubs. 


190  EMPJDONAX  ACAD1CUS. 

The  Acadian  Flycatchers  are  not  shy  birds  and  will  permit  one  to  come  within  ten  or 
fifteen  yards  without  evincing  any  uneasiness;  when  a  nearer  approach  is  attempted,  how- 
ever, they  will  utter  a  low  but  abrupt  pe-wit  of  alarm  and  flit  to  a  more  distant  perch.  In 
addition  to  this  note  which  is  given  by  both  sexes,  though  that  of  the  females  is  much  less 
distinctly  rendered,  the  males  have  a  loud  se-wink,  emphatically  emitted,  followed  by  an 
attempt  at  a  song  which  consists  of  a  series  of  chuckling  notes  like  those  of  a  Flicker  when 
heard  in  the  distance.  When  thus  performing,  the  birds  flutter  their  wings  after  the  man- 
ner of  the  other  Flycatchers,  and  occasionally  they  will  make  this  motion  without  the  ac- 
companying notes.  These  are  the  only  sounds  that  I  ever  heard  them  produce  and,  although 
quite  similar  to  those  given  by  the  other  members  of  the  genus,  are  characteristic  enough 
to  render  their  authors  recognizable  at  once.  When  I  first  entered  the  place  of  which  I 
speak,  I  was  confident  that  the  Flycatchers  were  breeding  for  I  noticed  that  the  females, 
like  many  other  birds  when  incubating,  appeared  sluggish,  but  to  make  certain  of  this  I 
shot  one,  when  a  look  at  the  denuded  abdomen  confirmed  my  suspicions.  I  then  set  about 
searching  for  the  nests  systematically;  or  perhaps  I  should  have  said,  I  let  the  birds  do  the 
searching  while  I  watched  them.  Whenever  I  saw  a  Flycatcher,  usually  a  male  as  most  of 
the  females  were  setting,  I  quietly  sat  down  and  observed  his  movements,  taking  care, 
however,  not  to  alarm  him.  After  uttering  a  few  se-winks  and  making  the  accompanying 
musical  attempts,  he  would  snap  up  a  passing  insect  or  two,  then  fly  leisurely  along  the 
valley,  occasionally  pausing  a  moment,  thus  I  could  keep  him  in  sight.  In  this  way  I 
would  follow,  until  he  would  finally  stop  near  a  witch-hazel  and  utter  his  notes  quite  rap- 
idly. Then  I  would  feel  sure  that  the  nest  was  in  the  immediate  vicinity  and  cautiously 
drawing  near,  would  almost  invariably  detect  the  low,  answering  twitter  of  his  mate  as  she 
sat  on  the  eggs.  Generally  their  home  would  be  concealed  by  the  large  leaves  of  the  hazel 
but  sometimes  I  could  see  it  for  some  distance.  The  nests  which  I  found  there  were  among 
the  most  artistic  specimens  of  bird  architecture  that  I  ever  beheld,  for  they  were  partly  con- 
structed of  living  lichens  the  ends  of  which  were  allowed  to  trail  downward,  and  the  deli- 
cate colors  contrasted  finely  with  the  green  of  the  foliage.  The  drawing  which  I  give  was 
taken  from  a  nest  that  I  obtained  at  the  time  of  which  I  am  writing  and  is  represented 
as  being  on  a  branch  of  the  witch-hazel. 

The  witch-hazel  appears  to  be  a  favorite  with  them  for  all  but  one  of  the  fifteen  nests 
which  I  discovered  were  placed  in  this  shrub,  the  exception  to  the  rule  being  built  on  a 
low  limb  of  a  hemlock.  The  flat  domiciles  were  always  placed  near  the  extremity  of  the 
limb,  supported  by  a  horizontal  fork,  and  from  five  to  ten  feet  from  the  ground.  The  ha- 
zels usually  grew  from  the  valley  bottom  but  occasionally  one  would  be  found  a  few  yards 
up  the  mountain  side.  The  birds  exhibited  very  little  solicitude  upon  being  disturbed,  the 
female  often  alighted  on  a  branch  only  a  few  yards  away  and  quietly  arranged  her  feath- 
ers while  I  was  transferring  her  nest  and  eggs  to  my  collecting  basket. 

The  Acadian  Flycatchers,  as  have  been  shown,  arrive  late,  the  last  week  in  May, 
and  soon  after  breed,  nesting,  as  far  as  I  could  judge,  about  the  fifth  or  sixth  of  June,  for 
on  the  fifteenth  of  the  month  the  eggs  fill  contained  embryos  and  some  few  were  quite  far 
advanced.  Their  stay  in  the  north  is  limited  as  they  migrate  early,  probably  shortly  after 


EMP1DONAX  FLAV1VENTR1S.  191 

the  young  are  strong  enough  to  fly  well,  for,  although  I  have  a  single  specimen  obtained 
in  Pennsylvania  as  late  as  the  ninth  of  September,  I  was  unable  to  find  any  during  the 
last  week  in  August  and  look  upon  the  one  captured  as  a  straggler. 

EMPIDONAX  FLAVIVENTEIS. 

Yellow-bellied  Flycatcher. 
Empidonax  Jlavirentris  BAIRD,  Birds  N.  A.;  1858,  198. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cit.  Form,  rather  slender.  Size,  small.  Sternum,  not  stout.  Tongue,  thin  and  flat  but  not  horny,  bifid  at  tip 
bat  not  provided  with  terminal  cilia.  Bill,  short.  Stomach,  mascular,  wdlls '15  thick.  Larynx,  provided  with  a  thick 
and  strong  sterno-trarheulis.  Bronchial!*,  quite  well  developed,  but  there  are  no  traces  of  either  division  of  the  bronch;- 
tmchealix. 

COLOR.  Adult  in  spring.  Above,  including  upper  tail  coverts,  decidedly  greenish-olivaceous,  darkest  on  the  head 
where  the  feathers  show  dusky  centers.  AVings  and  tail,  brown,  with  the  outer  edges  of  all  the  feathers  greenish.  Tips, 
edges  of  tlie  terminal  two  thirds  of  the  secondaries,  outer  edges  and  tips  of  the  tertiaries,  tips  of  two  rows  of  wing  coverts, 
firming  liars  yellowish-white,  with  the  upper  bar  inclined  to  be  of  a  deeper  yellow.  Beneath,  including  under  wing  and 
tail  covens,  greenish-yellow  with  the  sides,  flanks,  and  an  indistinct  band  across  breast,  olivaceous.  There  is  a  greenish- 
yellow  ring  around  the  eye,  but  the  lores  are  olivaceous.  Bill,  brown,  yellow  on  lower  mandible.  Feet,  brown. 

Adult  in  autumn.  Inclined  to  be  darker  alx>ve,  more  dusky  below,  and  the  yellowish  markings  on  the  wings  are  much 
darker. 

Youny  of  the  year  in  autumn.  Quite  dark  above  but  yet  decidedly  greenish.  The  light  markings  of  the  wings  are 
quite  yellow  and  broader  than  in  the  adult,  otherwise  similar. 

Ni'ftlinys.  Quite  slaty  above,  and  much  lighter  below,  being  nearly  white,  and  the  darker  areas  are  slaty.  The  ring 
around  the  eye  and  the  markings  on  the  wing  are  fully  as  bright  as  in  the  more  adult  stages.- 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Specimens  of  the  same  age  and  season  do  not  vary  much,  but  the  form  of  the  bill  varies  slightly.  This  is  the  greenest 
of  our  Eastern  Flycatchers  and  may  be  distinguished  at  once  by  the  smaller  size,  and  yellow  colors  below.  In  preparing  the 
descriptions  of  the  smaller  Flycatchers,  I  have  examined  a  large  number  of  specimens,  not  only  from  my  own  collection, 
but  Messrs.  II.  A.  Purdie,  Wm.  Brewster,  W.  B.  Dowse,  T.  H.  Brackett,  and  the  Bangs  Brothers  have  kindly  allowed  me 
t<  i  study  tin'  skins  of  this  genus  which  were  in  their  possession.  Distributed  in  summer  throughout  Eastern  United  States, 
north  of  the  latitude  of  Massachusetts  and  possibly  along  the.  mountain  ranges  into  Pennsylvania.  Winters  in  South 
America. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  five  specimens  frcm  Upton,  Maine.  Length,  5'35;  stretch,  8'40;  wing,  2'68;  tail,  2'07:  bill, 
•75:  tarsus  •  4-3.  Longest  specimen,  5'55;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  8'70;  longest  wing,  2'75;  tail,  2'  15;  bill,  '82;  tarsus,  '45. 
Slmrtest  specimen,  5'10;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  7'90;  shortest  wing,  2'60;  tail,  2'00;  bill,  '66;  tarsus,  -40. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  BUGS. 

Nests,  ( From  description  kindly  given  me  by  Mr.  II.  A.  Purdie.)  placed  under  the  shelter  of  roots  of  upturned  trees  or 
in  bunches  .  if  moss,  composed  of  moss,  lined  with  black  rootlets,  pine  needles,  and  grass.  Dimensions  external  diameter, 
4-00,  internal,  2'0<).  External  depth,  4"25,  internal,  MO. 

Et/ys,  four  in  number,  rounded-oval  in  form,  creamy-white  in  color,  spotted  with  light  reddish-brown.  Dimensions 
from -65  x '53  to -70  x -55. 

HAlilTS. 

1  have  described  the  preceding  species  of  Flycatcher  as  inhabiting  deep  glens  and  as 
being  fond  of  the  obscure  light  of  the  woods,  but  the  Yellow-bellied  Flycatchers  are  most 
decidedly,  of  all  the  genus,  the  true  children  of  the  shade,  for  they  are  seldom  found  else- 
where than  in  the  thickest  swamps.  Even  in  these  secluded  retreats,  they  avoid  the  tops 
of  the  bushes,  keeping  well  down  in  the  dense  foliage,  often  perching  within  a  foot  of  the 


102  YELL  0  W-BELLIED  FL  YCA  TCHER. 

ground.  Alder  swamps  which  are  so  filled  with  undergrowth  that  it  is  difficult  to  force 
one's  way  through  them,  are  the  favorite  resorts  of  these  Flycatchers.  It  is  extremely 
difficult  to  detect  the  presence  of  these  little  birds  in  such  places,  not  only  on  account  of 
the  luxurious  vegetation,  but  principally  because  they  are  extremely  quiet,  the  only  note 
which  they  utter  during  the  migrations  being  a  plaintive  pea  given  only  at  intervals  and, 
so  low  as  to  be  inaudible  a  few  yards  distant.  I  have  frequently  entered  a  swarnp  in 
which  I  was  certain  some  of  these  Flycatchers  had  taken  refuge  and  have,  at  first,  been 
unable  to  find  a  single  specimen,  but  upon  remaining  quiet  for  a  moment,  I  would  hear  the 
low  peas  in  all  directions.  Guided  by  the  sound  of  the  nearest,  I  would  proceed  cautious- 
ly in  its  direction  and,  after  a  moment's  search,  would  see  the  bird  as  he  sat  on  some  low 
twig,  occasionally  launching  outward  for  a  short  distance  to  catch  a  passing  insect  which 
his  keen  eye  had  informed  him  was  especially  palatable.  As  long  as  I  remained  perfect- 
ly still,  the  Flycatcher  would  pursue  his  vocations  but  upon  my  making  the  slightest 
movement,  he  would  observe  me  and,  giving  a  quick,  upward  flirt  of  his  tail,  would  flit 
silently  but  with  marvelous  celerity  among  the  brown  stems  of  the  alders,  and  skillfully 
wending  his  way  through  the  labyrinth  of  twigs,  vines,  and  leaves,  he  would  almost  in- 
stantly disappear. 

Although  the  Yellow-bellied  Flycatchers  are  not  sluggish  birds,  yet  when  compared 
with  the  allied  species,  they  appear  somewhat  inactive.  This  is  due,  however,  to  the  fact 
that  there  is  but  little  need  of  them  leading  a  bustling  life.  The  orchards  which  are  the 
chosen  domains  of  the  Least  Flycatchers  are  also  the  resorts  of  hundreds  of  other  birds  and 
consequently  the  Flycatchers  must  keep  wide-awake  in  order  to  gain  a  livelihood  and — they 
do  it,  as  I  have  endeavored  to  show.  Traill's  have  a  less  disputed  field  but  still  there  are 
enough  other  avian  inhabitants  of  the  locality  in  which  they  find  a  home  to  make  insects 
tolerably  scarce,  so  these  birds  cannot  be  idle;  while  as  I  have  already  described,  the  Aca- 
dians  usually  live  in  localities  where  many  species  of  the  feathered  tribe  are  abundant. 
With  the  birds  under  consideration,  this  is  quite  different  for  they  occupy  spots  where  but 
few  others  occur  and  where  insects  abound;  thus  they  are  not  obliged  to  lead  a  very  active 
life  and  therefore  their  habits  have  become  decidedly  modified  by  the  circumstances  in 
which  they  are  placed. 

The  lives  which  the  members  of  this  genus  lead  have  apparently  had  some  effect  upon 
their  physical  organization.  Thus  we  find  that  the  Least  Flycatcher  is  not  only  the  best 
flier,  but  it  also  has  the  best  development  of  laryngeal  muscles,  consequently  has  the  most 
variety  of  notes,  it  being  understood,  however,  that  this  partial  development  does  not  al- 
ways mean  that  the  voice  of  their  possessor  is  the  most  musical.  Next  in  order  follows 
Traill's,  differing  but  slightly  from  the  one  last  described,  and  then  comes  the  Acadian 
with  weaker  laryngeal  muscles,  for  the  broncho-trachealis  is  but  slightly  developed  and 
consequently  the  twittering  notes  are  given  less  frequently  than  by  the  two  preceding; 
last  in  the  list  comes  the  Yellow-bellied  Flycatcher.  The  low  and  slowly  given  pea  and 
a  gravely  rendered  ke-lick,  the  first  as  a  single  note  and  the  second  repeated  only  at  long 
intervals,  are  the  only  sounds  which  I  ever  heard  them  utter  for  they  make  no  attempt  at 
the  twittering  song.  I  was  not  surprised,  therefore,  when,  upon  examining  the  larynx,  I 


EMPID  ON  AX  FLA  VI VENTRIS.  193 

found  that  there  was  no  trace  of  either  division  of  the  broncho-trachealis,  as  I  consider 
this  an  important  muscle  in  producing  a  variety  of  melodious  sounds. 

Tlu'  Yellow-bellied  Flycatchers  spend  the  summer  in  the  forests  of  the  more  northern 
New  Kngland  States,  frequenting  the  swamps  which  are  thickly  covered  with  small  larch 
and  hemlock  trees.  Here  they  are  perfectly  at  home  but  are  as  retiring  in  habit  as  I 
have  described  them  during  the  spring  migrations  and,  were  it  not  for  the  peculiar  ke-lick 
which  is  occasionally  heard,  they  would  pass  unnoticed.  When  I  was  at  Lake  Umbagog 
in  June,  1878,  I  was  confident  that  several  pairs  which  I  observed,  had  nests  in  the  im- 
mediate vicinity  but  could  not  find  them,  and  a  few  seasons  later  I  searched  in  vain  for  the 

Mil  at  (Jrand  Menan  and  further  north  in  New  Brunswick.  As  the  nests  had  been 
described  by  authors  as  being  placed  in  trees  or  bushes,  my  search  was  confined  to  the  hem- 
locks, larches,  etc.  and  consequently  was  always  unsuccessful.  But  my  friends,' Messrs. 
Purdie  and  Deane,  were  more  fortunate  and  during  the  past  summer,  1878,  succeeded  in 
procuring  a  nest  which  was  placed  under  the  shelter  of  the  roots  of  an  upturned  tree,  much 
after  the  manner  employed  by  the  Bridge  Pewee.  This  was  obtained  at  Iloulton,  Maine, 
and  on  June  fifteenth,  the  nest  contained  one  egg;  three  days  later,  the  entire  set  of  four 
was  deposited.  Mr  Purdie  informs  me  that  the  structure  was  very  pretty,  especially  when 
he  first  saw  it  as  then  the  bird  was  sitting  upon  the  nest  and  she  appeared  to  be  sucken  in 
a  ball  of  green  moss.  The  female  was  not  at  all  shy  for  she  was  approached  within  two 
feet  before  she  darted  off.  An  excellent  account  of  this  episode  is  given  by  Mr.  Purdie 
in  the  Bulletin  of  the  Nuttall  Ornithological  Club  for  October,  1878,  and  is  written  with 
the  conscientious  care  so  characteristic  of  the  author.  I  found  the  Yellow-bellied  Fly- 
catchers as  late  as  the  first  of  June  in  the  swamps  of  Pennsylvania  and  obtained  birds  in 
the  nestling  plumage  the  last  week  in  August,  so  judge  that  they  may  breed  there,  They 
migrate  early,  leaving  New  England  during  the  latter  part  of  August,  but  they  linger  in 
Pennsylvania  until  the  first  of  October  when  they  shortly  after  disappear. 

ORDER  II,  ALCEDINI.  KINGFISHERS. 

Sternum  with  four  marginal  indentations,  the  two  outer  of  which  are  quite  deep  but  the 
inner  arc  shallow.  Bill,  long  and  stout,  with  a  deep  gape. 

This  order  is  characterised  not  only  as  described  above,  but  by  the  long  and  pointed 
wings  and  stout  form.  It  will  be  seen  that  I  have  entirely  discarded  the  old  order,  Scan- 
sores,  as  the  characters  presented  by  the  members  usually  placed  in  this  group  are  so 
incongruous  that  I  see  no  way  of  arranging  them  naturally  and,  in  order  to  be  perfectly 
consistent,  have  raised  the  groups  hitherto  considered  as  sections  or  families,  to  the  rank 
of  Orders. 

FAMILY  I.     CERYLID^E.     THE  CRESTED  KINGFISHERS. 

Head,  crested.  The  sexes  differ  in  markings.  Legs,  short.  Two  outer  toes,  joined  at 
the  base. 

WKDS  of   FLORIDA.  25 


194  CERYLE  ALCYON. 

The  sternum  is  stout,  with  short  coracoids  which  are  set  on  at  an  angle.  The  keel  is 
produced  forward,  approximating  quite  closely  to  the  strong  furcular  which  has  no  termi- 
nal expansion.  There  is  no  distinct  manubrium  but  the  lower  portion  of  the  keel  projects 
out  and  occupies  its  place,  yet  it  is  not  forked.  The  oesophagus  is  straight,  being  without 
any  dilatation,  and  is  lined  throughout  with  a  mucous  membrane  which  lies  in  longitudinal 
ridges.  It  emerges  into  the  proventriculus  which  is  provided  with  a  zonular  band  of  sim- 
ple, oval  glands.  The  stomach  is  somewhat  peculiar  in  form,  being  an  irregular  spherical 
body,  not  muscular,  and  lined  with  a  thin,  somewhat  smooth,  yellow  membrane.  The 
pancreas  is  not  large  and  occupies  but  about  one  half  of  the  fold  of  the  duodenum  which 
encloses  it.  The  intestines  are  quite  long.  There  are  no  coeca  and  the  spleen  which  is  a 
spherical  body  and  quite  dark  in  color  lies  on  the  stomach  near  the  cardiac  opening.  The 
trachea  is  straight.  Larynx,  provided  with  a  strong  sterno-trachealis,  also  a  thick  bron- 
chialis  which  adheres  to  the  two  upper  half  rings.  The  tympaniform  membrane  is  present 
and  also  the  os  transversale  but  there  is  no  semilunar  membrane. 

GENUS  I.    CERYLE.    THE  BELTED  KINGFISHERS. 

GEN.  Cn.  Keel,  hiyhcr  than  one  half  the  width  of  the  sternum.  Coracoids,  greatly  exceeding  one  half  the  length  of 
the  keel.  Two  outer  toes  joined  for  one  half  the  basal  portion. 

The  colors  of  this  genus  are  dull  in  comparison  with  other  members  of  the  family  but  they  are  conspicuously  banded 
below.  The  young  are  born  naked  and  acquire  *he  feathers  without  any  transitional  downy  stage. 

CERYLE  ALCYON. 
Belted  Kingfisher. 
Ceryle  alcyon  BOIE,  Isis;  1829,  316. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  Sternum,  stout.  Tongue,  short,  broad,  flat  and  somewhat  fleshy,  provided  with 
a  triangular  tip,  yellow  in  color.  Feathers  of  the  crest,  long,  and  loosely  constructed. 

COLOR.  Adult  male.  Upper  portion  of  body,  including  upper  wing  and  tail  coverts,  slaty-blue,  darkest  on  the  head. 
Wings,  black,  with  the  outer  portion  of  outer  webs  of  secondaries,  slaty-blue,  and  two  thirds  of  the  basal  portion  of  inner 
webs  of  all  the  feathers,  spots  and  bars  on  the  middle  of  the  outer  webs  of  primaries,  white.  This  color  encroaches  upon 
the  blue  of  the  of  the  inner  webs  of  the  secondaries  in  bars.  The  extreme  tips  of  the  two  rows  of  wing  coverts  are  also 
white,  forming  indistinct  bars.  Primaries  and  secondaries,  slightly  tipped  with  white.  Tail,  black,  with  the  two  central 
feathers  and  outer  portion  of  outer  webs,  blue,  with  both  webs  of  all  but  central  pair,  spotted  and  barred  with  white.  Be- 
neath, including  under  wing  and  tail  coverts,  white,  with  a  band  across  breast,  sides,  and  flanks,  slaty-blue.  There  is  a 
white  ring  nearly  around  the  neck,  being  interrupted  on  the  nape  by  a  bar  of  slaty-blue.  Sides  of  the  head,  dark-slaty, 
witli  a  spot  in  advance  of  the  eye  and  a  crescent-shaped  mark  beneath  it,  white. 

Adult  female.  Similar  to  the  male  but  with  the  central  tail  feathers  barred  similar  to  the  others.  There  is  a  second 
band  of  chestnut  across  the  middle  of  the  breast,  and  this  color  extends  along  the  sides  to  the  exclusion  of  the  slaty-blue, 
as  far  as  the  flanks  which  are  slaty. 

Young  male.  Similar  to  the  adult  above  but  with  the  white  tippings  to  the  secondaries  more  extended.  There  is  less 
white  on  the  wing  coverts  but  the  central  tail  feathers  are  barred  as  in  the  female.  There  is  but  one  band  below,  the  up- 
per, yet  that  is  overwashed  with  chestnut  which  also  occupies  the  anterior  portion  of  the  sides,  and  the  slaty  of  the  remain- 
ing portions  are  overwashed  with  it. 

Young  female.  With  a  duller  bluish-slaty  band  on  the  breast,  the  chestnut  markings  are  more  extended  and  the  col- 
or on  the  top  of  the  head  is  darker,  being  nearly  black. 

Nestlings.  At  first  the  young  are  completely  naked,  then  the  faathers  appear  without  any  intermediate  downy  stage. 
When  the  young  are  fully  fledged,  both  sexes  aresimilar  and  quite  like  the  young  male,  for  the  female  has  only  an  indica- 
tion of  the  chestnut  bands.  There  is,  however,  more  white  on  the  wings,  where  it  appears  in  irregular  spots.  The  feathers 
of  the  crown  are  black,  edged  with  bluish.  Bill  and  feet,  black  in  all  stages. 


BELTED  KINGFISHER.  195 

OBSERVATIONS. 

There  is  little  or  no  variation  even  in  size  between  the  specimens  collected  at  Key  West  and  in  Northern  Maine,  aside 
from  those  described, molting  from  age  or  sex.  Distributed  in  summer  throughout  the  entire  continent  of  North  America. 
Winters  iu  the  more  southern  portions,  but  is  occasionally  found  as  far  north  as  Massachusetts  at  this  season. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  twelve  specimens.  Length,  12'31;  stretch,  21'75;  wing,  6'25;  tail,  3'72;  bill,  1'65;  tarsus, 
•65.  Longest  specimen,  13'50;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  23'50;  longest  wing,  6'50;  tail,  4'00;  bill,2  -50;  tarsus,  '70.  Short- 
est >]>eeimen,  11- 12;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  21'00;  shortest  wing,  G'OO;  tail,  3'45;  bill,  1'81;  tarsus,  -61). 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  holes  which  are  drilled  in  banks  of  earth.  The  opening  is  about  3.50  in  diameter  and  the  burrow  ex- 
tends in  a  horizontal  direction  for  from  four  to  eight  feet.  The  cavity  foi  the  nest,  at  the  extremity,  is  some  (>'00  in  diam- 
eter and  the  eggs  are  placed  on  the  sand  or  gravel. 

Eyys,  four  to  six  in  number,  oval  in  form,  pure  white  in  color,  with  a  polished  surface.  Dimensions  from  T08  x  T 12  to 
1-16x140. 

HABITS. 

There  are  few  birds  which  are  better  known  throughout  the  length  and  breadth  of  our 
northern  continent  than  the  Kingfishers,  for  their  .abruptly  given  rattle  is  heard  along  the 
rushing  streams  and  blue  lakes  of  the  far  north,  by  the  majestic,  swiftly  flowing  rivers  of  the 
middle  districts,  and  on  the  borders  of  the  quiet  lagoons  of  the  extreme  south.  Go  where 
we  will,  at  the  proper  season,  we  will  be  greeted  by  these  quaint  birds — always  provided, 
however,  that  there  is  water  enough  in  the  immediate  vicinity  to  sustain  life  iu  a  minnow. 
When  we  hear  their  enlivening  notes  in  the  north,  we  may  be  sure  that  the  halcyon  days 
arc  near,  for  their  advent  proclaims  that  the  sway  of  the  Ice  King  is  broken  and  the  laugh- 
ing brooks  are  once  more  free  from  bondage.  It  is  true  that  the  happy  pair  no  longer 
float  their  nest  upon  the  placid  waters  as  they  did  in  the  long-past  Golden  Age,  but  the 
Powers  of  the  air  yet  extend  their  favors  to  the  progeny  of  the  devoted  Alcyone,  and  when 
we  see  the  Kingfishers  perched  on  the  yellowing  willows,  we  may  be  sure  that  the  glorious 
summer  is  not  far  away. 

The  Kingfishers  arrive  in  New  England  from  the  last  week  in  March  to  late  in  April, 
the  time  of  their  appearance,  as  implied  above,  depending  upon  the  mildness  of  the  season. 
At  first,  they  are  only  found  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  water  when  the  male  may  be  seen 
playfully  pursuing  the  female,  but  later,  they  seek  sand  or  gravel  pits,  often  some  dis- 
tance from  their  usual  resorts.  When  crossing  the  intervening  country,  they  will  mount 
high  in  air  and  pursue  their  way  in  a  direct  course,  flying  with  a  slow  but  steady  flight, 
while  the  body  is  kept  at  an  angle,  giving  the  bird  a  peculiar  appearance.  A  pair  will 
frequently  be  a  long  time  in  deciding  upon  some  particular  spot  in  which  to  make  their 
home,  visiting  first  one  sand-bank,  then  another,  until  a  thorough  inspection  of  the  lo- 
cality lias  convinced  them  that  it  is  suitable  for  a  home,  then  they  will  begin  the  laborious 
process  of  drilling  a  hole  for  the  nest.  This  is  accomplished  by  scratching  with  the  feet, 
aided  by  the  powerful  bill,  but  it  requires  a  long  time  to  construct  the  tunnel  and  both 
birds  will  frequently  be  employed  upon  it  for  upwards  of  two  weeks.  The  mouth  of  the 
hole  is  usually  about  two  feet  from  the  top  of  the  bank  and  extends  in  a  horizontal  direc- 
tion for  from  four  to  eight  feet,  sometimes  straight  but  often  turning  to  the  right  or  left, 


]  96  CEKYLE  ALCYON. 

especially  if  while  excavating,  the  birds  chance  to  encounter  a  stone  or  if  they  come  to  a 
root,  they  will  go  under  it.  The  termination  of  the  burrow  is  enlarged  and  scooped  out 
into  a  nest-like  cavity  which  is  to  receive  the  eggs  that  are  deposited  about  the  second 
week  in  May.  I  never  found  that  any  material  was  used  in  constructing  a  nest  for  I  have 
always  taken  the  fresh  eggs  from  the  bare  sand  or  gravel,  but  later,  when  the  young  occupy 
the  holes,  they  are  found  on  a  bed  of  fish  bones  and  scales  which  are  thrown  up  by  the 
birds,  much  after  the  manner  of  Owls  and  Hawks.  I  once  kept  some  young  .alive  for  a 
short  time  and  when  first  captured,  they  threw  up  fish  scales  and  bones  compressed  togeth- 
er in  oval  formed  bodies  which  were  surprisingly  large  when  compared  with  the  size  of 
the  birds. 

The  Kingfishers  were  more  abundant  on  the  Susquehanna  River  than  I  ever  saw  them 
elsewhere  and  I  have  found  a  dozen  holes  in  a  half  hour's  row  along  the  stream  all  of 
which  were  occupied.  I  opened  several  nests  in  order  to  study  the  growth  of  the  young 
and  in  all  cases  found  the  fish  scales  and  bones  as  described.  When  exposed  to  the  light, 
the  birds  would  utter  a  lisping  cry  which  did  not,  in  the  least,  resemble  the  rattle  of  the 
adults.  As  the  young  do  not  leave  the  nest-like  cavity  for  some  time,  the  odor  that  aris- 
es from  the  mass  of  filth  which  accumulates  in  the  extremity  of  the  burrow  is  perfectly 
intolerable.  But  later  in  life,  not  long  before  they  fly,  the  little  Kingfishers  enter  the 
tunnel  and  may  often  be  seen  sitting  at  its  entrance.  When  we  approached  the  locality 
in  which  the  nest  was  placed,  the  adult  birds  did  not  manifest  any  uneasiness  because  they 
were  accustomed  to  seeing  many  persons  pass  daily,  in  fact  some  of  the  holes  were  made 
in  a  bank  where  a  public  road  ran  close  to  the  margin  of  the  river  and  some  of  the  nests 
were  directly  beneath  the  wheel  tracks.  But  when  we  actually  began  to  dig  out  their 
domiciles,  the  Kingfishers  exhibited  the  utmost  alarm,  flying  excitedly  about  ami  giving 
their  harsh  notes  continuously  but  never  venturing  very  near  us,  as  they  evidently  under- 
stood that  we  were  enemies.  Further  up  the  river,  in  sections  more  remote  from  settle- 
ments, they  were  as  shy  as  in  Massachusetts  and  showed  great  solicitude  whenever  their 
breeding  places  were  approached. 

The  Kingfishers  learn  very  quickly  where  they  are  safe;  thus  they  are  always  shy 
wherever  they  are  habitually  shot  at,  but  in  sections  where  they  are  protected,  they  are 
remarkably  tame.  I  have  seen  them  quietly  perched  within  a  few  yards  of  pedestrians,  in 
localities  where  the  use  of  a  gun  was  strictly  forbidden,  while  on  ponds  only  a  short  dis- 
tance away,  they  would  be  exceedingly  wary.  They  are,  however,  naturally  shy  for  those 
which  I  have  found  in  the  remote  sections  of  Florida  where  they  were  never  disturbed, 
would  not  allow  me  to  approach  very  near  them.  The  young  which  I  endeavored  to  rear 
appeared  sullen,  probably  through  fear,  would  not  feed  readily,  and  soon  died.  It  is  quite 
noticeable  that  these  birds  are  not  apt  to  start  at  the  report  of  a  gun  which  is  fired  at  a  short 
distance  away,  even  if  the  shot  strikes  quite  near  them,  and  may  be  shot  at  repeatedly  with 
a  rifle  at  from  seventy-five  to  a  hundred  yards  distance  without  moving,  provided  the  ball 
does  not  actually  hit  the  object  on  which  they  are  sitting.  I  have  thought  that  this  was 
due  to  the  similarity  between  the  sound  made  by  the  report  of  a  gun  and  the  shock  which 
they  must  experience  when  plunging  into  the  water.  The  birds  usually  ascend  to  the 


BELTED  KINGFISHER.  197 

height  of  from  twenty  to  thirty  feet  above  the  surface,  then  poising  themselves  with  rap- 
idly vibrating  wings  for  a  few  seconds,  they  will  dart  suddenly  downward,  striking  the 
water  so  forcibly  as  to  frequently  become  entirely  submerged.  If  the  attempt  be  success- 
ful, (hoy  will  rise  with  their  prey  which  is  usually  a  small  fish,  in  their  beaks,  shake  the 
water  from  their  wings,  give  a  triumphant  rattle,  and  fly  cither  to  some  favorite  perch  to 
devour  it  or  carry  it  to  their  nests. 

I  have  mentioned  that  the  Kingfishers  arc  found  throughout  Florida,  being  as  abun- 
dant on  the  Keys  as  on  the  St.  John's  River.  They  must  breed  in  all  those  localities,  and 
on  the  St.  John's  and  other  streams,  bluffs  having  abrupt  banks  occasionally  occur  in 
whirh  they  can  make  their  holes,  but  I  cannot  conjecture  where  they  build  on  the  Keys  as 
I  do  not  know  of  a  single  bank  throughout  their  entire  extent.  On  Indian  River  I  found 
them  nesting  in  a  singular  situation.  There  is  a  narrow  canal  which  connects  Indian  Riv- 
er with  Mosquito  Lagoon  at  a  point  where  the  two  bodies  of  water  approach  each  other 
quite  closely.  It  is  nearly  twelve  feet  deep  where  the  ground  is  most  elevated  and,  as 
only  about  four  feet  of  this  space  is  occupied  by  the  water,  the  remainder  forms  perpen- 
dicular banks.  There  is  but  little  soil  in  this  portion  of  Florida,  the  underlying  strata  being 
coquena,  a  substance  which  is  composed  of  fragments  of  shells  cemented  together  by  press- 
ure. When  first  dug,  this  rock,  as  it  is  called,  is  soft  and  crumbling,  but  upon  being 
exposed,  becomes  nearly  as  hard  as  any  limestone.  Thus  a  crust  was  formed  over  the 
surface  which  could  not  be  penetrated  without  the  aid  of  an  iron  instrument,  yet  there 
were  a  dozen  holes  made  by  Kingfishers  in  the  banks  of  the  canal.  These  must  have  been 
excavated  years  before  when  the  coquena  was  soft,  but,  at  least,  one  was  occupied  during 
my  visit  as  I  frequently  saw  the  birds  emerge  from  it,  and  they  exhibited  great  solicitude 
whenever  I  approached.  Although  I  could  not  ascertain  for  a  certainty,  as  it  would  have 
required  considerable  labor  to  penetrate  to  the  nest,  I  judged  that  they  had  eggs  as  early 
as  the  last  week  in  March. 

The  Kingfishers  are  solitary  birds,  even  after  the  young  arc  out  they  do  not  accom- 
pany their  parents  long.  They  arc  fed  for  the  first  few  days  after  leaving  the  nest  but  they 
soon  learn  to  fish  for  themselves  and  then  they  disperse  about  the  country.  These  birds  re- 
main quite  late  in  Massachusetts,  rarely  one  will  be  seen  in  the  winter  if  the  season  chance 
to  be  mild.  They  are  more  frequently  found  then  in  Pennsylvania,  and  occur  regularly  be- 
low this  point,  consequently  are  constantly  resident  in  the  South. 

ORDER  III,    CAPRIMULGI.    GOAT-SUCKERS. 

Sternum,  with  two  wide  marginal  indentations.  Bill,  short,  with  a  wide  and  deep  gape, 
and  with  more  or  less  bristles  at  the  base.  The  plumage  is  soft. 

The  wings  are  long  and  pointed.  The  tail  lias  ten  feathers,  two  less  than  in  the  pre- 
ceding  order,  and  is  of  varying  form.  The  feet  are  small  with  the  upper  face  of  the  tarsus 
leathered  on  its  basal  portion.  The  anterior  toes  are  webbed  at  the  base  and  the  number 
of  bones  are  not  normal,  the  inner  having  three  and  each  of  the  others,  four.  The  eyes 
are  large  as  the  birds  are,  more  ar  less,  nocturnal  in  habit. 


198  CHOKL  EILES  P  OPETUE. 

FAMILY  I.     CAPRIMULGID^J.     THE  NIGHT-JAES. 

• 

Nail  of  middle  toe,  pectinated  on  inner  side.  Prominent  white  markings  on  either  wings 
or  tail. 

The  sternum  is  stout  and  short  but  wide,  with  a  high,  well-rounded  keel.  The  cor- 
acoids  are  also  short  and  set  on  at  an  angle,  while  the  furcula  is  somewhat  stout  and  forms 
a  wide,  well-arched  curve,  proclaiming  that  its  owner  is  capable  of  performing  abrupt  and 
varied  aerial  evolutions.  The  terminal  expansion  is  slightly  developed.  The  marginal 
indentations  are  so  wide  as  to  resemble  scollops.  Costal  process,  varied  in  form  as  given 
under  generic  characters.  There  is  no  manubrium  nor  is  the  sternum  produced  forward 
so  as  to  take  its  place. 

GENUS  I.    CHORDEILES.    THE  NIGHT  HAWKS. 

GEN.  Cn.  Wings,  extending  beyond  the  tail  when  closed,  with  the  first  quill  longest.  Bristles  at  bate  of  bill,  very  small. 
Tail,  forked.  Plumage,  blended.  Costal,  process  of  sternum,  approximatinj  quite  near  the  coracoids. 

Members  of  this  genus  are  only  partly  nocturnal,  often  flying  about  during  the  day  but  are  more  active  at  night,  espe- 
cially at  twilight.  The  larynx  is  provided  with  a  very  largo  and  thick  sterno-trachealis  which  has  its  trachcal  origin  low, 
quite  near  the  larynx.  There  is  only  one  other  muscle,  the  posterior  division  of  the  bronchc-trachealis.  The  os  transver- 
sale  is  represented  by  a  flat  bone  which  does  not  support  any  scmilunar  membrane,  however,  but  there  are  short  tympani- 
form  membranes.  The  oesophagus  is  not  dilated  in  any  portion,  is  lined  with  a  thin  layer  of  mucus,  and  opens  into  a  some- 
what wide  proventrieulus  which  is  provided  with  oblong  glands  that  lie  obliquely  and  are  arranged  in  a  zonular  band. 
The  stomach  is  rather  cubical  in  form,  quite  muscular,  and  lined  with  a  roughly  rugous  membrane.  The  short  duodenum 
enbraces  the  rather  large  pancreas  for  its  entire  length.  The  spleen  is  a  spherical  body,  dark  in  color,  and  placed  on  the 
stomach  near  the  cardiac  opening.  There  are  long  coeca(measuring  1'30  lapopetue)  which  are  dilated  into  bottle-shaped 
bodies  at  the  blind  ends. 

CHORDEILES  POPETUE. 

Night  Hawk. 
Chordeilespopelue\i^.iiA,.,  Ois.  Am.;  1807,  56. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  Sternum,  stout,  with  the  keel  quite  high,  then  rounds  downward  to  meet  the 
furcula  which  has  a  slight  terminal  expansion.  The  posterior  end  of  the  sternum,  between  the  marginal  indentations,  is 
produced  backward.  Tongue,  fleshy,  very  short,  flat  and  broadly  arrow-shaped,  provided  with  papillae,  which  cover  the 
upper  surface. 

COLOR.  Adult  male.  Above,  including  wing  and  tail,  dark  purplish-brown,  with  the  feathers  in  a  line  back  of  the 
eye  extending  around  the  nape,  having  white  centers.  The  remainder  of  the  feathers  are  irregularly  spotted  with  yellowish- 
white  which  becomes  rufous  on  the  scapularies.  There  is  an  accumulation  of  rufous  spots  in  a  line  passing  through  the  ear 
coverts  around  the  nape.  The  wings  have  a  greenish  gloss  and  the  secondaries  are  tipped  with  whitish.  There  is  a  very 
broad  white  band  extending  obliquely  across  the  middle  of  the  four  primaries  next  the  outer,  encroaching  upon  the  inner 
webs  of  the  outer  as  far  as  the  shaft.  The  tail  and  its  upper  coverts  are  crossed  by  transverse  bands  of  irregular  spots  of 
whitish,  and  there  is  a  band  of  white  extending  across  all  the  feathers,  excepting  the  outer,  near  the  tips.  Beneath, 
white,  crossed  by  numerous  transverse  bands  of  dark-brown.  There  is  a  crescent-shaped  mark  of  white  on  the  throat  be- 
neath which  Is  a  dark  band  that  is  spotted  with  triangular  marks  of  rufous.  The  space  above  the  white  mark  is  al>o  brown, 
having  the  same  shaped  spots. 

Adult  female.  Similar  to  the  male,  but  the  markings  above  are  not  as  clear.  The  band  on  the  wings  is  not  as  extend- 
ed, and  that  on  the  tail  is  entirely  wanting,  while  the  crescent-shaped  mark  is  overwashed  with  rufous  and  spotted  with 
brown;  the  entire  under  surface  is  also  tinged  with  it,  showing  little  or  no  white. 

Young  male.  Slightly  tinged  with  rufous  throughout,  the  white  bands  on  the  wing  and  tail  being  much  restricted, 
and  the  crescent  is  obscured  with  rufous. 

Young  female.  Very  strongly  tinged  with  rufous  above  and  below,  while  the  white  marking  on  the  wing  is  often  re- 
stricted to  the  three  upper  feathers. 


NIGHT  HAWK.  199 

Nfsllinys.  The  only  specimen  I  ever  saw  was  shown  to  me  by  Mr.  Brewster,  who  obtained  it  from  Mr.  N.  C.  Brown. 
This  was  covered  with  downy  feathers  of  a  dark-brown  color,  spotted  and  tipped  irregularly  with  rufous  and  yellowish.  It 
is  quite  probable  that  this  species  undergoes  several  changes  from  birth  to  the  time  it  assumes  the  plumage  described  adove. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Specimens  vary  somewhat  in  markings,  especially  above,  and  while  those  from  Florida  are  generally  darker,  they  show 
more  white  above;  this  is  especially  noticeable  in  birds  which  I  obtained  at  Lake  Harney  late  in  May  when  they  were  breed- 
ing; in  fact  they  exhibit  some  approach  in  this  respect  to  the  bleached  Western  form,  "Henryi."  There  is,  however,  no 
appreciable  difference  in  size  between  Florida  birds  and  those  taken  even  as  far  north  as  Maine.  Distributed  during  the 
breeding  season  throughout  the  entire  extent  of  North  America.  Winters  in  the  West  Indies. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  twenty-four  specimens  from  Florida  and  New  England.  Length,  9'00;  stretch,  22' 17;  wing, 
7'82;  tail,  3-05;  bill,  -25;  tarsus,  '57.  Longest  specimen,  !)-~5;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  22-25;  longest  wing,  8'90;  tail,  4'55; 
bill,  -30;  tarsus,  '65.  Shortest  specimen,  8'25:  smallest  extent  of  wing,  21-00;  shortest  wing,  6'75;  tail,  3'85;  bill,  '20;  tar- 
sus, -45. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  simply  hollows  scratched  in  the  ground,  or  the  eggs  are  frequently  deposited  on  bare  rocks  and,  of  late  years, 
also  on  the  flat,  concrete-covered  roofs  of  houses  in  cities  like  New  York  and  Boston. 

Eyyi,  two  in  number,  elliptical  in  form,  dirty  white  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  irregularly  with  brown,  slaty  and 
lilac.  Dimensions  from  l'20x  '80  to  1-26  x  '85. 

HABITS. 

It  is  impossible  to  find  a  bird  which  is  more  generally  known  whenever  it  occurs  than 
the  Night  Hawks.  Even  the  Seminoles  of  Florida  described  it  to  me  long  before  its  arriv- 
al and  when  I  showed  Tiger  a  skin  he  exclaimed,  at  once,  "Ho-pil-car!"  a  name  by  which 
they  designate  it,  and  once  more  proceeded  to  give  me  a  good  account  of  its  habits,  by 
which  I  judged  that  it  bred  in  the  vicinity.  They  were  very  abundant  about  the  first  week 
in  April  at  Miami  yet  many  of  these  were  probably  only  migrants,  but  I  found  them  com- 
mon and  nesting  on  Merritt's  Island,  Indian  River,  and  obtained  a  single  egg  deposited  on 
a  spot  destitute  of  vegetation.  Later,  about  the  fifteenth  of  the  month,  the  same  season, 
I  found  them,  evidently  breeding,  in  the  pincy  woods  but  failed  to  find  an  egg.  The  males 
were  sitting  on  the  limbs  of  high  pine  trees  but  the  females  were  not  visible  during  the 
day,  only  making  their  appearance  at  twilight.  I  found  the  fresh  eggs  in  the  grain  fields 
of  Pennsylvania  during  the  last  week  of  May  and  obtained  the  females  with  eggs  ready  to 
be  deposited,  in  Maine,  on  the  fifth  of  June.  When  breeding,  the  females  are  not  at  all 
shy,  as  they  will  permit  one  to  walk  quite  near  them  without  starting.  Indeed  I  have 
nearly  placed  my  foot  upon  them  as  they  sat  crouched  flat  against  the  ground,  before  they 
would  rise,  then  would  only  fly  a  few  yards  and  settle  again.  So  closely  do  the  colors  of  the 
Night  Hawks  correspond  with  those  of  the  soil  which  is  destitute  of  vegetation,  that  it  is 
almost  impossible  to  detect  the  birds,  especially  when  the  surface  is  slightly  broken  or  cov- 
ered with  stones.  Like  many  ground  nesters  which  are  similarly  colored,  these  birds  ap- 
pear to  be  aware  that  this  similarity  of  color  to  that  of  surrounding  objects  is  their  best 
protection,  consequently  they  will  almost  always  remain  quiet  until  the  intruder  approaches 
very  near  them.  When  forced  to  take  wing,  they  rise  very  suddenly,  flying  in  an  eccen- 
tric or  zigzag  course  but  with  a  rapid  motion.  The  females  merely  utter  a  kind  of  croak 
repeated  once  or  twice  when  first  on  the  wing,  then  are  silent. 


200  CHOBDEILES  POPETUE. 

I  have  mentioned  under  descriptions  that  the  Night  Hawks  deposited  their  eggs  on 
the  flat  roofs  of  houses  in  cities.  Several  species  of  our  native  birds  have  taken  advantage 
of  the  changes  wrought  by  the  settlement  of  the  section  in  which  they  live;  thus,  instead  of 
.being  driven  away,  when  their  former  breeding  places  were  encroached  upon  and,  in  many 
instances,  destroyed,  they  have  promptly  availed  themselves  of  the  opportunities  afforded 
by  the  many  structures  erected  by  man  and  built  their  nests  in  them.  This  is  especially 
noticeable  among  the  Swallows,  for  all,  but  one,  of  our  Eastern  species  have  greatly  modi- 
fied their  habits,  and  the  breeding  range  of  all  has  become  extended  since  the  occupation  of 
the  country  by  the  whites.  The  Wrens  have  generally  abandoned  holes  in  rocks  and  trees 
and  now  resort  to  buildings,  at  least  in  the  vicinity  of  settlements.  The  Chimney  Swift 
may  be  mentioned  as  another  species  whose  habits  have  been  utterly  changed  by  the  inno- 
vations of  man,  and  the  same  is  true  of  the  Phoebe,  though  to  a  limited  extent.  But  in  the 
cases  mentioned  and  in  all  others  which  occur,  one  or  two  species  excepted,  the  birds 
which  have  taken  up  their  abodes  in  the  immediate  presence  of  ntan,  are  small,  consequent- 
ly are  seldom,  if  ever,  molested,  and  so,  from  the  first,  they  readily  became  familiar  with 
the  ways  of  civilization.  With  the  Night  Hawks,  however,  this  is  quite  different,  they 
were  most  emphatically  a  bird  of  the  wilderness  and  although  they  resort  to  newly  made 
clearings  and  open  fields,  these  are  almost  always  remote  from  houses,  and  when  disturbed 
once  or  twice  in  any  locality,  the  birds  promptly  take  their  departure.  Thus,  it  is  almost 
impossible  to  find  the  nest  of  one  of  these  birds  near  any  of  the  towns  in  the  immediate 
vicinity  of  Boston  yet,  most  unexpectedly,  we  find  them  common  in  the  midst  of  the  metrop- 
olis, itself. 

It  is  true  that  the  gravel-covered  roofs  do,  in  a  measure,  resemble  the  barren  spots  of 
land  of  which  they  are  so  fond,  but  if  the  birds  ever  chanced  to  mistake  the  extended 
rows  of  house-tops  for  the  quiet,  hill-side  fields  in  which  they  were  wont  to  nest,  one 
would  think  that  the  sights,  odors,  and,  above  all,  the  constant  din  arising  from  the  midst  of  a 
great  city  would  speedily  dispel  all  such  illusions.  Yet  it  did  not,  for  some  years  ago,  the 
first  pair  of  Night  Hawks  ventured  to  lay  their  eggs  on  a  roof  in  Boston  and  now  they  are 
common  there  through  the  summer.  Both  sexes  are  found  there  during  the  day  and  in  the 
twilight,  the  peculiar,  sharp,  rapidly  given  cry  may  be  heard  above  the  noise  caused  by 
the  surrounding  multitude,  and  then  they  will  be  seen  to  plunge  downward  toward  the 
crowded  streets,  but  their  booming  note,  if  heard  at  all,  comes  faintly  to  the  ear,  being 
almost,  if  not  quite,  lost  in  the  constant  waves  of  louder  sounds.  Master  Outram  Bangs 
who  has  taken  the  eggs  from  roofs,  informs  me  that  the  females  were  quite  tame  when  ap- 
proached, flying  only  a  few  feet  and  showing  no  solicitude,  whatever,  when  their  eggs  were 
removed. 

I  have  alluded  to  the  notes  of  the  male  for,  excepting  the  peculiar  croak,  the  females 
are  silent.  The  singular  cry  which  consists  of  but  one  sharp  note  repeated  at  intervals,  is 
usually  given  while  the  birds  are  on  the  wing,  but  on  several  occasions  I  have  heard  it 
when  they  were  perched  on  the  limbs  of  high  trees.  This  rude  attempt  at  melody  is  only 
made  through  the  breeding  season  and  more  often  in  the  twilight  or  during  cloudy  days, 
seldom  in  the  bright  sunlight.  The  bird  mounts  upward  with  that  peculiar,  eccentric 


NIGHT  HAWK.  201 

flight,  so  characteristic  of  this  species,  then,  darting  suddenly  in  an  oblique  direction  for 
a  few  feet,  will  emit  his  discordant  squeak;  when  hs  will  fly  a  few  yards,  only  to  repeat 
this  performance,  the  notes  being  given  after  intervals  of  a  few  seconds.  Every  move- 
ments carries  him  upward,  until  he  has  reached  quite  an  altitude,  higher  in  day-light  than 
in  the  evening,  when  down  lie  plunges  with  half  closed  wings  to  within  a  few  yards  of  the 
ground  and,  just  as  he  extends  his  wings  to  turn  upward  again,  comes  the  peculiar  boom, 
so  aptly  described  by  authors  as  similar  to  the  sound  produced  by  blowing  into  the  bung- 
hole  of  an  empty  barrel. 

Just  how  this  sound  is  produced  is  not  easily  explained  and  has  given  rise  to  various 
theories.  Some  authors  affirm  that  the  air  rushing  through  the  loosened  quills  of  the  wings 
causes  the  noise.  It  is  true  that  this  explanation  appears  plausible  but  I  am  inclined  to 
think  that  the  sound  is  not  produced  mechanically,  for  reasons  which  I  will  now  give. 
First,  the  noise  is  under  the  control  of  the  will  of  the  birds  for  they  frequently  dive  in  si- 
lence. This  is  one  point  but  is  not  conclusive,  as  the  quills  of  the  wings  might  be  made 
to  change  their  position  so  that  the  sound  would  ensue  at  one  time  and  be  withheld  at  an- 
other, but  a  careful  examination  of  the  wings  does  not  reveal  any  essential  difference  in 
structure  from  those  presented  by  other  members  of  the  family.  Under  the  microscope, 
the  barbs  of  the  quills  are  seen  to  be  furnished  with  very  long  barbules  which  are  pectina- 
ted on  both  sides  for  their  basal  two  thirds,  but  this  is  also  observable  in  the  Whippoor- 
will  and  other  allied  species.  The  long  filaments  of  the  barbules  causing  the  fringed  wings 
in  Owls  and  other  birds,  ensure  a  silent  passage  through  the  air  and  consequently  the 
flight  of  a  Night  Hawk  is  particularly  noiseless  as  any  one  who  has  had  one  pass  close  to 
him,  will  remember.  Thus  it  will  be  seen  that  the  facts  of  the  case  do  not  at  all  support 
the  theory.  The  idea  that  the  air  rushing  into  the  suddenly  opened  mouth  causes  the  sound 
is  too  improbable  to  notice  and  therefore  I  will  hasten  to  explain  what  I  consider  the  true 
origin  of  the  booming  note  of  the  Night  Hawk.  I  say  note,  most  advisably,  for  I  am  cer- 
tain that  this  singular  cry  is  vocal.  As  will  be  seen  upon  referring  to  the  generic  charac- 
ters which  I  have  given,  there  arc  but  two  laryngenl  muscles.  The  broncho-trachealis 
posticus  is  not  strong  in  the  male  and  is  scarcely  developed  in  the  female.  I  therefore 
judge  that  this  produces  the  squeak,  but  the  sterno-trachealis  which  acts  as  a  relaxor  to 
the  tympaniform  membrane,  is  very  thick  and  strong,  just  as  it  is  in  the  Whippoorwill  and 
Chuck-will's  Widow.  In  both  these  species,  it  is  quite  probable  that  the  peculiar  notes 
which  arc  so  decidedly  in  a  minor  tone,  are  caused  by  this  muscle  acting  upon  the  mem- 
brane of  which  I  have  spoken  above.  Now  I  can  see  no  reason  why  the  note  of  the  Night 
Hawk  should  not  be  produced  by  the  action  of  the  same  muscle,  for  it  is  also  in  the  minor 
tone  and  if  any  of  the  louder  cries  of  the  Whippoorwill  or,  better,  of  the  Chuck-will's  Wid- 
ow were  prolonged,  they  would  not  sound  very  unlike  the  boom  of  the  species  under  con- 
sideration. 

I  si-arci-ly  think  that  the  Night  Hawks  are  abroad  all  night,  but  that  they  only  fly 
during  the  dusk  of  evening,  being  more  active  in  hunting,  however,  as  it  grows  dark;  in 
fact  the  males  remain  high  in  the  air  until  long  after  sunset,  when  they  will  descend  and 
fly  rapidly  along  close  to  the  ground.  They  feed  upon  insects  which  they  capture  during 

l.IKDS  OF  FLORIDA.  2H 


202  WHIPPOORWILL. 

these  forrays.  The  Night  Hawks  migrate  about  the  first  of  September,  when  hundreds 
may  be  seen,  toward  the  close  of  day,  flying  in  detached  flocks.  They  keep  at  a  considera- 
ble elevation  until  after  sunset,  when  they  descend  near  the  ground  to  feed  as  they  go.  I 
have  never  seen  this  species  in  Florida  during  winter  or  even  in  November  but  found  them 
abundant,  as  already  described,  after  the  first  of  April  and  they  are  common  through  the 
summer. 

GENUS  II.    ANTROSTOMUS.    THE  WIIIPPOORWILLS. 

GEN.  Cn.  Winys,  not  extending  beyond  the  tail  when  closed,  with  the  second  or  third  quill  longest.  Bristles  at  Dane  of 
bill,  very  long.  Tail,  rounded.  Plumaye,  soft  and  owl-like.  The  costal  process  of  sternum  does  not  approach  the  cora- 
coids  but  sends  a  s/mr  upward  at  right  angles  with  them. 

Members  of  this  genus  are  entirely  nocturnal  in  habit,  never,  voluntarily,  flying  during  daylight.  The  sterno-trache- 
alis  is  very  large  and  thick,  and  has  its  origin  low,  as  in  the  preceding  genus.  There  is  a  very  weak  broncho-trachealis 
posticus,  and  also  a  singular  muscle  which  passes  completely  around  the  trachea,  above  the  origin  of  the  other  muscles,  and 
is  fastened  to  the  lower  extremities  of  the  furcula;  other  portions  of  larynx,  similar  to  those  given  in  the  preceding  genus. 
The  oesophagus  is  larger  near  the  mouth  than  elsewhere.  The  other  characters  are  as  described  in  Chordeiles,  excepting 
the  coeca  which  is  proportionately  longer,  measuring  T40  in  vociferus. 

AUTKOSTOMUS  VOCIPERTJS. 

Whippoorwill. 
Antrostomus  vociferus  BON.  List;  1838. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  somewhat  robust.  Size,  not  large.  Sternum,  not  stout.  Tongue,  long,  smooth,  thin  and  somewhat 
fleshy.  The  hyoid  bones  curve  upward  back  of  the  skull.  The  bristles  of  the  bill  are  without  lateral  filaments . 

COLOR.  Adult  male.  General  color  above,  daik-brown,  but  this  is  obscured  by  spots,  tippings,  and  edgings  of  ashy 
and  rufous.  The  top  of  the  head  is  ashy-brown,  streaked  with  dark-brown.  There  are  drop-shaped  spots  of  rufous  on  the 
wing  coverts,  forming  a  bar.  The  wings  are  dark-brown  barred  on  both  webs  with  spots  of  bright  rufous.  The  tail  is  also 
brown,  marked  with  ashy  and  rufous  which  appear  in  small  spots  and  form  bars.  The  thrae  outer  pairs  of  feathers  are 
broadly  tipped  with  white  which  shows  a  yellowish  tinge  below.  Beneath ,  dark-brown  witli  the  feathers  tipped  and  spotted 
with  yellowish-rufous  which  nearly  covers  the  flanks  and  under  tail  and  wing  coverts.  There  is  a  band  of  white  on  the 
throat  beneath  which  is  an  indistinct  one  of  rufous. 

Adult  female.  Quite  similar  to  the  male,  but  lacks  the  white  markings  on  the  outer  tail  feathers;  the  entire  tail  is, 
however,  excepting  the  central  pair  of  feathers,  tipped  with  yellowish,  and  the  white  band  on  the  throat  is  replaced  by  one 
of  yellowish. 

Young.  The  colors  above  and  below  are  much  more  rufous,  showing  but  little  of  the  ashy  of  the  adult.  In  the  male, 
the  white  of  the  tail  is  as  in  the  adult,  but  the  dark-brown  of  the  outer  webs  of  the  outer  feathers  encroaches  upon  it,  and 
all  the  foathers  are  tipped  with  a  buffy-yellow. 

Nestlings.  Judging  from  two  specimens  which  I  now  have,  and  one  that  was  kindly  loaned  to  me  by  Mr.  August 
Koch, which  are  assuming  the  second  plumage,  the  nestlingsare  covered  with  a  dark  down  tipped  with  yellowish,  butit  is 
quite  probable  that  this  species,  like  the  preceding,  undergoes  several  changes  between  birth  and  the  plumage  of  the  speci- 
mens which  I  have.  Bill,  black  and  feet,  brown  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

These  birds  are  extremely  variable  in  markings,  some  being  much  darker  than  others.  The  spots  on  the  wing  coverts 
are  not  always  present,  and  in  many  specimens  the  scapularies  are  marked  with  a  rich  dark-brown,  while  there  is  consider- 
able difference  in  the  markings  below,  yet  there  will  be  no  difficulty  in  recognizing  the  species  by  the  colors  as  described. 
It  will  be  well  to  to  keep  in  mind  that  the  Whippoorwill  has  no  white  spots  on  the  wings  and  that  the  tail  is  conspicuously 
marked  with  white;  just  the  reverse  of  the  markings  on  those  parts  in  the  Night  Hawk.  Known  from  the  following  bird 
as  described  under  the  head  of  observations  in  the  succeeding  pages.  Distributed  during  summer  throughout  the  Eastern 
section  of  North  America  from  the  Carolinas  to  Canada.  Winters  in  Florida  and  the  West  Indies. 


AXTROSTOMUS  VOCIFERUS.  203 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  eiglit  specimens  from  Pennsylvania  nnd  Florida.  Langth,  9'75;  stretch,  18'75;  wing,5'75; 
(nil,  4'55;  Kill,  '17;  tarsus,  '65.  Longest  specimen,  10'30;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  19'4t>;  longest  wing,  6'70;  tail,  5' 10;  bill, 
•55;  tarsus, -00.  Shortest  specimen,  n- 15.:  smallest  extent  of  wing,  19-00;  shortest  wing,  5'75;  tail,  4'10;  bill, '40;  tarsus, 
•f)0. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

AS-,  mere  hollows  scratched  in  the  ground  among  the  leaves,  no  material  being  used.    A  secluded  locality  is  always 
I,  usually  among  thickets. 

I,  two  in  number,  perfectly  elliptical  in  form,  very  delicate  creamy-white  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  irregularly 
with  lilac,  pale  lilac  and  pale  brown.     Dimensions  from  l'20x  '75  to  1'25  x  '80. 

HABITS. 

I  have  mentioned  elsewhere  that  the  steep  sides  of  the  Alleghany  Mountains  are  cov- 
ered with  a  thick  growth  of  trees  which,  on  account  of  the  scarcity  of  the  soil,  are,  even 
at  the  base  of  the  elevations,  quite  low  and  as  we  ascend,  we  find  them  more  dwarfed, 
until  on  the  summit,  they  are  little  better  than  shrubs.  The  abrupt  inclines  are  strewed 
with  fragments  of  rocks  of  varying  size  but  some  of  them  are  quite  large  and  as  they  are 
well  shaded  in  summer,  they  form  admirable  resting  places  for  the  Whippoorwills.-  In  fact, 
I  never  before  saw  so  many  in  any  one  locality,  as  every  glen  or  nook  appeared  to  be  in- 
habited by  them.  The  twilight  comes  on  somewhat  prematurely  in  those  deep  valleys  and 
while  the  highest  mountain  tops  are  gleaming  in  the  rays  of  the  setting  sun,  the  lower  slopes 
are  enshrouded  with  rapidly  gathering  darkness.  The  lays  of  the  diurnal  songsters  have 
ceased  and  naught  is  heard  save  the  occasional  chirp  of  a  belated  Robin  as  he  hastens  to 
his  roost  in  the  alder  thicket  by  the  brook  side;  then  all  is  still.  After  the  noise  and  bus- 
tle with  which  the  numerous  feathered  tribes  always  end  the  day,  the  first  hush  of  evening 
seems  most  profound.  Then  it  is  that  the  opening  notes  of  the  Whippoorwills  float  out  up- 
on the  air.  The  first  which  utters  his  cry  strikes  out  boldly  and  renders  his  lay  distinctly 
and  well  but  the  echo  of  his  effort  has  not  died  away  before  it  is  answered  by  another,  then 
another  begins,  and  soon  the  entire  mountain  sides  are  ringing  with  their  melody.  So 
abundant  arc  the  birds  that  it  is  impossible  at  times  to  catch  a  single  note,  all  being  blend- 
ed, for  when  the  Whippoorwills  become  excited,  the  song  which,  at  first,  is  given  with 
snllirient  deliberation  to  enable  one  to  distinguish  the  separate  utterances,  is  poured  forth 
with  such  rapidity  as  to  sound  like  an  uninterrupted  stream  of  notes,  and  this  continues 
until  the  birds  cease,  apparently  exhausted.  As  there  are,  at  least,  a  dozen  birds  engaged 
in  singing  at  one  time  and  as  each  tries  to  outdo  the  others  in  rapidity  of  execution,  the 
noise  produced  by  them  is  very  confusing. 

All  these  particular  outbursts  are  evidently  caused  by  a  feeling  of  rivalry,  for  it  is 
only  exhibited  to  the  extent  of  which  I  speak,  during  the  time  when  the  males  are  courting 
their  mates.  The  silent  females  are  doubtlessly  expected  to  be  guided  in  their  choice  by 
the  celerity  with  which  the  song  is  given;  in  short,  in  select  Whippoorwillian  circles,  he 
who  utters  the  greatest  number  of  notes  in  the  shortest  space  of  time  is  considered  the  fin- 
est singer. 

If  any  one  who  had  never  before  heard  the  song  of  the  Whippoorwills,  should  chance 
to  hear  them  at  such  a  time  as  I  have  described,  he  would  be  greatly  disappointed  in  their 


204  WHIPPOORW1LL. 

reputed  fine  powers  of  song.  Yet  the  notes  of  these  birds  are  certainly  very  fine  when 
heard  to  advantage.  I  well  remember  when  this  unique  song  first  greeted  my  ear.  I  was 
floating  leisurely  in  my  boat  along  a  New  England  river  on  a  clear,  calm  night  in  early 
June,  lazily  watching  the  play  of  the  moonlight  upon  the  water,  not  caring  to  break  the 
delightful  hush  which  reigned,  by  even  dropping  an  oar,  when,  from  the  shadowing  forest, 
came  the  low,  plaintive  song  of  the  Whippoorwill.  Distance  truly  lends  enchantment  to 
this  lay,  for  when  I  heard  it  then  and  as  I  have  heard  it  many  times  since,  coming  from 
the  far  away  woodlands,  it  did  not  seem  as  if  the  peculiar  cadence  could  be  produced  by 
a  bird;  it  is  so  mournful  but  withal  so  singularly  sweet  that  it  appears  more  like  an  exha- 
lation from  the  purple  mist  which  hangs  over  the  valleys,  harmonizing  as  perfectly  with 
the  surroundings  as  does  the  gentle  sighing  of  the  perfumed  air  through  the  tree-tops  of 
the  forests. 

When  heard  near  at  hand,  however,  even  after  the  breeding  season,  when  the  notes 
are  given  quite  distinctly,  all  these  illusions  vanish  for  then  there  is  a  harsher  tone  per- 
ceptible which  is  not  very  agreeable.  The  delivery  of  the  song  is  always  hurried  and, 
although  fhere  are  three  notes,  distinctly  pronounced,  yet  their  resemblance  to  the  sylla- 
bles whip-poor-will  is  more  or  less  fanciful  and  might  be  equally  well  illustrated  by  oth- 
er sounds.  For  example,  Cooper,  in  an  introduction  to  one  of  his  novels,  says  that  the  birds 
distinctly  articulate  wish-ton-wish,  but  the  best  rendering  of  it  that  I  ever  heard  was  from 
the  Seminoles  who  call  it  wac-co-lar,  with  the  accent  on  the  last  syllable  just  as  the  birds 
repeat  it.  The  females  never  sing  and  only  utter  a  chuck  when  alarmed.  This  same  note 
is  also  given  by  the  males  and  often  precedes  the  song. 

The  Whippoorwills  are  abundant  in  Florida  throughout  the  winter  and  I  even  found 
them  common  in  the  thickets  at  Key  West,  but  they  are  silent  until  about  the  middle  of 
March,  after  which  they  soon  migrate  northward.  They  continue  to  sing  in  their  summer 
resorts  throughout  the  season  and  I  once  heard  one  utter  the  full  song  several  times  at 
Watsontown,  Pennsylvania,  on  the  night  of  the  thirtieth  of  August.  These  birds  remain 
concealed  in  the  thick  woods  during  the  day,  resting  on  the  ground  or  on  a  rock  or  branch 
near  it.  They  are  strictly  nocturnal,  never  flying  voluntarily  during  day -light,  but  when 
disturbed,  they  will  rise  and  make  their  way  swiftly  through  the  tangled  undergrowth,  a- 
voiding  the  intervening  obstacles  as  skillfully  as  in  the  evening,  settling  down  again  in 
some  secluded  place.  They  are  quite  shy  birds  and  will  never  admit  of  a  near  approach, 
but  are  tamer  in  the  night  than  in  the  day,  for  they  will  then  frequently  emerge  from  the 
woods  to  rest  upon  house-tops  and  sound  their  cries.  They  will  select  particular  points  on 
which  to  light  and  will  visit  them  repeatedly.  Unlike  the  Night  Hawks,  they  do  not,  usu- 
ally hunt  about  the  field  in  search  of  their  prey,  but  will  sit  in  some  moderately  elevated 
situation,  like  a  post-top,  and  launch  out  at  the  passing  insects,  much  after  the  manner 
practiced  by  the  Flycatchers.  They  are  very  fond  of  dusting  themselves  in  roads  or  paths 
and  will  frequently  resort  to  them  for  this  purpose.  They  will  also  settle  on  newly  ploughed 
fields  and  walk  in  the  freshly  upturned  earth,  a  habit  which  I  have  also  observed  in  the 
Night  Hawks. 

The  Whippoorwills  deposit  their  eggs  in  the  woods  without  any  nest,  about  the  last 


ANTROSTOMUS  CAROLINF.NSIS.  205 

4 

week  in  May,  the  young  are  fully  fledged  by  the  last  week  in  July,  and  as  they  are  found 
ahrnc  in  the  woods  at  that  early  age,  must  learn  soon  to  hunt  for  themselves.  These  birds 
arc  r;ither  solitary  in  habit  and,  although  quite  a  number  occasionally  collect  in  favorable 
localities,  they  are  not  gregarious,  even  while  migrating.  The  southward  passage  occurs 
in  September  and  as  these  birds  arc  never  seen  flying  during  the  day-time,  it  must  be  per- 
formed wholly  at  night. 

ANTROSTOMUS  CAEOLINENSIS. 

Chuck-will's  Widow. 
Antrostomus  Carolincnsis  GOULD,  Icones  Aviuin;  1838. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  Sternum,  stout.  Tongue,  long,  narrow,  thin  and  somewhat  fleshy.  The  hyoid 
Km;-;  rune  upward  back  of  the  skull.  The  bristles  of  the  bill  arc  provided  with  lateral  filaments. 

( '<  ii-on.  Adult  male.  General  color  above,  dark-brown,  obscured  by  spots,  tippings,  and  edgings  of  rufous.  The  top 
<:f  head  i<  rufiiu-i  with  three  longitudinal  streaks  of  black,  extending  from  the  base  of  the  bill  to  the  nape  and  there  it  a 
:-':-ruf  Hi-;  line  over  the  eye.  There  arc  drop-shaped  spots  of  rufous  on  the  wing  coverts,  forming  a  bar.  The  wings 
nrc  dark-brown  barred  on  both  webs  with  spots  of  yellowish-rufous  which  are  sprinkled  with  brown.  The  scapularics  and 
upper  win:;  n. \erts  are  marked  with  black  end  edged  with  ashy.  The  tail  is  brown,  marked  with  ashy  and  rufous  which 
iippmr  in  small  spots  firming  bars  The  three  outer  pairs  of  feathers  are  broadly  tipped  with  white  which  becomes  bufly-yel- 
I  i\v  below,  and  all  the  feathers  arc  tipped  with  buff  which  is  sprinkled  with  brown  above.  Beneath,  dark-brown,  with  the 
i'  at!, ITS  tipped  and  spotted  with  yellowish-rufous.  There  is  a  narrow  band  of  whitish  on  the  throat  but  it  is  not  very  dis- 
tinct. 

Ad'i't  female.  Quite  similar  to  the  male,  but  lacks  the  white  markings  on  the  tail  which  are  replaced  by  brownish,  and 
:  r.y  t  ippings  of  the  feathers  are  without  dots,  but  there  is  a  distinct,  subterminal  bar  of  block,  and  there  is  no  wlxitc 
u  the  throat.  Bill  and  feat,  brown  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Specimens  vary  considerably  in  markings,  much  as  in  the  preceding  species  to  which  the  general  colors  bear  considcra- 
:i<'\  may  lie  known  at  once  by  the  larger  size  and  buffy  color  on  the  under  side  of  the  white  of  the  tail. 
Distributed  during  summer  throughout  the  Exstcra  section  of  the  United  States,  north  to  the  Carolines,  and  in  the  interior 
into  Southern  Illinois.    Winters  in  the  West  Indies. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  six  specimens  from  Florida.  Length,  12-87;  stretch,  25-00;  wing,  8-55;  toil,  5'95;  bill,  '42; 
tarsus,  '07.  Longest  specimen,  13'25;  greatest  extent  of  wing,s25-50;  longest  wing,  8'UO;  tail,  C'50;  bill,  '45;  tarsus, '75. 
Shortest  specimen,  12'50;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  24'60;  shortest  wing,  8'30;  tail,  5'40;  bill,  -30;  tarsus,  -60. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  mere  hollows  scratched  in  the  ground  among  the  leaves,  no  material  being  used.  A  secluded  locality  is  always 
selected,  usually  in  thick  hummocks. 

Eyi/s,  two  in  number,  perfectly  elliptical  in  firm,  pale-salmon  in  color,  spotted  ond  blotched  irregularly  with  lilac,  pale- 
lilac  and  brown.  Dimensions  from  1*40  x  '95  to  l'55x  1'07. 

HABITS. 

Shortly  after  the  first  notes  of  the  Whippoorwill  are  heard  in  Florida,  a  more  volumi- 
nous song  comes  through  the  still  evening  air;  it  is  similar  in  tone  to  that  of  the  above 
mentioned  species,  but  louder  and  more  prolonged,  for  it  consists  of  at  least  one  more 
syllabic,  and  although  the  lay  pronounced  by  the  birds  bears  but  little  resemblance  to  their 
name,  anj  one  who  is  familiar  with  ornithology  would  at  once  exclaim,  'that  is  the  Chuck- 
will's  Widow!'  The  notes  are  so  different  from  those  of  the  birds  last  described,  that  even 
the  settlers  in  Florida  notice  it  and  call  them  Spanish  Whippoorwills.  The  song  of  the 


206  CHUCK-WILL'S  WIDOW. 

Chuck-will's  Widow  is  certainly  peculiar,  being,  by  far,  the  most  noticeable  of  all  the  bird 
notes  heard  in  the  South,  excepting,  perhaps,  those  of  the  Great  Horned  and  Barred  Owls. 
As  I  have  said,  the  cadence  does  not  especially  resemble  the  syllables  of  the  name  and  in 
order  to  illustrate  the  song,  I  shall  once  more  call  my  friends,  the  Seminoles,  upon  the  stage 
for  the  birds  appear  to  them  to  articulate  chic-co-bil-lar,  and  this  certainly  is  a  very  good 
rendering  of  the  notes.  The  cry  is  given  with  startling  energy  when  heard  quite  near  at 
hand;  the  first  syllable  is  pronounced  very  distinctly,  with  emphasis,  then  follows  the  sec- 
ond somewhat  prolonged  and  less  forcibly  uttered,  while  the  remaining  two  are  very  quickly 
given  with  a  decided  accent  upon  the  last.  The  whole  is  poured  forth  in  the  hurried  man- 
ner so  characteristic  of  the  Whippoorwill  and  in  about  the  same  tone. 

When  the  short  twilight  of  the  South  is  fading  into  night,  the  Chuckwill's  Widows 
emerge  from  the  secluded  retreat,  afforded  by  some  thick  hummock,  in  which  they  have 
passed  the  day  and,  alighting  upon  some  favorite  perch,  will  begin  to  sing.  As  before  re- 
marked, this  lay  is  given  with  an  abruptness  which  is  even  startling,  especially  when  the 
bird  is  but  a  few  yards  away.  No  preliminary  sound  gives  notice  of  his  presence,  for  he 
flits  to  his  perch  in  utter  silence;  then,  from  out  of  the  gloom,  comes  the  cadence,  so  sud- 
denly and  so  loud  that,  although  one  may  have  been  perfectly  familiar  with  the  song  for 
years,  he  will  always,  for  a  moment,  be  taken  completely  by  surprise.  When  an  ornithol- 
ogist hears  this  peculiar  lay  for  the  first  time,  in  such  close  proximity,  he  is  very  apt  to 
grasp  his  gun  and  start  in  pursuit,  certain  of  adding  a  Chuckwill's  Widow  to  his  collection. 
He  approaches  the  spot  where  the  bird  appears  to  be  located,  carefully  avoiding  all  the  in- 
tervening obstacles  which  is  no  easy  task  in  a  Florida  hummock,  even  in  broad  daylight. 
Guided  by  the  song,  he  reaches  a  point  where  the  increased  volume  of  sound  informs  him 
that  he  is  near  enough  for  a  shot  if  he  could  only  discern  the  bird,  when  a  sudden  silence 
ensues — the  bird  has  flown  and  the  spirits  of  the  would-be  captor  fall  to  zero;  but  instant- 
ly rise  again,  for  the  song  breaks  out  anew  a  few  yards  away.  The  hunter  follows  only  to 
be  foiled  again,  for  once  more  the  wary  bird  has  perceived  him  and  has  flitted  onward, 
but,  as  before,  only  a  short  distance,  so  that  the  excited  pursuer  once  more  plunges  on  in- 
to the  thickets  now  being  rapidly  enshrouded  in  darkness,  but  all  in  vain,  for  the  Chuck- 
will's  Widow  is  a  perfect  will-o'-the-wisp  of  a  bird  alluring  the  incautious  follower  deeper 
and  deeper  into  the  gloomy  hummock  and  causing  him  to  take  so  many  turns  that  unless 
he  be  well  skilled  in  wood-craft,  he  will  become  utterly  lost  and  may  be  forced  to  spend 
the  night  in  the  forest  with  the  wild  cats  for  company. 

My  first  experience  with  these  birds  was  similar  to  that  which  I  have  described,  ex- 
cepting that  I  did  manage  to  extricate  myself  from  the  labyrinth  into  which  they  led  me, 
but  I  afterward  learned  that  there  were  two  ways  in  which  to  procure  these  wary  birds. 
The  most  simple  is  to  search  a  hummock  in  which  one  is  certain  they  are  concealing  them- 
selves. I  have  found  that  they  rest  either  on  the  ground  or  near  it  and  when  aroused,  will 
generally  give  one  an  opportunity  to  shoot,  or  if  the  branches  prove  too  thick,  one  has  only 
to  note  the  direction  in  which  they  fly  when,  by  following,  they  may  be  started  again. 
The  other  method  which  I  have  employed  was  to  listen  carefully  to  the  song  from  two  or 
throe  points,  thus  getting  the  appi'oximate  position  of  the  bird.  Then  by  examining  the 


ANTROSTOMUS  CAROLINENS1S.  207 

locality  in  daylight,  some  prominent  object  may  be  found  like  a  stump,  log,  or  a  branch 
destitute  of  foliage  upon  which  one  may  be  reasonably  certain  the  birds  alight;  then  by 
hiding  early  in  the  ensuing  evening  in  a  place  where  the  birds  can  be  seen  when  they 
come,  a  shot  can  be  obtained  at  them,  for  I  have  observed  that  when  they  once  select  any 
particular  point  as  a  resting  place,  they  will  return  to  it  repeatedly  to  sing.  This  habit 
once  proved  quite  annoying  to  me  as  one  selected  the  ornamental  top  of  my  tent-pole  where 
he  would  sound  his  loud  notes  continuously.  He  took  care,  however,  not  to  settle  there 
until  we  were  all  asleep  but  the  sound  would  always  awaken  me,  when  upon  my  making 
the  slightest  noise,  off  he  would  go,  only  to  return  when  I  had  once  more  begun  to  doze, 
lie  favored  us  more  with  his  visits  on  moonlight  nights  than  at  other  times,  and  proved  a 
great  nuisance  until  I  finally  managed  to  shoot  him. 

When  mellowed  by  distance,  the  lay  of  the  Chuck-will's  Widow  has  a  soft,  dreamy 
cadence  which  has  an  extremely  soothing  effect,  for  then  only  two  of  the  notes  are  audi- 
ble, the  third  and  fourth,  the  more  emphatic  and  harsher  chuck  remaining  unheard.  Be- 
sides the  notes  of  which  I  have  spoken,  these  birds  utter  a  croaking  sound  when  alarmed 
or  when  in  pursuit  of  their  mates.  When  excited  by  a  feeling  of  rivalry  or  by  the  sight 
of  the  female,  the  song,  like  that  of  the  Whippoorwill,  is  given  with  such  rapidity  that  it 
becomes  a  series  of  notes  which  end  abruptly  as  the  female  comes  sailing  by,  for  then  the 
male  starts  in  pursuit  of  her.  When  aroused  from  the  ground,  the  birds  will  frequently 
alight  on  a  branch  crosswise;  in  fact,  they  appear  to  have  more  grasping  power  in  their 
toes  than  is  possessed  by  the  Whippoorwills  for,  although  I  have  seen  this  latter  named 
species  alight  as  described,  yet  they  more  often  rest  longitudinally  on  the  object  upon  which 
they  are  sitting,  like  the  Night  Hawks. 

I  have  had  quite  a  number  of  the  eggs  of  the  Chuck-will's  Widow  in  my  possession, 
yet  I  have  found  but  one  nest.  I  was  walking  through  a  hummock  when  one  of  those 
black,  half-wild  hogs  so  common  in  Florida,  jumped  up  from  a  thicket  in  which  he  had 
been  resting  and  made  off  among  the  palmettos.  I  looked  after  him  mechanically  when  I 
observed  a  Chuck-will's  Widow  start  from  the  ground  directly  in  front  of  him.  As  this 
was  the  first  of  May  and  as  I  had  shot  a  female  only  a  day  or  two  before  which  was  about 
to  lay,  I  at  once  conjectured  that  the  bird  had  a  nest  there.  Keeping  my  eyes  carefully 
on  the  spot,  I  hastened  forward  and,  guided  by  the  tracks  of  the  hog,  soon  found  the  eggs. 
There  were  two  of  them  and  they  were  lying  upon  the  fragments  of  palmetto  leaves  with- 
out any  other  attempt  at  a  nest  than  a  slight  hollow  scratched  in  the  debris.  The  bird 
must  have  remained  on  them  until  the  nose  of  the  intruding  animal  was  actually  over  her, 
for  she  appeared  to  start  from  beneath  his  feet  and  she  must  have  moved  quickly  as  he 
was  trotting  quite  briskly.  Unfortunately,  one  of  the  animal's  hoofs  grazed  an  egg,  break- 
ing a  hole  in  the  side,  disclosing  the  fact  that  they  contained  embryos  quite  far  advanced 
which  may  partly  account  for  the  parent  sitting  so  closely. 

The  Chuck-will's  Widows  make  their  appearance  in  Florida  shortly  after  the  middle 
of  March  and  the  eggs  are  deposited  about  the  last  week  in  April.  Of  the  nestling  and 
subsequent  changes  in  plumage  before  acquiring  the  adult  stage,  I  know  nothing,  as  the 
birds  had  always  departed  in  early  autumn,  before  my  arrival  in  Florida. 


208  CHJETURA  PELASG1A. 


ORDER  IV.    CYPSELI.    SWIFTS. 

Sternum,  with  no  marginal  indentations.  Keel,  very  high.  Bill,  short,  with  a  wide  and 
deep  gape,  but  there  are  no  bristles  at  the  base.  The  plumage  is  not  soft. 

The  wings  are  exceedingly  long  and  pointed,  while  the  feet  are  moderately  large  and 
provided  with  long,  sharp  claws  admirably  adapted  to  the  purpose  for  which  they  are  in- 
tended; that  of  clinging  to  perpendicular  walls.  The  eyes  are  quite  large  and  many  of  the 
species  are  semi-nocturnal  in  habit. 

FAMILY  I.     CILETUKID^E.     THE  AMERICAN  SWIFTS. 

Joints  of  toes,  normal  in  number.  Coracoids,  exceedingly  short  and  set  at  a  rather  wide 
angle.  Furcula,  short  and  arched. 

The  body  is  extremely  short  and  compact,  consequently  the  legs  and  wings  have  their 
origin  quite  near  together,  the  knees  when  bent,  coming  on  a  level  with  the  heart.  The 
tibae  are  long  but  the  tarsi  are  short.  The  short  furcula  is  well  arched  and  is  provided 
with  a  very  small  terminal  expansion.  The  humerus  is  very  short,  not  more  than  one 
half  the  length  of  the  fore-arm  which  is  normal  in  length,  while  the  carpus  and  metacar- 
pus are  considerably  elongated;  the  result  of  this  modification  is  a  very  long,  saber-shaped 
wing.  The  skull  is  not  large  but  the  neck  is  quite  long.  The  high  keel  supports  very 
large  and  firm  pectoral  muscles,  thus  the  birds  are  exceedingly  strong  on  the  wing,  having 
apparently  untiring  powers  of  flight. 

GENUS  I.    CILETURA.    THE  CHIMNEY  SWIFTS. 

GEN.  Cn.  Tail,  short,  with  Ike  shafts  stiffened  and  extending  beyond  the  webs  in  thorn-like  spines.  The  mouth  is  provid- 
ed with  two  peculiar  (/lands,  situated  beneath  the  tongue. 

Members  of  this  genus  are  noticeably  characterised  by  the  termination  of  the  tail.  The  tarsi  are  naked  and  the  tibse 
are  only  partly  feathered.  The  peculiar  glands  beneath  the  tongue  are  somewhat  triangular  in  form  and,  during  the  nesting 
season,  secrete  a  viscid  saliva  which  Ls  exuded  though  a  number  of  ducts  that  open  along  the  inner  edges,  consequently, 
directly  under  the  tongue.  The  larynx  is  provided  with  a  strong  sterno-trachealis  and  also  with  a  slight  broncho-trachealis. 
The  tympaniform  membrane  is  present  and  although  there  is  an  as  transversale,  yet  it  does  not  support  a  semilunar  mem- 
brane. The  oesophagus  is  without  dilatation.  The  proventriculus  is  small,  with  simple  oval  glands  which  are  arranged  in 
a  zonular  band.  The  stomach  is  flat,  rather  round,  the  walls  are  thin  and  lined  with  a  smooth  membrane.  The  hoop  of 
the  duodenum  is  short,  encircling  a  rather  long  pancreas  which  extends  along  the  intestine.  The  spleen  is  an  oblong  body, 
situated  directly  over  the  cardiac  opening  of  the  stomach.  The  coeca  are  quite  large. 

CH-SJTURA  PELASGIA. 

Chimney  Swift. 
Chtftura pelasgia  STEPH.,  Shaw's  Gen.  Zool.  Birds,  XIII;  1825,  76. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  rather  slender.  Size,  medium.  Sternum,  stout.  Tongue,  short,  thin,  flatand  horny,  especially  at  the 
tip  but  is  not  bifid  nor  provided  with  terminal  cilia.  When  viewed  laterally,  this  organ  has  a  somewhat  peculiar  appear- 
ance, as  the  first  bone,  the  glosso-hyal,  is  placed  higher  than  the  remaining  portions,  the  uro-hyal  being  bent  downward; 
thus  the  tracheal  opening  which  approximates  quite  closely  to  the  tongue,  is  considerably  beneath  its  level. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Dark  sooty-brown,  throughout,  darkest  on  the  head,  back,  and  wings  wjiere  there  is  a  greenish  gloss. 
The  wings  and  tail  arc  not  dark  and  the  throat  is  quite  pale  but  gradually  becomes  darker  on  the  breast. 

Young.  This  stage  of  plumage  is  scarcely  different  from  the  above,  the  general  colors  are,  perhaps,  darker,  and  the 
primaries  and  scapularies  are  slightly  edged  with  whitish. 


PL  ATI  XV /. 


27 


CHIMNEY  SWJFT.  209 

Nestlings.  Quite  similar  to  the  above.  The  rump  and  upper  tail  coverts  are  quite  pnle  and  the  line  of  demarkation  be- 
tween the  former  nnd  the  back,  is  quite  distinct,  and  all  the  feathers  of  these  parts  show  lighter  edgings  as  do  those  of  the 
top  ..f  the  head.  Hill,  dark-brown,  feet,  light-brown,  and  sexes,  similar,  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

It  i-s  remarkable  that  the  nestlings  pass  directly  into  the  next  plumage  without  moulting.    They  are,  I  think,  born 

naked  but  quickly  acquire  the  feathers  without  any  intermediate  downy  stage.     There  is  so  little  variaton  in  plumage, 

even  in  s|,,-ri  inrns  of  different  ages,  that  it  requires  the  closest  study  to  determine  which  are  birds  of  the  year  after  they  have 

fully  grown.     The  plumage  of  this  species  is  always  smooth  and  shows  but  little  wear,  even  just  before  moulting 

which  jroes  on  very  gradually,  especially  on  the  wings,  but  two  feathers,  one  on  either  side,  being  shed  at  the  same  time. 

The  new  plumage  is  considerably  darker  than  the  old.     There  is  a  single  white  feather  in  the  top  of  the  head  of  o  specimen 

bafore  me  showing  a  slight  inclination  to  albinism  which  condition  of  plumage  Is  certainly  very  rare  among  these  birds, 

the  only  instance  that  has  come  under  my  notice  being  a  pure  white  specimen  in  the  collection  of  Mr.  Jesse  Warren.     It  is 

i1' ile  that  the  keel  is  pierced  with  holes  near  the  sternum,  these  being  larger  in  the  young  birds.     Distributed  during 

summer  throughout  Eastern  North  America,  south  to  the  Carolimis.    Winters  south  of  the  United  States. 

DIMENSIONS. 

A\era;;e  measurements  of  ten  specimens  from  New  England.  Length,  5'32;  stretch,  12-34;  wing,  5'05;  tail,  T65;  bill, 
•22;  tarsus,  -Hi.  Longest  specimen,  5-50;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  12'<>2;  longest  wing,  5'21;  tail,  1'78;  bill,  '25;  tarsus,  '55. 
Shortest  specimen,  5'15;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  12' 10;  shortest  wing,  4'9l);  tail,  l'6l;  bill, -20;  tarsus,  -41. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  the  unused  flues  of  chimneys,  composed  of  sticks,  cemented  together  with  the  viscid  saliva  which  is 
exuded  from  the  suhlingual  glands.  They  are  semicircular  in  form.  Dimensions,  longest  diameter,  4'00,  shortest,  8'00. 
External  depth,  1'75,  internal, '75. 

EI/IJS,  four  in  number,  long  oval  in  form,  light-creamy  in  color,  not  highly  polished,  and  unspotted.  Dimensions  from 
•76  x -45  to  "85  x -50. 

HABITS. 

The  first  week  in  May  or  but  a  few  days  later,  the  Chimney  Swifts  suddenly  make 
their  appearance  in  New  England.  I  say  suddenly,  for,  unlike  the  Swallows  who  send 
out  a  few  skirmishers  in  advance  in  order  to  ascertain  if  the  great  enemy  of  their  race, 
Winter,  has  entirely  withdrawn  his  forces,  the  Swifts  come  in  a  body.  The  day  before, 
not  a  bird  of  this  species  is  in  sight  but  on  the  ensuing  morning  the  air  is  filled  with  them. 
Their  long  northward  flight  from  tropical  climes  is  evidently  performed  without  a  pause 
for  I  have  seen  them  crossing  over  Florida  about  the  first  of  May  in  large  numbers  and  in 
a  few  days  they  are  in  their  summer  homes.  There  are  probably  few,  if  any,  birds  which 
possess  such  untiring  powers  of  flight  as  the  Swifts  and  after  their  arrival  from  their  south- 
ern journey,  they  appear  very  lively,  darting  about  through  the  air  as  rapidly,  and  display- 
ing as  much  freshness  and  vigor,  as  upon  following  days,  just  as  though  a  continuous  aerial 
voyage  of  a  few  thousand  miles  over  land  and  sea  did  not  weary  them  any  more  than  an 
hour's  sail  over  the  meadows. 

This  Swift  is  popularly  known  as  the  Chimney  Swallow  and  it  is  true  that  in  being 
constantly  on  the  wing  it  does  resemble  the  family  of  birds  from  which  it  derives  this  name, 
but  here  the  similarity  ceases,  for  neither  in  form,  habit,  nor  color  does  it  bear  any  sem- 
blance to  them.  Even  the  flight  is  quite  different,  the  wings  being  used  with  a  quick 
fluttering  motion  and  all  the  other  movements  of  the  birds  are  performed  with  an  abrupt- 
ness quite  at  variance  with  the  elegant  evolutions  of  the  Swallows.  I  do  not  mean  to  im- 
ply that  the  Chimney  Swifts  are  not  graceful  in  some  of  their  changing  modes  of  flight; 

UIKDS   OF    FLOKIDA.  27 


210  CHJETURA  PELAKG1A. 

for  example,  when  sailing  in  a  direct  line  or  moving  in  large  circles,  they  glide  through 
the  air  so  easily  and  so  smoothly  that  no  one  would  accuse  them  of  awkwardness;  in  short, 
they  fly  so  well  that  a  certain  heaviness  which  is  only  perceptible  upon  comparison  with 
the  light,  almost  ethereal,  movements  of  the  Swallows,  is  quite  over-looked  and  one  is 
never  tired  of  watching  the  characteristic  and  unwearied  flight  displayed  by  the  Chimney 
Swifts.  When  the  birds  are  sailing,  flying  in  a  direct  line,  or  wheeling  in  immense  cir- 
cles, the  tail  is  closed  but  when  a  sudden  turn  is  made,  then  it  is  expanded  and  is  also 
opened  when  the  birds  wish  to  check  their  flight.  Unlike  the  Swallows,  they  do  not  move 
in  particular  strata  of  atmosphere  in  different  days  but,  while  soaring  high  in  air,  will  often 
come  plunging  downward  and  fly  along  within  a  few  feet  of  the  ground.  They  have  a 
habit  of  darting  close  to  any  one  and  will  repeatedly  persist  in  so  doing.  I  have  known 
of  quantities  being  killed  by  boys  who  stood  on  a  bridge  and  struck  them  down  with  sticks 
as  they  passed.  I  have  been  informed  by  good  authority  that  these  birds  will  sometimes 
mount  in  air,  then  form  a  circle  by  closely  following  one  another  and  continue  to  fly  in  this 
manner  for  some  time. 

I  never  saw  the  Chimney  Swifts  alight  and  do  not  think  that  they  ever  settle  outside 
the  chimneys.  Even  when  gathering  material  with  which  to  construct  their  nests,  they 
do  not  rest  on  the  trees  but  will  fly  through  the  dead  branches  and  break  off  the  small  twigs 
as  they  pass,  grasping  them  with  their  beaks.  These  Swifts  are  among  the  birds,  the 
breeding  habits  of  which  have  become  decidedly  modified  by  the  innovations  of  man.  They 
doubtlessly  nested  in  hollow  trees  before  the  advent  of  the  whites  but  now  they  always 
breed  in  unused  flues  of  chimneys.  As  soon  as  they  arrive,  they  occupy  their  usual  quar- 
ters at  night  and  soon  begin  to  build.  At  this  season,  the  glands  of  which  I  give  a  figure 
in  plate  XIII,  are  enlarged  and  secrete  a  viscid  substance  which,  for  convenience,  we  may 
call  saliva  yet  it  bears  but  little  resemblance  to  this  secretion  as  it  is  usually  found.  This 
saliva  is  poured  forth  abundantly  during  the  time  of  nesting  and  is  used  to  cement  the 
twigs  together.  As  seen  by  the  figure  of  the  tongue  in  the  plate,  this  organ  is  of  a  some- 
what peculiar  shape  and  is  doubtlessly  used  as  a  kind  of  trowel  which  it  resembles  in  form, 
to  spread  the  cement  upon  the  twigs.  This  viscid  substance  is  milky  white  in  color  when 
first  exuded,  but  becomes  yellowish  and  nearly  transparent  when  dry.  It  is  of  the  con- 
sistency of  bird-lime  when  first  applied  and  must  harden  quite  rapidly.  The  birds  evidently 
are  obliged  to  exercise  care  while  at  work  in  order  to  prevent  their  feathers  from  being  en- 
tangled, but  this  occasionally  occurs  and  it  is  not  unfrequent  to  find  feathers  fastened  to 
the  nest.  Both  sexes  are  provided  with  these  glands  which  rapidly  shrink  after  the  breed- 
ing season  and  are  scarcely  discernible  by  the  time  the  young  are  hatched,  the  space  that 
they  occupied  being  used  as  a  kind  of  pouch  in  which  insects  are  packed  when  they  are  cap- 
tured. I  have  seen  the  birds  when  this  cavity  was  completely  filled  with  minute  insects 
that  were  intended  for  the  young. 

I  think  that  these  glands  are  peculiar  to  the  Swifts  as  I  never  observed  them  in  any 
other  species,  not  a  trace  of  anything  of  the  kind  being  found  in  any  of  our  Swallows 
that  I  have  examined.  As  the  cement  secreted  by  the  glands  of  the  Swifts  is  soluble  in 
water,  the  nests  frequently  become  detatched  during  storms  and  fall  to  the  bottom  of  the 


CHIMNEY  SWIFT.  211 

chimney.  If  they  contain  young  partly  grown  the  little  fellows  manage  to  clamber  up  the 
sides  and  cling  to  the  bricks,  remaining  in  this  position  until  able  to  fly.  They  appear  to 
suffer  no  more  inconvenience  than  if  in  the  nest  as  they  are  regularly  cared  for  by  the  par- 
cuts.  When  the  Swifts  enter  a  narrow  flue,  they  proceed  in  a  singular  manner;  balanc- 
ing themselves  for  a  moment  over  the  opening  and  elevating  their  wings  to  the  utmost, 
they  will  settle  downward  but  a  too  vapid  descent  is  avoided  by  oscillating  the  body  from  side 
to  side.  When  ascending,  the  wings  are  vibrated  rapidly,  causing  a  noise  which  resem- 
bles distant  thunder.  They  are  very  devoted  to  their  offspring  and  I  once  observed  a 
touching  display  of  this.  A  house  in  the  chimney  of  which  a  pair  of  these  birds  had  a 
home,  was  on  fire,  the  roof  had  fallen  in,  thus  the  flames  were  leaping  upward  with  fury 
and  the  intense  heat  caused  all  in  the  immediate  vicinity  to  withdraw,  when  I  observed  a 
Chimney  Swift  circling  high  over  the  burning  pile;  it  paused  above  the  chimney  which  con- 
tained its  ^oung,  balanced  itself  for  a  moment,  and,  to  my  astonishment,  dropped  quickly 
with  the  usual  rocking  motion,  into  a  flue  which  was  surrounded  by  bricks  that  were  fairly 
glowing  with  heat.  This  extreme  devotion  to  its  young  must  have  caused  its  death  as 
it  did  not  appear  again;  in  fact,  it  could  not  have  lived  a  moment  in  the  furnace  which  it 
entered. 

Swifts  are  very  tenacious  of  life  and  this  is  not  only  true  of  our  species  but,  as  I  once 
learned  to  my  cost,  is  also  noticeable  in  at  least  one  other.  I  was  passing  through  afield 
near  my  place  in  Newtonville  in  the  summer  of  1877,  when  I  observed  a  singular  appear- 
ing bird  clinging  to  a  pole  which  was  lying  on  top  of  a  wall.  It  was  nearly  the  size  of  a 
Night  Hawk  but  its  manner  of  clinging  to  the  wood  was  so  different  that  I  saw  at  once  that 
it  was  not  this  species.  I  approached  it  cautiously  but  when  I  was  within  twenty  yards, 
it  turned  its  head  to  look  at  rue  and  then  I  saw  that  it  was  a  huge  Swift  of  some  species. 
I  instantly  raised  my  gun  and  shot  at  it,  knocking  it  off  its  perch  but  on  the  opposite  side 
of  the  wall  from  that  on  which  I  was  standing.  Thus  I  lost  sight  of  it  for  a  moment,  only 
to  see  it  again  mounting  in  air  some  fifty  yards  away,  too  far  to  get  a  second  shot  with 
tlie  light  charge  with  which  my  remaining  barrel  was  loaded.  It  was  evidently  wound- 
ed badly  for  it  flew  laboriously  but  with  the  characteristic  flight  of  the  Swifts.  I  watched 
it  anxiously  as  if,  continued  to  mount  upward,  expecting  every  moment  to  see  it  fall  but 
was  disappointed  for  it  disappeared  in  the  distance  and  I  never  saw  it  again.  What  it  was 
is,  of  course,  only  a  matter  of  pure  conjecture. 

The  only  notes  that  the  adult  Chimney  Swifts  utter  is  a  kind  of  rattle  which  is  given 
quite  slowly  when  the  birds  are  moving  moderately  but  as  the  speed  is  increased,  the  notes 
are  poured  forth  more  rapidly  and  end  in  a  perfect  chatter.  The  young  make  a  hissing 
noise  when  the  parents  appear  which  sounds  quite  loud  in  the  chimney.  The  eggs  of  the 
Swifts  are  deposited  the  last  week  in  May  but  the  young  do  not  leave  the  chimneys  until 
the  last  of  August  at  which  time  they  are  nearly  fledged  and  resemble  the  adults  so  close- 
ly in  flight  that  it  is  almost  impossible  to  detect  the  difference.  The  Swifts  do  not  remain 
late  in  autumn  but  migrate,  at  least,  by  the  first  of  October,  departing  as  they  arrive,  in  a 
body.  I  do  not  think  that  they  linger  on  their  autumnal  migration  but  leave  at  once  for 
the 


212  TROCH1LUS  COLUBRIS. 

ORDER  V.   TROCHILI.    HUMMING  BIRDS. 

Sternum,  with  no  marginal  indentations  but  with  the  posterior  border  much  rounded.  Keel, 
very  high.  Bill,  very  long,  with  a  wide  and  deep  gape,  but  there  are  no  bristles  at  the  base. 
The  plumage  is  compact. 

One  of  the  most  remarkable  characters  in  this  group  is  the  exceedingly  long  tongue 
which  is  thin,  bifid  and  the  edges  are  curved  so  as  to  form  a  tube,  while  the  hyoid  bones 
curve  back  of  the  skull  as  in  the  Woodpeckers.  The  bill  is  awl-shaped,  sometimes  straight, 
at  others,  curved  or  even  recurved;  it  also  varies  greatly  in  length  and  is  rarely  shorter 
than  the  head  but  is  often  elongated.  All  the  members  of  this  family  are  small,  yet  there 
is  much  variation  in  this  respect,  some  of  the  species  being  so  minute  that  they  are  exceed- 
ed by  many  insects  in  size.  In  variety  of  plumage,  they  are  not  excelled  by  any  other 
class  of  birds,  while  in  hue,  they  also  rival  all  others,  being  the  gems  among  the  feathered 
tribe.  They  are  restricted  in  distribution  to  the  Continent  of  America  and  adjacent  islands 
but  although  several  occur  west  of  the  Central  Plain,  only  one  species  comes  into  the  range 
of  which  I  write.  It  will  be  observed  that  I  have  placed  these  birds  in  a  separate  order 
from  the  Swifts  which  they  resemble  somewhat  but  it  appears  to  me  that,  as  they  differ  in 
many  respects,  they  should  consistently  take  rank  as  an  Order. 

FAMILY  I.     TROCHILID^l.     THE  FORK-TAILED  HUMMING  BIRDS. 

Tip  of  mandibles,  without  any  distinct  serrations.  Throat,  with  iridescent,  scale-likt 
feathers. 

The  form  of  the  tail  is  different  in  the  female  and  young  male  from  that  of  the  adult 
male,  being  rounded  in  the  two  former,  and  the  throat  is  not  as  brilliant. 

GENUS  I.    TROCHILUS.    THE  GREEN-BACKED  HUMMERS. 

GEN.  On.  Sternum,  very  narrow  anteriorly,  with  exceedingly  short  coracoids.  The  heart  is  remarkably  large,  being 
equal  to  one  half  the  length  of  the  sternum. 

The  colors  are  green  above  and  white  below  and  the  male  has  a  gorget  of  metallic-like  feathers  on  the  throat.  Both 
the  heart  and  liver  are  remarkably  large,  the  latter  extending  over  the  whole  abdomen,  completely  covering  the  intestines. 
The  trachea  is  peculiar  as  the  inferior  larynx  is  placed  high,  consequently  the  bronchial  tubes  are  very  long.  The  only 
laryngeal  muscle  that  I  ever  detected  is  a  large  one  that  completely  encloses  the  larynx.  There  is  no  tympaniform  mem- 
brane. The  stomach  is  not  muscular.  The  wing  bones  are  as  given  in  the  Swifts  and  the  pectoral  muscles  are  exceedingly 
well  developed,  and  as  in  that  group,  the  legs  are  placed  high. 

THOCHILUS  COLUBKIS. 

Buby-throated  Humming  Bird. 

Trochilus  colubris  LINN.,  Syst.  Nat.,  I;  1766,  191. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  rather  robust.  Size,  medium.  Sternum,  stout.  Tongue,  bifid  for  its  terminal  third,  and  very  thin  at 
the  tip  but  there  is  no  cilia.  Bill,  a  little  longer  than  the  head. 

COLOR.  Adult  male.  Uniform  metallic-like  green  above.  Beneath,  white,  with  the  throat  ruby-red  with  a  metallic 
luster;  the  sides  and  flanks  are  greenish.  The  wings  are  brown  glossed  with  violet.  The  tail  is  greenish  at  the  base, 
excepting  outer  feathers,  the  remainder  is  like  the  wings.  There  is  an  indistinct  white  spot  back  of  the  eye. 


RUBY-THROATED  HUMMING  BIRD.  213 

Adult  female.  Lacks  the  red  throat  of  the  male.  The  tail  is  tipped  with  white  nnd  Is  rounded.  The  sides  are  not  as 
greenish  i>nil  slmw  traces  of  rufous  otherwise,  similar. 

Y'ouny  male.  Quite  bronzy  above,  with  the  feathers  of  the  thront  showing  darker  centers  and  occasionally  a  ruby 
leather  with  the  metallic  luster.  The  sides  show  some  greenish  hut  this  is  underlined  and  overwashed  with  rufous.  The 
mil  leathers  are  tipped  with  white  as  in  the  female  but  they  are  narrower,  yet  the  tail  is  not  forked  as  in  the  adult. 

Young  female.  Similar  to  the  young  male  but  the  feathers  of  the  throat  show  grayish  centers;  the  white  is  not  as 
cleiir,  especially  on  the  breast  where  it  is  quite  grayish,  and  the  sides  are  also  grayish  overwashed  with  rufous.  The  feath- 
ers of  ihe  top  of  the  head  are  overwashed  with  rufous. 

Nestlings.  Are  born  naked  and  pass  directly  into  the  next  plumage  without  a  moult  or  any  intermediate  downy  stage. 
Hill  and  feet,  Mack  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

There  is  but  little  variation  in  plumage  in  specimens  of  the  same  age  and  sex  yet  the  bill  varies  considerably  in  length 
and  breadth.  The  males  of  the  first  year  undergo  a  partial  moult  in  the  spring  and  gradually  assume  the  forked  toil  and 
rtihy  jii'rjret  of  the  mature  stage;  thus  those  that  I  obtained  at  Key  West  exhibit  all  the  transitional  stages  between  the 
two  plumages.  Distributed  during  summer  throughout  Eastern  North  America,  south  to  Florida.  Winters  at  Key  West 
and  in  South  America. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  nineteen  specimens  from  New  England  and  Florida.  Length,  3'SO;  stretch,  4'37;  wing,  1'75; 
tail.  1-00;  bill,  -76;  tarsus,  '17.  Longest  specimen,  3'95;  greatest  extentof  wing,  4'75;  longest  wing,  T'JO;  tail,  1-09;  bill, 
•83;  tarsus  "20.  Shortest  specimen,  3'07;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  4'00;  shortest  wing,  1-50;  tail,  '90;  bill, -50;  tarsus, -15. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  trees  or  bushes,  composed  of  the  moss  from  ferns'  neatly  and  smoothly  covered  with  lichens  whjch  are 
kept  in  position  by  cobwebs.  Dimensions,  external  diameter,  T50,  internal,  TOO.  External  depth,  TS5,  internal,  '75. 

Eyys,  two  in  number,  elliptical  in  form,  pure  white  in  color,  unpolished  and  unspotted.  Dimensions  from  '45  x  '35  to 
•50x-35. 

HABITS. 

I  do  not  think  that  there  are  any  birds  which  have  received  so  much  attention  from 
authors  ;is  the  Ruby-throated  Hummers,  for  they  were  among  the  first  of  the  family  to  be 
brought  into  notice  and  were  observed  by  every  one  who  was  in  the  least  inclined  to  regard 
natural  objects.  This  is  not  surprising  for  no  one  can  well  avoid  admiring  these  graceful, 
little  birds,  and  the  matter  which  has  been  written  upon  their  habits,  both  by  scientific 
and  popular  authors,  would  fill  volumes.  I  shall,  therefore,  be  spared  the  trouble  of  say- 
ing much  which  has  not  only  already  been  said,  but  which  has  been  reiterated  until  it  is 
perfectly  familiar  to  every  one;  thus  I  shall  only  present  the  salient  points  of  their  history 
as  I  have  observed  them. 

Just  as  soon  as  the  cherry  trees  of  New  England  begin  to  show  their  snowy  blossoms, 
the  buzz  of  the  Humming  Birds  may  be  heard  and  the  gleam  of  their  ruby  throats  may  be 
seen  glancing  through  the  foliage.  At  first,  only  the  more  brilliant  males  appear  but  they 
are  soon  followed  by  their  duller  colored  but  no  less  lively  mates,  and  then  we  hear  the 
low  twittering  which,  though  given  in  different  keys,  is  the  only  note  which  these  pygmies 
can  utter.  I  say  that  the  key  can  be  varied,  by  this  I  mean  that  when  the  Ruby-throats 
are  enraged,  and  this  is  easily  accomplished  for  it  will  be  difficult  to  find  more  irascible 
birds,  they  will  emit  their  squeak  louder,  more  rapidly,  and  in  a  sharper  tone.  This  is 
especially  noticeable  when  a  rival  male  presents  himself  and  endeavors  to  feed  on  a  tree 
that  is  occupied  by  another.  The  instant  they  catch  sight  of  each  other,  without  any  pre- 
liminary skirmishing,  they  dash  together  and  a  furious  conflict  ensues,  not  only  of  blows 


214  TROCH1LUS  COLUBRIS. 

but  of  voices,  each  scolding  the  other  loudly,  while  the  fray  only  ends  in  one  being  driven 
from  the  field.  In  spite  of  this  propensity  to  quarrel,  these  Humming  Birds  become  re- 
markably tame  and  gentle  when  kept  in  confinement.  I  once  obtained  a  few  alive  and 
holding  them  in  my  hand,  dipped  their  beaks  into  a  cup  of  sweetened  water  when  they 
began  to  drink  eagerly.  Then  they  forgot  all  fear,  would  perch  on  my  head,  shoulder,  or 
hand,  and  would  always  come  to  me  at  once  when  I  appeared  with  the  cup  in  my  hand. 
This  sweetened  water  did  not  appear  to  satisfy  them  entirely  for  those  which  I  liberated 
instantly  began  to  catch  insects.  But  one  that  I  kept  for  several  weeks  readily  ate  small 
bits  of  meat.  It  appeared  perfectly  healthy  and  doubtlessly  would  have  lived  for  a  long 
time  in  captivity  had  not  its  career  been  brought  to  a  close  by  a  young  Least  Bittern  which 
was  kept  in  the  same  room  with  it,  and  which  managed  to  kill  it,  afterward  devouring 
the  body.  I  think  that  honey  or  the  sweet  juices  of  flowers  is  taken  only  as  a  kind  of  side 
dish,  insects  forming  the  greater  portion  of  their  diet,  for  the  stomachs  of  those  which  I 
have  opened  contained  nothing  but  minute  insects.  The  tongue,  however,  as  seen  in  the 
figure  and  as  described,  is  fitted  for  taking  liquid  food  and  the  birds  are  evidently  very 
fond  of  it.  My  friend,  Mr.  W.  B.  Dowse,  has  given  me  some  very  interesting  notes  on 
this  subject  which  are,  I  think,  quite  new  and  certainly  novel.  I  hereby  give  the  account 
as  he  has  kindly  written  it  for  me. 

"I  was  collecting  in  Somerset  County,  Maine,  during  the  first  two  weeks  in  August 
of  the  year  1878  and  while  there,  the  Ruby-throated  Humming  Birds  were  gathering, 
preparatory  to  their  southern  migration.  There  is  a  small  island  in  Pleasant  Ridge  Pond 
the  trees  upon  which,  with  the  exception  of  perhaps  a  dozen,  were  blown  down  during 
some  storm  and  subsequently  burnt;  among  the  fallen  timber,  the  fire  weed  was  growing 
most  luxuriantly  and  in  full  bloom.  This  made  the  place  a  favorite  feeding  ground  for  the 
Ruby-throats  and  for  three  days  there  were  too  many  on  the  island  to  be  safely  calculated, 
but  by  the  tenth,  they  were  all  gone.  They  seemed  to  be  females  and  young  birds  for  I 
saw  only  one  mature  male.  Of  course  the  surrounding  woods  had  its  quota  of  these  little, 
restless  beings  and  I  was  much  interested  in  watching  their  actions  when  they  discovered 
the  Yellow-bellied  Woodpeckers  which  were  exceedingly  common,  at  work.  The  ham- 
mering of  these  latter  named  birds  would  be  but  commenced  when  a  Ruby-throat,  sometimes 
two,  would  put  in  an  appearance  and  dart,  with  great  scolding,  at  the  worker  who  would 
immediately  dodge  to  one  side,  when  the  valiant  robber  would  insert  his  bill  into  the  new- 
ly made  hole.  This  was,  I  think,  in  order  to  obtain  the  sap  for,  when  I  held  up  several 
which  I  had  shot  and  which  had  been  so  engaged,  two  or  three  clear  drops  of  liquid  ran 
from  the  bill  of  each  and  upon  dissecting,  I  found  nothing  but  minute  spiders  and  more 
liquid.  These  little  scenes  almost  invariably  occurred  in  a  live  tree,  for  though  the  Wood- 
peckers often  worked  upon  dead  limbs,  they  were  then  seldom  molested  by  the  Humming 
Birds." 

I  found  the  Ruby-throats  very  abundant  at  Key  West  during  winter  and  they  frequent- 
ed the  oleanders  which  grow  so  luxuriantly  in  that  mild  climate  that  they  attain  a  consid- 
erable height;  in  fact,  they  become  small  trees  and  bloom  through  the  month  of  December. 
I  occasionally  observed  these  birds  feeding  about  other  flowering  shrubs  but  the  oleanders 


RUBY-THROATED  HUMMING  BIRD.  215 

were  the  favorites.  They  arrive  at  Miami  about  the  second  week  in  June  and  occur  at 
Jacksonville  in  March.  They  appear  in  Pennsylvania  the  first  of  May  but  do  not  arrive 
in  New  Hi  inland  until  the  middle  of  that  month  and  they  begin  to  build  in  the  latter  named 
section  nbout  the  first  of  June,  the  eggs  being  deposited  a  few  days  later.  The  situation 
selected  for  the  nest  is  variable,  a  willow  by  the  brook  side  often  being  a  chosen  resort  but 
T  have  seen  the  nest  on  the  limb  of  an  apple  tree  and  they  sometimes  build  in  the  woodbine 
which  climbs  over  the  cottage  door.  I  have  also  taken  the  nest  from  the  lofty  branch  of 
a  maple  which  stood  in  the  depth  of  a  forest.  When  the  domicile  is  placed  on  a  limb  of  a 
tree,  it  so  nearly  resembles  one  of  those  mossy  excrescences  that  are  so  common,  that  it 
is  not  easv  to  detect  the  difference  and  it  is  only  by  watching  the  birds,  that  the  nest  can 
be  discovered.  They  have  the  habit  of  hovering  around  their  home,  and  of  suspending 
themselves  in  air  near  it  and  they  are  also  very  solicitous  when  the  locality  in  which  their 
domicile  is  placed,  is  invaded.  The  male  is  especially  watchful  and  when  an  intruder  ap- 
proaches his  place  of  abode,  he  will  dart  downward  at  him  and  pause  with  rapidly  vibrating 
wings  within  a  few  feet  of  his  head  as  if  surveying  him,  then  giving  an  angry  twitter,  he 
will  disappear  only  to  return  again  from  some  new  quarter  and  will  not  rest  unf.il  the  dis- 
turber of  his  peace  has  departed.  The  young  leave  the  nest  in  July  but  do  not  seem  to 
accompany  their  parents  long  as  they  soon  learn  to  forage  for  themselves  and  they  may  be 
seen  singly,  feeding  upon  flowers.  There  is  a  general  migration  about  the  last  of  Au- 
gust or  first  of  Saptember  but  some  linger  as  late  as  October. 

ORDER  VI.  CUCULT.  CUCKOOS. 

Sternum,  with  four  marginal  indentations.  Keel,  moderately  high.  Furcula,  quite  long. 
Manubrium,  present.  Joints  of  toes,  normal  in  number  but  the  outer  anterior  is  projected 
backward. 

This  is  a  clearly  defined  order  as  given  above.  The  outer  toe  is  turned  backward  so 
that  in  grasping  there  are  two  toes  in  front  and  two  behind.  The  tail  is  lengthened  and  the 
wings  are  usually  quite  long.  The  bill  is  of  varying  form.  The  sternum  somewhat  resem- 
bles that  of  the  Passerine  birds  but  there  are  four  marginal  indentations  and  the  width  is 
greater.  Although  some  species  occur  in  the  temperate  zone,  the  majority  of  the  families 
inhabit  the  tropics. 

FAMILY  I.     COCCYGID^E.     THE  WHITE-BREASTED  CUCKOOS. 

Upper  mandible,  not  high  at  base,  Icn.jer  than  the  head.  Keel,  higher  than  one  half 
the  width  of  the  sternum. 

The  sternum  is  very  wide  near  the  posterior  border  and  the  four  marginal  indenta- 
lions  arc  very  narrow.  The  manubrium  is  quite  well  developed  and  the  costal  processes 
are  long  and  straight  on  their  anterior  border.  The  coracoids  are  about  equal  in  length  to 
the  bottom  of  the  keel  but  the  top  of  the  keel  is  produced  into  a  point  over  the  terminal 
expansion  of  the  furcula,  which  is  quite  broad  and  approximates  very  closely  to  the  keel. 


216  COCCYGUS  ERYTHROPTHALMUS. 

The  bill  is  curved  while  the  gape  is  wide  and  deep.  The  stomach  is  not  muscular  and 
there  are  moderately  long  coaca.  The  tail  is  quite  long  but  not  greatly  exceeding  the  wings 
in  length.  The  tail  is  considerably  graduated. 

GENUS  I.    COCCYGUS.    THE  AMERICAN  CUCKOOS. 

GEN.  Cn.  General  colors  are  brown  above  and  white  below.  No  bands  or  conspicuous  spots  anywhere  on  the  body. 
Tail,  more  or  less  broadly  tipped  with  white. 

The  sternum  is  as  given  under  Family  characters,  as  is  also  the  bill.  The  larynx  is  provided  with  a  rather  stout  sterno- 
trachealis  and  a  broncho-trachealis  posticus  both  of  which  have  their  tracheal  origin  at  the  same  height;  the  lower  ex- 
tremity of  the  latter  is  attached  to  the  bony  half  rings  of  the  larynx.  The  tympaniform  membrane  is  present  and  the  09 
transversale  supports  a  slight  semilunar  membrane.  The  oesophagus  is  without  dilatation  and  opens  into  a  large,  rather 
globular,  proventriculus  which  has  quite  thick  walls  composed  of  long  oval  glands  which  are  arranged  in  a  zonular  band 
and  measure  in  erylhroplhalmus  '10  in  length.  The  stomach  is  a  rather  spherical  sack  with  very  thin  walls  and  is  lined 
with  a  soft  membrane  which  is,  at  least  in  our  two  northern  species,  covered  with  hairs  that,  under  the  microscope,  resem- 
ble those  from  caterpillars.  The  duodenum  is  very  short  and  incloses  a  compact  pancreas  which,  although  short,  is  quite 
wide  at  the  upper  extremity.  The  cocca  are  long  with  the  blind  ends  somewhat  dilated.  The  spleen  is  an  oval  body  situa- 
ted nearly  over  the  cardiac  opening  of  the  stomach  and  is  quite  granular  in  structure.  The  tibze  are  covered  with  long 
feathers  but  the  tarsi  are  only  slightly  feathered  on  the  extreme  upper  anterior  surface. 

COCCYGUS  ERYTHROPTHALMUS. 
Black-billed  Cuckoo. 

Cocq/gus  erythropthalmus  BON.,  Obs.  Wils.;  1825,  48. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  not  very  robust.  Size,  medium.  Sternum,  not  very  stout.  Tongue,  long,  thin,  wide  at  the  base,  and 
quite  horny,  especially  near  the  tip  which  is  bifid,  and  about  one  third  of  the  terminal  portion  of  the  sid«s  is  provided  with 
coarse  cilia.  Space  around  eye,  naked. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Above,  including  wings  and  tail,  reddish-brown  with  a  decidedly  greenish  glass  everywhere  except- 
ing on  top  of  the  head  where  there  is  an  under  tint  of  plumbeous.  Beneath,  white,  with  the  throat,  upper  breast,  abdomen, 
and  under  wing  and  tail  coverts,  overwashed  with  yellowish-rufous.  Two  thirds  of  the  basal  portion  of  the  inner  webs  of 
the  wing  feathers  are  also  yellowish-rufous.  Central  pair  of  tail  feathers  slightly,  and  all  the  others  more  broadly,  tipped 
with  white  which  on  all,  but  the  two  former,  is  preceded  by  a  band  of  dusky.  Sides  of  head ,  plumbeous.  Naked  space  a- 
round  eye,  including  eyelid,  scarlet.  Bill,  black,  blue  on  basal  two  thirds  of  lower  mandible.  Feet,  bluish. 

Youny.  Very  similar  to  the  above  but  the  tail  is  only  slightly  tipped  with  white  and  the  dusky  subterminal  band  is 
not  as  clear.  There  is  less  yellowish-rufous  below,  while  the  lower  mandible  is  not  as  blue. 

Nestlings.  Are  not  unlike  the  above,  but  their  appearance  is  changed  considerably  by  the  feathers  of  the  upper  parts 
being  narrowly  edged  with  white.  The  colors,  are  purer,  there  being  only  a  trace  of  the  yellowish  overwashing,.but  all 
the  feathers  show  dusky  centers.  Bill,  as  in  the  young  stage  of  plumage  but  the  feet  are  brown.  Sexes,  similar  in  all 
stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Specimens  vary  greatly  in  size  but,  although  some  are  much  larger  than  others,  yet  the  increase  is  well  proportioned. 
The  nestlings  are  able  to  fly  some  time  before  they  assume  the  full  Umgth  of  tail  or  attain  the  size  of  the  adult.  One  now 
before  me  and  which  had  left  the  nest,  presents  a  singular  feature  for  it  yet  retains  the  egg  tooth  on  the  tip  of  the  upper 
mandible  that  almost  all  birds  lose  in  a  few  days  after  birth.  Readily  known  from  the  two  remaining  species  of  this  genus 
which  occur  within  our  limits  by  the  narrow  white  tipping  to  the  tail  and  also  by  the  bluish  tint  on  the  under  mandible. 
Distributed  during  summer  throughout  Eastern  United  States  from  the  latitude  of  Georgia  to  that  of  the  White  Mountains. 
Winters  in  South  America. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  thirteen  specimens  from  New  England.  Length,  1T85;  stretch,  IH'25;  wing,  5'70;  tail,  5'55; 
bill,  '90;  tarsus,  -92.  Longest  specimen,  12'70;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  17'00;  longest  wing,  6-00;  tail,  G'Ol;  bill,'  95;  tar- 
sus, TOO.  Shortest  specimen,  ll'OO;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  15-50;  shortest  wing,  5'40;  tail,  4'50;  bill, -85;  tarsus, -85. 


^LACK-BILLED  CUCKOO.  217 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  trees  or  bushes,  flat  in  fnnn  ami  loosely  constructed,  composed  of  sticks  among  which  are  placed  leaves, 
pine  needles,  nnil  weeds,  lined  with  leaves,  catkins  of  the  willow,  etc.  Dimensions,  external  diameter,  S'OO,  internal, 
•J-50.  External  depth,  2'00,  internal,  '75. 

/.//.</.«,  four  in  number,  rather  elliptical  in  form,  quite  dark  -bluish-green  in  color,  occasionally  spotted  with  a  darker 
ihade  of  the  same.  Dimensions  from  1 '00  x '70  to  l'25x'75. 

HABITS. 

During  the  last  days  of  May,  when  the  trees  and  shrubs  of  New  England  have  so  far 
assumed  their  delicate  green  foliage  as  to  form  shadowy  retreats  for  those  birds  that  are 
fond  di' concealment,  an  abruptly  given  note  may  be  heard  coming  from  some  dense  thick- 
et. Perhaps  I  ought  not  to  call  the  note  abrupt  for,  although  it  begins  without  any  pre- 
liminary warning,  it  is  so  rich  in  tone  and  is  uttered  so  smoothly,  with  a  constantly  falling 
cadence,  that  one  quite  forgets  that  the  musician  neglected  to  give  an  opening  prelude  and 
listens  eagerly  for  a  repetition  of  the  lay.  But  the  hidden  vocalist  is  fickle,  often  refusing 
to  repeat  its  song  and,  as  it  persistently  remains  invisible,  the  listener,  especially  if  he  be 
not  well  skilled  in  bird  lore,  is  inclined  to  look  upon  the  author  of  the  peculiar,  though 
pleasing,  melody  as  a  mysterious  being,  a  kind  of  dryad,  who  takes  this  method  of  inform- 
ing the  powers  of  the  air  that  they  have  quite  overlooked  the  fact  that  the  shrubbery  in 
its  favorite  copes  is  suffering  for  want  of  rain. 

There  are  few  birds  which  are  so  large  and  withal  so  common  which  are  so  little  known 
among  those  who  are  not  ornithologists,  as  the  Black-billed  Cuckoos.  I  have  had  many  of 
the  uninitiated  ask  me  the  name  of  the  author  of  the  mystical  notes  and  almost  all  were  sur- 
prised when  I  told  them  that  it  was  a  Cuckoo,  for  there  is  nothing  in  the  cow-cow-cow  of 
this  species  that  would  suggest  the  name.  As  I  have  intimated,  these  notes  are  oftener 
given  just  before  a  fall  of  rain  than  at  any  other  time  for  this  Cuckoo  appears  to  be  exceed- 
ingly sensitive  to  any  atmospheric  change,  and  I  have  even  heard  them  utter  their  notes 
during  the  darkness  of  summer  nights  when  wet  weather  was  impending. 

The  Black-billed  Cuckoos  begin  to  breed  about  the  first  of  June,  choosing  some  retired 
spot  in  a  tangled  thicket  in  which  to  place  the  nest.  The  eggs  are  deposited  at  long  inter- 
vals so  that  it  is  not  unfrequent  to  find  both  young  and  eggs  in  the  same  nest.  This  habit 
is,  doubtlessly,  the  result  of  an  occasional  quickening  of  an  ancestral  trait,  usually  latent, 
for  we  find  that  other  species  of  Cuckoos,  noticeably  the  common  European,  are  parasitical 
in  tlioir  breeding  habits  and,  consequently,  more  or  less  irregular  in  time  of  depositing 
their  eggs.  Nor  does  this  peculiarity  end  here  in  our  species  for  two  or  three  instances 
have  come  under  my  notice  where  either  the  Black-billed  has  deposited  its  eggs  in  the  nest 
of  the  Yellow-billed  Cuckoo  or  vice  versa,  and  furthermore,  although  I  have  never  seen  an 
instance,  I  have  been  informed  by  such  good  authority  that  I  see  no  reason  for  doubting 
the  statement,  that  occasionally  the  eggs  of  the  Black-billed  are  to  be  found  in  the  nests 
of  other  birds  and  were  once  taken  from  that  of  a  Chipping  Sparrow.  It  is,  of  course, 
possible  that  this  habit,  instead  of  being  only  an  occasional  outbreaking  of  one  that  is  near- 
ly always  latent,  is  progressive  or,  again,  that  under  favorable  circumstances,  it  may  be- 
come more  general;  in  fact,  as  fully  established  as  that  of  the  Cow  Bunting,  but  this  is  a 
matter  for  ornithologists  of  future  generations  to  prove. 

BIKDS  OF   FLORIDA.  28 


218  COCCYGUS  AMER1CANUS. 

These  birds  are  extremely  solicitous  for  the  safety  of  their  young  and  care  for  them 
long  after  they  have  left  the  nests.  It  is  difficult  to  tell  exactly  when  the  Cuckoos  take 
their  departure  as  in  autumn  they  are  much  more  retiring  in  habit  than  in  spring  and  as  the 
note  is  seldom  given  then,  they  must  be  seen  in  order  to  ascertain  their  presence.  I  have 
found  them  as  late  as  the  last  of  September  in  Pennsylvania  and  the  Bangs  Brothers  ob- 
tained one  in  Waltham,  Massachusetts,  as  late  as  the  middle  of  October  but  this  is  excep- 
tional for  it  is  probable  that  the  majority  depart  in  early  September. 

COCCYGUS  AMERICANUS. 
Yellow -billed  Cuckoo. 

Coccygus  Americanus  BON.,  Obs.  Wils.;  1825,  47. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  rather  robust.  Size,  medium.  Sternum,  rather  stout.  Tongue,  long,  thin,  wide  at  the  base,  and 
quite  horny,  especially  near  the  tip  which  is  bifid,  and  about  one  third  of  the  terminal  portion  of  the  sides  is  provided  with 
coarse  cilia.  Space  around  eye,  naked. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Above,  including  wings  and  central  tail,  plumbeous-brown  with  a  greenish  gloss  everywhere  except- 
ing on  top  of  the  bead.  Beneath,  white,  with  the  under  wing  coverts  overwashed  with  yellowish.  Three  fourths  of  the 
basal  portion  of  the  inner  webs  of  the  wing  feathers  are  dark-cinnamon  which  encroaches  upon  the  outer  webs.  Central 
pair  of  tail  feathers  slightly  tipped  with  black,  remaining  feathers  nearly  black,  excepting  basal  portion  of  the  more  central, 
tipped  with  white  which  extends  along  the  outer  webs  of  outer  feathers.  Spot  in  front  of  eye,  ring  around  it,  and  trian- 
gular area  back  of  it,  dusky.  Naked  space  around  eye,  yellowish.  Bill,  black,  yellow  on  basal  three  fourths  of  lower  man- 
dible and  on  edges  of  corresponding  portion  of  upper.  Feet,  bluish. 

Young.  Very  similar  to  the  above  but  the  tail  is  not  as  dark  and  there  is  less  yellow  on  the  lower  mnndible  and  none 
on  the  edges  of  the  upper. 

Nestlings.  Are  not  unlike  the  above.  There  is  a  more  decided  greenish  gloss.  The  top  of  the  head  Is  lighter.  Feath- 
ers of  the  upper  parts,  narrowly  edged  with  white.  Bill,  wholly  black,  excepting  a  small  spot  of  yellow  on  the  center  of 
lower  mandible.  Sexes,  similar  in  ail  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Specimens  vary  greatly  in  size  as  in  the  preceding  species.  Judging  from  a  nestling  which  yet  retains  a  trace  of  the  egg 
tooth,  this  organ  is  not  shed  as  is  usual  but  is  worn  away,  (see  observations  on  page  21(>) .  Readily  known  from  the  Black- 
billed  Cuckoo  by  the  yellow  bill,  cinnamon  on  the  wings,  and  broader  white  tipping  to  the  tail.  Differs  from  the  Man- 
grove Cuckoo  as  given  under  that  head.  Distributed  during  summer  throughout  Eastern  United  States  from  the  latitude 
of  Georgia  to  that  of  the  White  Mountains.  Winters  in  South  America. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  thirteen  specimens  from  New  England.  Length,  1T85;  stretch,  19-25;  wing,  5-75;  tail,  5'50; 
bill,  -72;  tarsus,  -92.  Longest  specimen,  12-70;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  20-00;  longest  wing,  6'00;  tail,  G'OO;  bill,-  80;  tar- 
BUS,  -95.  Shortest  specimen,  ll'OO;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  18-50;  shortest  wing,  5'50;  tail,  4-10;  bill, -75;  tarsus,  1-00. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  trees  and  bushes,  flat  in  form  and  very  loosely  constructed  of  sticks,  pine  needles,  leaves,  and  weeds, 
lined  with  leaves,  catkins  of  the  willow,  etc.  Dimensions,  external  diameter,  9'00,  internal,  4'50.  External  depth,  2'00, 
internal,  -75. 

Eggs,  four  in  number,  elliptical  in  form,  light  greenish  blue  in  color,  unspotted,  but  sometimes  overwashed  with  whit- 
ish. Dimensions  from  l'lOx'75  to  l'28x  '80. 

HABITS. 

Although  the  Yellow-billed  Cuckoo  is  found  regularly  in  Pennsylvania  and  is  always 
as  abundant  as  the  Black-billed,  yet  it  is  quite  irregular  in  Ihis  respect  in  New  England. 
Some  seasons  it  will  be  very  common  and  at  others  it  is  extremely  difficult  to  find  a  spec- 


YELLOW-BILLED  CUCKOO.  219 

imcn.  I  do  not  know  of  any  reason  for  this  peculiarity  unless  it  be  caused  by  the  temper- 
ature of  particular  seasons.  These  Cuckoos  arrive  about  the  same  time  as  the  other  species 
and  occasionally  associate  with  them.  They  have  much  the  same  habits  and  notes  but  I 
have  fancied  that  I  could  distinguish  the  song  of  the  present  species  as  it  appeared  harsher. 
As  a  rule,  the  notes  of  the  Yellow-billed  are  more  broken,  thus  they  appear  to  utter  cow- 
co-cow-co,  giving  the  four  syllables  together,  as  it  were,  and  therefore,  they  do  not  glide 
forth  as  smoothly  as  those  produced  by  the  Black-billed.  There  are,  however,  some  sounds 
which  arc  made  by  both  which  are  so  nearly  alike  that  I  have  never  been  able  to  detect 
any  difference. 

This  species  in  company  with  the  former  are  the  terror  of  other  small  birds  during  the 
nesting  season  for  they  will  constantly  rob  their  nests.  I  have  frequently  seen  a  Cuckoo 
enter  a  thicket  in  which  a  Robin  or  Cat  Bird  had  built  a  home  and  in  a  moment  the  air 
would  resound  with  the  shrill  cries  of  distress  given  by  the  parents,  causing  all  the  small 
birds  in  the  immediate  vicinity  to  rush  to  the  spot  and  as  each  joins  in  the  outcry,  the 
noise  produced  is  apparently  enough  to  frighten  away  a  bolder  bird  than  a  Cuckoo.  But 
iti  spite  of  all  this  din,  the  glossy  thief  nearly  always  succeeds  in  accomplishing  his  pur- 
pose and  emerges  from  the  thicket,  carrying  an  egg  impaled  on  his  beak.  He  does  not 
always  escape  unscathed,  however,  for  he  is  pursued  by  a  motley  crowd  consisting  of  Rob- 
ins, Cat  Birds,  Thrushes,  Warblers,  etc.  that  follow  him  closely,  harassing  him  on  all  sides, 
atul  some  of  the  more  courageous  will  even  assault  him  with  blows  from  their  beaks  so  that 
he  frequently  leaves  some  of  his  feathers  floating  in  the  wind  behind  him.  As  the  long 
and  broad  tail  of  the  Cuckoo  is  a  prominent  object  and  as  it  is  also  a  portion  of  the  bird 
which  its  enemies  can  seize  with  comparative  safety  to  themselves,  this  member  often  suf- 
fers in  these  forays,  insomuch,  that  by  the  middle  of  summer,  it  is  quite  difficult  to  find  a 
Cuckoo  of  either  species  which  has  a  full  complement  of  tail  feathers. 

In  spite  of  this  propensity  to  rob  the  nests  of  other  birds,  the  Cuckoos  are  quite  use- 
ful as  they  destroy  quantities  of  insects.  I  have  mentioned  under  generic  characters  that 
the  lining  of  the  stomachs  of  our  northern  species  were  thickly  covered  with  hairs  that 
resembled  those  from  caterpillars.  This  internal  membrane  or  stomach  lining  is  soft  and 
the  hairs  which  under  the  microscope  are  seen  to  be  furnished  with  barbs,  are  fastened 
into  it  just  as  they  grow  on  the  larva)  of  insects.  The  hairs  which  I  have  examined  ap- 
pear to  come  from  one  species,  viz:—  the  tent  caterpillar.  I  have  noticed  that  the  Cuckoos 
are  very  fond  of  these  destructive  insects  and  apparently  do  much  toward  checking  their 
ravages.  During  the  passed  summer,  I  had  an  opportunity  of  observing  how  beneficial  the 
Cuckoos  were  in  this  respect  for  a  pair  of  Black-bills  which  had  a  nest  near,  would  visit  a 
small  apple  tree  on  which  these  caterpillars  had  established  a  colony,  several  times  every 
day  and  thus  devoured  so  many  of  the  destructive  pests  that  their  ravages  were  so  com- 
pletely checked  that  the  foliage  of  the  tree  which  would  have  been  entirely  eaten  had  the 
inserts  remained  unmolested,  showed  but  few  traces  of  their  devastation;  in  fact,  I  do  not 
think  that  one  out  of  the  large  number  of  caterpillars  that  were  hatched  jn  the  spring,  ever 
came  to  maturity.  This  good  was  accomplished,  be  it  noticed,  through  the  exertions  of  a 
single  pair  of  birds  which,  without  doubt,  also  ate  quantities  of  other  insects. 


220  COCCYGUS  MINOR. 

In  breeding  habits,  the  Yellow-billed  Cuckoo  does  not  differ  essentially  from  the 
Black-billed.  The  eggs  are  deposited  about  the  same  time  and  the  young  leave  the  nest 
early  and,  although  they  have  not  acquired  the  full  plumage,  fly  very  well.  I  obtained 
some  in  this  stage  at  Watsontown,  Pennsylvania,  during  the  first  week  in  September, 
which  were,  in  company  with  their  parents,  feeding  in  the  tops  of  lofty  trees.  In  the  au- 
tumn, the  Cuckoos  grow  very  fat  and  one  which  I  obtained  at  Watsontown,  on  the  twenty- 
eighth  of  September,  was  so  corpulent  that  it  was  scarcely  able  to  fly  but  sat  apparently 
stupefied,  not  attempting  to  move  when  I  walked  within  a  few  feet  of  it.  They  remain  in 
the  north  until  about  the  first  week  in  October,  then  all  take  their  departure  for  tropical 
climes. 

COCCYGUS  MINOR. 

Mangrove  Cuckoo. 
Coccygus  minor  CAB.,  Jour,  fur  Orn.;  1825,  47. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  OH.  Form,  robust.  Size,  not  large.  Sternum,  stout.  Tongue,  long,  thin,  wide  at  the  base,  and  quite  horny, 
especially  near  the  tip  which  is  bifid,  and  about  one  third  of  the  terminal  portion  of  the  sides  is  provided  with  coarse  cilia. 
Space  around  eye,  feathered. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Above,  including  wings  and  central  tail,  plumbeous-brown  with  a  slight  greenish  gloss  everywhere 
excepting  on  top  of  the  head.  Beneath,  white  overwashed  with  a  strong  tinge  of  yellowish-rufous  which  is  darkest  un  the 
abdomen  and  under  tail  coverts.  Three  fourths  of  the  basal  portion  of  the  inner  webs  of  the  wing  feathers  are  yellowish- 
rufous.  Central  pair  of  tail  feathers  slightly  tipped  with  white,  remaining  feathers  nearly  black,  excepting  basal  portion  of 
the  more  central,  tipped  with  white  which  extends  along  the  outer  webs  of  outer  feathers,  at  first,  widely,  then  rapidly 
narrowing  to  a  mere  line  which  extends  to  the  base  of  the  feathers.  Spot  in  front  of  eye,  ring  around  it,  and  triangular 
area  back  of  it,  black.  Bill,  black,  yellow  on  basal  three  fourths  of  lower  mandible.  Feet,  bluish. 

Youny.  Very  similar  to  the  above  but  the  tail  is  not  as  dark  and  there  is  less  yellow  on  the  lower  mandible  and  they 
are  not  as  strongly  overwashed  below.  Sexes,  similar  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Readily  known  from  the  Yellow-billed  Cuckoo  which  it  closely  resembles,  by  the  yellowish-rufous  overwashing  below 
and  by  the  absence  of  the  cinnamon  on  the  wings.  Distributed  during  summer  throughout  the  Florida  Keys.  Winters  in 
South  America. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Florida.  Length,  12'00;  stretch,  15'OG;  wing,  5'95;  tail,  fi'50;  bill,  '90:  tar- 
sus, -92.  Longest  specimen,  12'25;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  16-00;  longest  wing,  5'10;  tail,  6-15;  bill,  TOO;  tarsus  no. 
Shortest  specimen,  11'75;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  15'OG;  shortest  wing,  5'00;  tail,  4'75;  bill, '85;  tarsus, '85. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  bushes,  they  are  flat  in  form  and  very  loosely  constructed  of  quite  small  sticks,  and  weeds,  lined  with 
leaves.  Dimensions,  external  diameter,  9'00,  internal,  4'50.  External  depth,  2'00,  internal,  '75. 

Eygs,  four  in  number,  elliptical  in  form,  light  greenish  blue  in  color,  unspotted,  but  sometimes  overwashed  with  whit- 
ish. Dimensions  from  l'lOx'75  to  l'30x'85. 

HABITS. 

One  of  the  most  remarkable  trees  in  North  America  is  the  mangrove  which  grows  so 
abundantly  along  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  extending  up  the  east  coast  of  Florida  as  fur  as  Mos- 
quito Inlet.  It  is  a  tree  of  the  tropics  and  cannot  endure  the  slightest  frost;  thus  those 
which  occur  north  of  Cape  Cannaveral  are  of  stunted  growth  as  they  are  occasionally  froz- 
en for,  during  exceptionally  cold  winters,  the  biting  influence  of  the  Frost  King  is  felt 


MANGROVE  CUCKOO.  221 

even  in  this  usually  genial  clime  but  south  of  the  headland  above  mentioned,  perpetual 
Summer  holds  undisputed  sway  and  here  the  mangrove  flourishes.  But  to  see  it  growing 
tn  |>erf'eetion,  one  must  visit  the  Keys  where  this  singular  tree  may  be  found  in  all  stages 
of  development.  Although  I  have  previously  alluded  to  the  mangrove,  I  think  it  best  to 
describe  it  in  detail  as  I  shall  frequently  have  occasion  to  speak  of  it  in  the  forth-coming 
pages  of  this  work. 

The  mangrove  (Rhizophora  Mangle)  as  implied  above,  invariably  grows  in  soil  which 
is  either  constantly  covered  with  salt  water  or  is  overflowed  by  the  tide  twice  a  day.  The 
peculiar  constituents  of  sea  water  appear  to  be  necessary  for  its  support  as  when  it  grows 
on  the  banks  of  rivers,  it  is  only  found  along  their  margins  as  far  as  the  tide-water  extends; 
in  fact,  it  appears  to  thrive  best  in  those  shallow  bays  or  lagoons  on  the  extreme  southern 
coast  of  Florida  where,  by  constant  evaporation,  the  water  becomes  so  impregnated  with 
salt  and  lime  as  to  be  fairly  bitter  to  the  taste  while  it  is  greenish- white  in  color.  Al- 
though usually  but  a  shrub  or,  at  best,  a  small  tree  some  fifteen  feet  high,  under  the  favor- 
able circumstances  of  which  I  have  spoken,  it  often  attains  the  height  of  fifty,  or  even 
seventy-five,  feet  with  trunks  which  measure  nearly  a  foot  in  diameter.  The  leaves  are 
oval  in  form,  quite  thick  in  structure,  with  a  polished  upper  surface,  and  of  such  a  dark 
olive-green  as  to  appear  quite  brown  in  the  distance.  The  bell-shaped  blossoms,  though 
.small,  arc  quite  numerous  and  are  divided  into  four  petals  which  are  yellow  in  color.  They 
bloom  in  winter;  at  Key  West,  as  early  as  December  but  a  little  later  further  north.  Then 
the  fruit  which  is  long  and  cylindrical  in  form,  slightly  curved,  slowly  comes  to  maturity, 
ripening  in  the  autumn  when  it  falls  into  the  sea  where  it  floats  in  an  upright  position. 
The  water  of  the  Gulf  of  Mexico  and  among  the  Keys  is  always  of  quite  a  high  tempera- 
ture, rarely,  if  ever,  falling  below  seventy  degrees;  thus  the  embryo  mangroves  are  placed 
under  very  favorable  conditions  for  development  and  I  have  frequently  seen  them  in  the 
open  ocean  with  a  small  tuft  of  leaves  growing  upward  at  one  extremity  while  the  rootlets 
would  be  starting  downward  at  the  other.  Perhaps  there  are  few  plants  in  the  world 
which  form  such  important  agents  in  land  making  as  the  mangroves  for  they  not  only  exist 
in  the  earlier  stages  of  their  lives,  under  circumstances  in  which  many  plants  would  perish, 
being  constantly  submerged  in  the  saltest  of  sea  water,  but  will  take  root  on  anything  that 
offers  them  a  foot-hold.  Thus  when  the  floating,  cigar-shaped  embryos  come  in  contact 
with  the  top  of  a  coral  reef  which  has  boon  brought  within  a  short  distance  of  the  surface, 
they  will  almost  invariably  become  fixed  to  it  and  as  the  roots  grasp  the  rock  firmly,  in- 
sinuating themselves  into  every  crack  or  crevice,  when  once  attached  it  is  almost  impos- 
sible for  the  waves,  even  if  they  are  impelled  by  the  force  of  a  hurricane,  to  tear  them  away 
for,  as  the  huge  billows  come  sweeping  along,  the  willowy  plant  merely  bows  before  them  and 
they  pass  harmlessly  over  it.  The  young  tree  grows  rapidly  upward,  and  after  it  has  attained 
the  height  of  several  feet,  develops  a  wonderful  character,  for  it  now  sends  out  root-stalks 
which  drop  downward,  resembling  long,  slender  rods  as  they  are  almost  exactly  the  same 
size  at  the  bottom  as  at  the  top.  They  are  extremely  elastic  and  sway  with  every  breeze, 
but  when  they  touch  the  earth,  they  drop  roots,  thus  become  fixed,  then  rapidly  increasing 
in  size,  soon  acquire  the  firmness  of  the  parent  stem. 


222  COCCYGUS  MINOR. 

The  floating  debris  becomes  entangled  in  this  labyrinth  of  trunks  and,  decaying,  forms 
soil  which  accumulating  with  incredible  rapidity,  soon  becomes  dry  land.  When  the  wa- 
ter no  longer  flows  about  them,  the  mangroves  die,  only  to  be  replaced  by  other  trees  a- 
inong  the  most  noticeable  of  which  are  the  button  wood.  Thus  island  after  island  is  be- 
ing formed  along  the  entire  extent  of  the  Florida  Keef  and  so  quickly  do  they  spring  up 
that  spongers  who  lived  at  Key  West,  pointed  out  to  me  keys  of  considerable  size  which 
occupy  spots  that  when  they  were  boys,  were  nothing  but  the  water-covered  tops  of  coral 
reefs. 

Such,  in  brief,  is  the  history  of  the  mangrove,  a  tree  which  is  so  intimately  connected 
with  the  name,  and  in  fact  with  the  lives,  of  the  Cuckoos  which  we  have  under  considera- 
tion, for  it  is  in  the  foliage  of  these  trees  or  in  the  thickets  near  them  that  they  pass  their 
existence.  The  first  and  only  living  specimen  that  I  ever  saw  of  this  species  was  on  Bam- 
boo Key  which  I  have  described  on  page  176.  This  was  during  the  first  week  in  May, 
1871.  I  was  standing  near  a  thicket  when  I  observed  a  Cuckoo  very  near  me  which  at 
first  sight  I  thought  was  a  Yellow-bill,  but  something  in  its  appearance,  what,  I  cannot 
now  tell,  caused  me  to  look  at  it  more  closely  when  it  at  once  flashed  across  my  mind  that 
it  was  a  bird  for  which  I  had  hitherto  been  looking  in  vain,  and  that  a  specimen  of  the 
Mangrove  Cuckoo  was  before  me.  I  had  left  my  gun  leaning  against  the  wrecker's  shan- 
ty, only  a  few  steps  away,  but  although  I  traversed  that  space  twice  in  much  quicker  time 
than  it  takes  to  write  these  lines  and  stood  with  my  thumb  on  the  hammer  of  my  gun  in  the 
exact  spot  that  I  had  occupied  a  moment  before,  I  could  not  find  the  bird  nor  did  I  ever 
see  it  again,  although  I  searched  carefully  every  square  rod  of  the  Key.  Three  years  later, 
the  members  of  one  of  my  expeditions  obtained  one  at  Key  West  on  the  twenty-first  of 
May  but  did  not  find  another  although  they  searched  diligently  for  them.  According  to 
their  description,  the  bird  which  they  obtained  was  very  wary,  being  shot  on  the  wing  as  it 
darted  out  of  a  mangrove  thicket  and,  as  the  one  which  I  saw  was  far  from  being  unsus- 
picious, I  judge  that  these  Cuckoos  are  quite  shy,  probably  keeping  well  hidden  in  the 
dense  thickets.  I  do  not  think  that  they  are  particularly  common  or  I  should  have  seen 
more  of  them  but,  without  doubt,  they  are  of  regular  occurrence  among  the  Keys  and  I  have 
reasons  for  believing  that  they  are  occasionally  found  along  the  East  Coast  of  Florida,  at 
least,  as  far  north  as  Cape  Cannarveral.  They  breed  on  the  Keys  but  migrate  early  as  I 
saw  none  in  the  autumn. 

ORDER  VII.    PICI.   WOODPECKERS. 

Sternum,  wide,  with  four  marginal  indentations.  Keel,  very  low.  Outer  anterior  toe, 
projected  backward. 

The  joints  of  the  toes  are  usually  normal  in  number.  The  bill  is  strong  and  wedge- 
shaped.  There  are  ten  primaries  and  twelve  tail  feathers.  This  Order  contains  three  nat- 
ural groups  which  certainly  constitute  families;  the  Yungida  which  are  exclusively  Old 
World,  the  Picumnida  which  are  found  only  in  South  America,  and  the  Picida,  which  have 
a  general  distribution  throughout  Europe,  Asia,  Africa,  and  America. 


SPHYRAPICUS   VAR1US.  223 


FAMILY  I.     PICID.E.     THE  TRUE  WOODPECKERS. 

Posterior  extremity  of  the  sternum,  emarginate.  Scapula  bones,  truncate.  Tail  feath- 
ers, stiffened  and  acuminate. 

Although  I  have  included  all  of  our  Woodpeckers  under  one  Family,  yet  I  am  far  from 
being  satisfied  with  this  arrangement  as  certain  strong  characters,  especially  internal,  ex- 
hibited by  many  of  the  species,  indicate  that  some  of  the  genera  may  be  grouped  into  nat- 
ural families  or  sections  but  with  the  present  material  which  I  have  at  my  command,  I  can 
do  no  better  than  to  simply  attempt  to  make  what  appears  to  me,  a  natural  arrangement  of 
the  genera.  Although  the  sternums  are  tolerably  uniform  in  proportion,  yet  they  exhibit 
some  peculiarities.  They  all  agree  in  having  long,  tolerably  well  arched  furculas  without 
any  terminal  expansion.  The  manubrium  varies  slightly  in  size  but  the  main  differences 
lie  in  the  comparative  width  of  the  sternum  and  depth  of  the  marginal  indentations.  The 
tongue  varies  greatly  as  does  also  the  digestive  apparatus,  especially  the  form  of  the  pro- 
vi'iitriculus  and  its  accompanying  gastric  zone,  all  of  which  will  be  given  under  head  of 
generic  characters. 

I;KNTUSI.  SPHYRAPICUS.   THE  YELLOW-BELLIED  WOODPECKERS. 

(•EX.  Cn.  Sternum,  narrow,  not  twice  ax  wide  as  the  height  of  the  keel.  Marginal  indentations,  deep,  the  inner  being 
equal  in  dr/ith  to  the  heiyht  of  the  keel  and  the  outer  considerably  exceeding  it.  Manubrium,  quite  large.  Terminal  hook  of 
scapula,  any/' i/  on  the  upper  and  lower  sides.  Tonyue,  without  extensible  sheath,  and  the  cerato-hyati  are  not  greatly  clon- 
yaii-d,  <>n/i/  rrtmdiny  to  the  middle  of  the  occiput.  Proventriculus,  not  especially  enlarged.  Salivary  glands,  small  or  ab- 
sent. Upper  mam/ilt/c,  but  sliyhtly  curved. 

Members  of  tliis  genus  are  transversely  banded  above  and  marked  on  the  head  with  scarlet.  The  tail  feathers  arc  quite 
acuminate.  The  hind  toe  is  barely  half  the  length  of  the  outer  which  is  projected  backward.  There  is  but  one  species 
within  our  limits. 

SPHYRAPICUS  VARIUS. 

Yellow  -bellied  Woodpecker. 

Sphyrapicus  varius  BAIRD,  Birds  N.  A.;  1858,  103. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  not  robust.  Size,  medium.  Sternum,  not  stout.  Tongue,  long,  thin  and  horny  throughout  its  entire 
lonirth,  \<T<I\  Mfd  with  fine  cilia  which  fringe  the  rounded  tip  and  extend  along  the  sides  for  three  fourths  of  the  terminal 
portion. 

COLOR.  Adult  male.  Above,  including  wings  and  tail,  lustrous-black  with  the  feathers  of  the  back,  rump,  and  scapu- 
laries,  crossed  by  bands  of  white  and  edged  with  the  same,  especially  on  the  rump  where  the  inner  webs  of  the  feathers  are 
wholly  white.  Tips  of  all  the  wins;  feathers  and  spots  on  outer  and  inner  webs,  markings  on  inner  webs  of  central  tail 
feathers,  tip-' if  four  outer,  and  line  extending  along  outer  web  of  extreme  outer,  longitudinal  patch  in  middle  of  wing  form- 
ed by  tippings,  and  edges  of  wing  coverts,  also  white.  Top  of  head  and  patch  on  throat,  scarlet.  Sides  of  head,  occiput, 
and  breast,  black,  with  line  passing  from  back  of  eye  around  occiput  and  one  extending  from  base  of  bill  along  sides,  white. 
lining  under  parts,  including  under  wing  and  tail  coverts,  white,  tinged  with  sulphury-yellow,  especially  an  the  nbdo- 
men  and  middle  of  the  lower  breast.  Feathers  of  the  sides  and  flanks,  marked  with  arrow-shaped  spots  of  black.  Bill, 
black.  Feet,  greenish-brown. 

Adult  female.  Similar  to  the  male  but  lacks  the  scarlet  patch  on  the  throat  which  is  replaced  by  one  of  dirty  white. 
There  is  also  a  brownish  tinge  to  the  feathers  of  the  sides. 

Yovny  male.  With  the  general  markings  of  the  adult  but  the  white  above  is  tinged  with  brownish-yellow  and  the 
breast  has  hut  few  traces  of  the  black  patch  hut  it  is  replaced  by  white  narrowly  banded  with  dusky.  The  scarlet  feathers 
above  and  below  are  more  or  less  mixed  with  brownish,  and  sometimes  with  black.  Entire  under  parts  strongly  tinged  with 
sulphury-yellow.  Bill,  brown.  Feet,  greenish. 


224  YELLOW-BELLIED   WOODPECKER. 

Young  female.  Similar  to  the  male  in  the  same  stage,  the  white  of  the  throat  being  obscured  by  brownish  but  the 
breast  is  not  as  distinctly  banded  with  dusky. 

Nestlings.  A  pattern  of  the  markings  of  the  more  mature  stages  is  retained  to  a  considerable  extent  but  there  is  a 
slaty-brown  washing  obscuring  the  colors  of  the  back,  head,  and  lower  surface  whers  it  is  barred  with  dusky.  The  males 
occasionally  show  some  red  on  the  head  and  throat  but  out  of  a  large  series  of  females  now  before  me,  I  do  not  find  one 
which  exhibits  the  slightest  trace  of  this.  Bill  and  feet,  similar  to  the  preceding. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Specimens  in  the  adult  stage  vary  in  amount  of  white  markings,  especially  on  the  tail,  as  some  have  the  central  feath- 
ers barred  with  it.  This  is  also  true  of  the  young  and  even  of  the  nestlings.  Occasionally  a  hand  of  scarlet  replaces  the 
white  on  the  occiput;  this  constitutes  the  variety,  nuchalis,  which  was  at  first  supposed  to  occur  only  in  the  West  but 
which  may  be  frequently  found  in  all  sections  East  where  the  species  occurs.  The  nestlings  vary  considerably  iu  amount  of 
sulphury-yellow,  usually  there  are  but  slight  traces  of  it  below  but  one  now  before  me  is  slightly  tinged  with  it,  even  on  the 
top  of  the  head.  Readily  known  from  all  of  our  Woodpeckers  by  the  markings  as  described.  Distributed  during  summer 
throughout  Eastern  North  America,  north  of  latitude  44°,  and  along  the  mountain  ranges,  further  south.  Winters  in 
Eastern  United  States,  south  of  the  latitude  of  Pennsylvania.  In  preparing  this  article,  I  am  indebted  to  Messrs.  F.  H. 
Brackett  and  W.  B.  Dowse  and  the  Bangs  Brothers  for  the  use  of  specimens. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  eighteen  specimens  from  Eastern  North  America.  Length,  8'25;  stretch,  14'82;  wing,  4'86; 
tail,  2'55;  bill,  '80;  tarsus,  '85.  Longest  specimen,  8-75;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  15*44;  longest  wing,  5*00;  tail,  3'10;  bill, 
•95;  tarsus,  TOO.  Shortest  specimen,  7*75;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  14*31;  shortest  wing,  4*6*2;  tail,  2*00;  bill,  -85;  tarsus, 
•70. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  gourd-shaped  holes,  usually  excavated  in  dead  trees.  Dimensions,  diameter  of  external  orifice,  1*50, 
greatest  internal,  5'(K).  Internal  depth,  14*00. 

Eyys,  four  to  seven  in  number,  elliptical  in  form,  pure,  polished  pearly-white  in  color,  unspotted.  Dimensions  from 
•60x-75  to  -75x-85. 

HABITS. 

The  Yellow-bellied  Woodpeckers  find  their  summer  homes  in  those  vast  evergreen 
forests  which  still  cover  a  large  portion  of  Northern  New  England.  It  is  true  that  these 
shadowy  woodlands  are  also  the  chosen  resort  of  several  other  species  of  this  family  but 
the  beautiful  birds  of  which  I  am  speaking,  outnumber  them  all;  in  fact,  one  can  scarce- 
ly enter  a  patch  of  wood  after  the  first  of  May  without  being  greeted  by  their  querulous 
cries.  Although  found  everywhere  in  the  shelter  of  trees,  yet  they  are  most  abundant  in 
the  vicinity  of  water  for  they  prefer  to  build  their  nests  in  dead  trees  that  stand  in  the  bor- 
ders of  lakes  or  ponds.  I  well  remember  my  first  experience  in  searching  for  the  eggs  of 
the  Yellow-bellied  Woodpeckers  and  although,  as  the  sequel  will  show,  it  can  scarcely  be 
considered  as  a  red-letter  day  as  far  as  collecting  was  concerned,  yet  it  was  a  day  full  of 
pleasant  reminiscences,  one^of  which  is  the  little  episode  which  I  am  about  to  relate. 

I  was  at  Upton,  Maine,  in  the  early  summer  of  1871  and  one  day  during  the  second 
week  of  June,  in  company  with  two  friends,  who  are  both  well  known  to  the  ornithological 
world,  was  floating  in  a  small  boat  on  the  placid  waters  of  Lake  Umbagog.  We  were 
rowing  along  the  shore  among  the  dead  stubs  which  were  very  numerous.  The  ground 
on  which  they  stood  had  evidently  been  submerged  for  some  time,  as  the  whitened  trunks 
were  nearly  branchless  and,  in  many  cases,  were  full  of  holes,  many  of  which  had  been 
made  for  years  but  nearly  all  were  occupied,  the  smaller  by  the  White-bellied  Swallows  and 
the  larger  by  the  Crow  Blackbirds.  The  bleached  appearance  of  the  wood  around  the  en- 


13 


V 


\\ 

.,  *u<  .uiiiwii  j.i,.  1H  19 

=^«BiU. 


EG 


SPHYRAPICUS  VARWS.  225 

trances  was  always  a  certain  indication  of  the  age  of  the  cavity  and  as  the  Woodpeckers 
almost  invariably  drill  a  nesv  hole  every  year,  we  passed  those  which  did  not  look  fresh. 
Soon,  however,  we  discovered  a  stub  in  which  was  a  newly  made  orifice  and  we  glided 
toward  it,  when  our  suspicions  were  confirmed  for,  at  the  sound  of  our  voices,  a  fine  male 
alighted  on  the  top  of  the  dead  tree  and  began  bowing  his  head,  dodging  around  the  trunk, 
peering  at  us  from  behind  it,  and  at  the  same  time  uttering  his  discordant  cry  of  alarm. 
In  a  moment  more,  we  were  beside  the  stub  but,  as  it  was  badly  decayed  about  the  base 
and  as  the  entrance  to  the  nest  was  some  thirty  feet  high,  no  one  cared  to  risk  a  fall,  even 
for  the  chance  of  procuring  the  eggs  of  the  Yellow-bellied  Woodpecker.  We  were  all  de- 
sirous of  ascertaining  what  the  nest  contained,  so  finally,  decided  to  cut  down  the  tree, 
hoping  that,  as  it  must  fall  in  some  three  or  four  feet  of  water,  the  eggs  might  remain  un- 
injured. We  were  provided  with  an  ax  and  now  came  the  difficult  task  of  using  it  while 
standing  in  a  rocking  boat,  but  one  of  us  essayed  to  perform  this  part  while  the  others  held 
the  little  craft  as  firmly  as  possible  by  planting  the  oars  in  the  mud.  At  the  first  blow  of 
the  ax,  out  darted  the  female  and  flew  upon  a  neighboring  stub.  This  proved  quite  an 
incentive  to  pursue  our  labor  for  we  were  now  very  sure  that  the  much  coveted  eggs  were 
above  us,  so  we  redoubled  our  efforts  and  soon  had  the  satisfaction  of  seeing  the  tree  sway 
preparatory  to  falling.  Then  it  suddenly  occurred  to  us  that  it  might  be  precipitated  a- 
cross  the  boat  or,  even  if  inclined  the  other  way  as  was  apparent,  it  might  strike  the  tops 
of  some  adjacent  stubs  and  thus  shoot  backward  against  us.  As  in  either  case  if  we  escap- 
ed injury,  the  boat  would  be  swamped,  we  paused  a  moment  to  consider  as  to  the  best 
course  to  pursue.  As  the  wind  was  blowing  in  puffs,  we  concluded  that  by  making  every- 
thing ready  to  shoot  our  light  craft  away  instantly,  we  could  give  a  few  strokes  with  the 
ax,  then  retreat  and  allow  the  wind  to  finish  the  task.  A  few  well-directed  blows  were 
accordingly  struck,  causing  the  tree  to  sway  very  perceptibly,  then  we  glided  away  a  few 
yards  and  watched  the  result.  At  this  moment,  a  strong  breeze  came  rippling  along  the 
water  and,  as  the  old  stub  felt  the  pressure,  it  inclined  more  and  more  until,  as  last  over- 
balaneing,  came  down  with  a  loud  splash  that  produced  the  effect  of  a  miniature  earthquake 
and  for  a  moment,  we  were  rocking  upon  waves  which  are  seldom  encountered  in  those 
placid  waters.  All  this  commotion  lasted  but  a  few  seconds,  everything  being  quiet  again 
by  the  time  we  were  along-side  the  floating  stub  which  we  rolled  over  to  find  the  hole  from 
which  the  Woodpecker  had  emerged.  This  was  soon  accomplished  and  with  a  few  blows 
of  the  ax,  the  opening  was  enlarged  sufficiently  for  us  to  see  into  the  interior  but,  to  our 
disappointment,  not  a  single  egg  remained  whole,  for  all  were  broken  into  minute  frag- 
ments. 

Like  the  other  species  of  Woodpeckers,  the  Yellow-bellies  are  quite  playful  and  may 
frequently  be  seen  chasing  one  another  about  the  tree  trunks.  At  such  times,  they  utter 
notes  which  have  the  peculiar  intonation  noticeable  in  all  our  species  when  so  engaged. 
They  also  have  other  cries,  all  harsh,  however,  and  will  occasionally  call  by  rattling  upon 
a  resounding  limb.  The  note  of  alarm  is  not  unlike  that  given  by  the  Blue  Jays,  being 
delivered  in  about  the  same  tone  but  is  more  querulous  and  thus  may  be  recognized  with- 
out difficulty. 

BIRDS  OF  FLORIDA.  29 


226  CENTURUS  CAROL1NUS. 

The  Yellow-bellied  Woodpeckers  reach  their  summer  homes  about  the  first  of  May, 
deposit  their  eggs,  as  shown  above,  about  the  second  week  in  June,  the  young  make  their 
appearance  in  August,  and  accompany  their  parents  for  some  time.  They  all  leave  for  the 
south  by  the  first  of  November,  migrating  quite  leisurely.  These  Woodpeckers  are  ex- 
tremely abundant  in  the  cypress  and  other  swamps  which  border  the  rivers  of  Florida  but 
are  occasionally  found  in  the  piney  woods.  They  keep  well  up  in  the  tops  of  the  tall  trees 
but  their  peculiar  notes  always  betray  their  presence  as  they  are  seldom  quiet,  constantly 
calling  to  one  another  for  they  appear  to  be  fond  of  company  and  it  is  not  usual  to  find  one 
unaccompanied  by  either  some  of  its  own  species  or  by  other  members  of  the  family;  thus 
flocks  of  Woodpeckers  are  not  uncommon  in  this  section. 

As  we  might  naturally  expect  from  the  peculiar  structure  of  their  tongues,  the  food 
of  these  Woodpeckers  differs  considerably  from  that  of  those  species,  the  lingual  organs  of 
which  are  provided  with  barbs.  The  Yellow-bellied  Woodpeckers  being  unable  to  readily 
extract  the  larvae  of  the  boring  beetles  from  the  holes  in  which  they  lurk,  eat  largely  of 
other  insects  and  are,  in  fact,  quite  expert  flycatchers,  taking  their  food  on  the  wing  very 
easily.  They  are  also  fond  of  small  fruits  and  I  have  even  taken  dried  barberries  from  their 
stomachs.  Of  all  the  small  Woodpeckers  which  are  called  Sap-suckers,  these  are  the  most 
deserving  of  the  name  for  they  will  not  only  drink  the  juices  of  trees  but  will  also  eat  the 
inner  bark;  in  short,  in  the  autumn  it  is  exceedingly  difficult  to  find  one  which  has  not  been 
indulging  in  this  practice.  They  drill  small  holes  in  the  forest,  as  well  as  the  fruit,  trees 
in  order  to  obtain  their  favorite  food  but  as  these  orifices  are  very  small,  I  do  not  see  that 
they  are  especially  injurious  to  the  trees  and,  even  if  this  were  the  case,  the  slight  dam- 
age which  these  birds  occasion  is  more  than  counterbalanced  by  the  good  which  they  do 
in  destroying  multitudes  of  pernicious  insects  and  therefore,  we  may  safely  consider  the 
Yellow-bellied  Woodpeckers  as  useful  birds. 

GENUS  I.    CENTURUS.    THE  RED-BELLIED  WOODPECKERS. 

GEN.  CH.  Sternum,  narrow,  not  as  wide  as  the  height  of  the  keel.  Marginal  indentations,  deep,  all  being  equal  in  depth 
to  the  height  of  the  keel.  Manubrium,  not  very  large.  Terminal  hook  of  scapula,  any  led  on  the  upper  and  lower  sides. 
Tongue,  provided  with  extensible  sheath,  and  the  cerato-hyals  arc  elongated,  extending  around  the  back  of  the  skull  as  far,  at 
least,  as  the  orbit  of  the  eye.  Proventriculus ,  not  enlarged.  Salivary  glands ,  quite  well  developed.  Upper  mandible,  slight- 
ly curved. 

Members  of  this  genus  are  marked  on  the  top  of  the  head  with  scarlet  and  transversely  banded  above.  The  tail  feath- 
ers arc  quite  acuminate.  The  hind  toe  is  not  half  the  length  of  the  outer  which  is  projected  backward.  There  is  but  one 
species  within  our  limits. 

CENTURUS  CAROLINUS. 
Red-bellied  Woodpecker. 

Centurus  Carolinus  BON,  List;  1838. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  robust.  Size,  medium.  Sternum,  not  very  stout.  Tongue,  long,  narrow,  not  very  thin  and  horny  at 
the  tip  which  is  pointed  and  provided  with  barbs  for  three  fourths  of  the  terminal  portion.  The  extensible  sheath  occupies 
about  one  half  the  length  of  the  tongue. 

COLOR.  Adult  male.  Above,  including  the  wings  and  tail,  lustrous-black  with  the  feathers  of  the  back,  wings,  and 
rump  crossed  by  bands  of  white,  excepting  terminal  third  of  the  primaries  which  are  tipped  with  the  same  color.  Upper  tail 


RED-BELLIED   WOODPECKER.  227 

coverts,  white  streaked  with  black.  Outer  web  of  outer,  tips,  terminal  portion  of  next  pair,  and  inner  webs  of  central  pair, 
also  burred  with  white  and  all,  but  the  central  pair,  are  tipped  with  yellowish-white.  Top  of  head,  occiput,  and  nape, 
scarlet-vermilion,  lighter  on  the  forehead,  und  extending  down  on  the  sides  of  the  lower  neck,  while  the  feathers  of  the 
upper  back  arc  sometimes  tinged  with  it.  Sides  of  head  and  under  parts,  including  under  tail  coverts,  light-slaty  over- 
w:ished  with  yellowish  and  tinged  on  the  sides  of  the  bead,  chin,-  along  the  lower  breast,  and  on  the  abdomen  with  scarlet 
which  H  brightest  on  the  latter  named  portions.  The  foathers  of  the  under  tail  coverts  have  a  central  stripe  of  black. 
Under  wing  coverts,  white,  barred  with  dusky.  Bill,  black.  Feet,  greenish-brown. 

Adult  female.  Very  similar  to  the  male,  but  the  top  of  the  head  is  slaty  like  the  under  parts,  while  the  occiput  and 
nape  are  scarlet-vermilion  and  the  forehead  is  tinged  with  it.  Usually  the  red  tinging  below  Ls  not  as  conspicuous  and 
there  is  rather  more  white  on  the  tail.  The  flanks  are  marked  with  arrow-shaped  spots  of  dusky. 

Yuttny  iiialr.  Similar  to  the  adult  but  quite  brown  on  the  wings  and  lower  back.  There  is  very  little,  or  no,  white 
tinging  below  but  the  yellowish  overwashing  is  quite  strong  and  the  tipping  of  the  tail  is  nearly  orange.  The  flanks  are 
considerably  sjxitted. 

Young  female.  Not  strikingly  unlike  the  adult,  but  brown  above  as  in  the  young  male  and  shows  but  little  tinging 
below,  and  even  the  yellowish  overwashing  is  scarcely  perceptible. 

Nestlings.  Birds  in  this  plumage  retain  the  pattern  of  the  marking  of  the  next  stage,  but  they  are  quite  yellow  below 
and  streaked  in  a  band  across  the  back  with  dusky.  The  scarlet  of  the  top  of  the  head  is  not  as  bright. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Specimens  vary  considerably  in  amount  of  red  below;  the  highest  plumaged  male  that  I  have  selected  out  of  a  large 
series,  is  tinged  with  this  color  over  the  entire  under  parts,  excepting  on  the  throat.  The  primaries  are  usually  edged  with 
white,  especially  in  the  younger  stages.  Readily  known  from  all  others  by  the  description  as  given. 

Besides  t  ho<c  i^iven,  the  following  specific  characters  may  be  added:  there  are  no  laryngeal  muscles,  excepting  the  sterno- 
traehealis  which  is  stout.  The  tympaniform  membrane  is  present  and  although  there  is  an  os  transversale,  yet  it  does  not 
support  a  semiluimr  membrane.  The  oesophagus  is  without  dilatation  and  opens  into  a  small  proventriculus  which  meas- 
ures about  "25  in  external  diameter.  The  gastric  glands  are  simple  and  placed  in  a  zonular  band  which  measures  '40  in 
width.  The  stomach  is  rather  globular  in  form  with  thin  walls  that  measure  '18  in  thickness,  and  the  lining  membrane  is 
soft.  The  fold  of  the  duodenum  is  not  long  and  incloses  a  wide,  though  short,  pancreas  which  has  only  one  lobe  but  this  is 
dh  ided  by  several  incisions  which  are  of  varying  depth.  The  spleen  Is  a  spherical  body  lying  partly  on  the  proventriculus. 
The  left  lobe  of  the  liver  Ls  only  about  one  half  as  large  as  the  right.  A  noticeable  character  may  be  seen  in  the  peculiar, 
lateral  extension  of  the  greater  pectoral  muscles  which  protrude  very  much  beyond  the  costal  border  of  the  sternum,  (see 
plate  XVII). 

This  species  is  distributed  throughout  the  Eastern  Section  of  the  United  States,  from  Key  West  to  Connecticut,  but  is 
not  common  north  of  Pennsylvania.  They  are  constantly  resident  in  the  Carolinas  and  south  of  them,  but  are  migratory 
further  north. 

DDIENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  eighteen  specimens  from  Eastern  North  America.  Length,  9'67;  stretch,  lfi'12;  wing,  4'65; 
,.il,  3'37;  bill,  I'lO:  tarsus,  '87.  Longest  specimen,  10'BO;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  17'25;  longest  wing,  5'30;  tail,  3-75;  bill, 
•20;  tarsus,  1-00.  Shortest  specimen,  8'75;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  15'00;  shortest  wing,  4'00;  tail,3'00;  bill,  I'OO;  tarsus, 

TK 


tail 
124 
•75. 


DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 


Nests,  placed  in  gourd-shaped  holes,  usually  excavated  in  living  trees.  Dimensions,  diameter  of  external  orifice,  2'00, 
greatest  internal,  5*4)0.  Internal  depth,  14'00. 

Eyys,  four  or  five  in  number,  elliptical  in  form,  pure,  polished  pearly-white  in  color,  unspotted.  Dimensions  from 
1-04  x '80  to  "J5x-75. 

HABITS. 

The  first  time  that  I  ever  met  with  a  living  specimen  of  this  fine  Woodpecker,  was  at 
Jacksonville  on  the  thirty-first  of  December,  1868,  the  same  morning  that  I  had  the  ex- 
perience with  the  Bridge  Pewee  which  I  have  related;  in  fact,  the  next  shot  that  I  fired 
after  killing  one  of  those  Flycatchers,  brought  down  a  male  of  the  birds  which  we  have 
undi.-r  consideration.  Thus  in  examining  the  lovely  plumage  of  the  Woodpecker,  I  speed- 
ily forgot  the  slight  disappointment  which  I  had  felt  for,  as  I  have  intimated,  it  was  the 


228  CENTURUS  CAROL1NUS. 

m 

first  time  that  I  had  ever  held  a  Red-bellied  Woodpecker  in  my  hand  and,  as  I  admired 
its  brilliant  coloring,  I  thought  that  it  was  the  most  beautiful  bird  that  I  had  ever  shot. 
Like  most  ornithologists,  however,  I  have  since  changed  my  opinion  in  regard  to  this  very 
often  and  I  presume  that  I  shall  again  many  times  behold  in  some  rara  avis  what,  for  ti 
season,  will  be  the  loveliest  yet  seen.  I  believe  that  all  species,  no  matter  how  perfect, 
loose  their  charms  to  the  collector  after  he  has  shot  a  dozen  or  so;  this,  at  least,  has  been 
my  experience  and  I  do  not  think  that  I  am  any  more  fickle  in  this  respect  than  others. 
Yet  after  all,  I  cannot  help  considering  the  Red-bellied  Woodpeckers,  fine  birds,  even  if 
they  have  had  their  day  with  me  and,  having  got  beyond  the  inclination  to  kill  every  one 
that  I  see,  am  never  tired  of  watching  their  movements. 

I  found  the  Red-bellied  Woodpeckers  quite  abundant  in  winter  in  the  piney  woods 
which  border  the  plantations  on  the  Sea  Islands  of  the  Carolinas  but  as  I  proceeded  south, 
their  numbers  increased  and  in  Florida,  they  fairly  swarmed,  actually  occurring  in  flocks. 
They  accompany  the  Cockaded  Woodpeckers  in  the  piny  woods  and  also  associate  with  the 
Yellow-bellies  in  the  swamps  and  hummocks;  in  fact,  it  is  difficult  to  remain  long  in  any 
portion  of  Florida  where  there  are  trees,  without  hearing  the  discordant  croak  of  these 
Woodpeckers  and  I  even  found  them  on  the  Keys.  At  the  time  of  my  visit,  Key  West 
had  been  nearly  denuded  of  woods  for,  although  there  was  an  abundance  of  shrubbery,  there 
was  not  a  tree  over  twenty  feet  high  growing  on  the  uncultivated  section  of  the  island. 
The  key  was  nearly  divided  into  two  parts  by  salt  ponds  and  north  of  these,  the  country 
was  particularly  barren  as  there  was  but  a  scanty  allowance  of  soil.  In  fact,  the  under- 
lining strata  of  limestone  was  exposed  in  many  places,  yet  a  slight  depfch  of  alluvium  had 
been  deposited  in  certain  hollows  and  in  them,  a  few  stunted  palmetto  trees  had  managed 
to  take  root.  Passing  these  one  day,  I  heard  a  familiar  note  and  glancing  in  the  direction 
from  which  it  came,  saw  a  Red-bellied  Woodpecker  clinging  to  the  trunk  of  one  of  the 
dwarfed  palms  and  not  far  away,  I  found  his  mate.  Curious  to  ascertain  whether  they 
were  local  inhabitants  or  only  visitors  to  this  desolate  spot,  I  searched  among  the  low  trees 
for  signs  of  a  nest  and  soon  discovered  some  holes  drilled  in  the  fibrous  trunks  of  the  pal- 
mettos one  of  which  was  evidently  the  nest  of  the  pair  that  I  had  just  transferred  to  my 
collecting  basket.  As  this  was  in  November,  they  were  not,  of  course,  breeding  but  only 
keeping  watch  over  their  domicile,  least  it  should  be  occupied  by  others. 

Further  north,  on  the  heavily  wooded  keys,  I  found  that  these  Woodpeckers  occurred 
but  were  not  common  until  I  arrived  at  Miami.  Hear  they  inhabited  the  piney  woods 
almost  exclusively  and  built  their  nests  about  the  first  of  April,  excavating  the  cavities  for 
them  in  living  pine  trees.  As  the  breeding  season  approached,  they  were,  like  the  Yel- 
low bellies,  quite  playful,  sporting  about  the  trunks  or  high  limbs  of  the  pine  trees,  then 
launching  outward,  would  pursue  one  another  rapidly  through  the  air,  for  like  many  other 
members  of  this  family,  these  Woodpeckers,  although  they  move  in  a  heavy,  undulating 
manner  while  on  the  wing,  fly  very  swiftly.  The  notes,  throughout  the  breeding  season, 
are  not  especially  different  from  these  given  during  the  winter.  Although  not  unlike  those 
uttered  by  the  Yellow-bellies,  they  differ  enough  to  be  readily  distinguished,  being  louder 
and  perhaps  harsher. 


MELANERPES  ERYTHKOCEPHALUS.  229 

I  have  found  the  Red-bellied  Woodpeckers  but  once  in  Pennsylvania,  that  was  on 
the  second  of  October,  1875,  at  Watsontown.  They  occur  in"  Southern  New  England  and, 
as  rare  stragglers,  in  Western  Massachusetts.  I  think  those  that  pass  the  summer  north 
of  the  Carolinas  must  arrive  late  in  the  season  and  depart  early. 

« 

GENUS  III.    MELANKKPES.    THE  RED-HEADED  WOODPECKERS. 

<JKX.  Oil.  Sternum,  twiceas  wide  as  the  heiyht  of  the  keel.  Marginal  indentations,  deep,  allbcing  equal  in  depth  to  the 
heiyht  of  Ihf  keel.  Posterior  border  of  sternum,  cmaryinate.  Manulirium,  very  small.  Terminal  hook  of  scapula,  any  led 
on  the  it/i/ii'r  and  lower  sides.  Tonyue,  provided  with  extensible  sheath,  and  the  cerato-hyals  are  elongated,  extending  around 
Ih'  hack  of  the  skull  as  far,  at  least,  as  the  orbit  of  the  eye.  Proventriculus,  small.  Stomach,  somewhat  muscular.  Salivary 
ylandi,  nuite  well  dweloped.  Upper  mandible,  sliyhtly  curved. 

MeinlxTs  of  this  genus  are  marked  on  the  head  with  scarlet  hut  nre  not  transversely  banded  above  or  below.  The  tail 
feathers  are  quite  acuminate.  The  hind  toe  exceeds  one  half  the  length  of  the  outer  which  is  projected  backward.  There 
is  but  one  species  within  our  limits. 

MELANERPES  ERYTHROCEPHALUS. 

Red-headed  Woodpecker. 
Melanerpes  erythrocephalus  SWAINSON,  F.  Bor.  Am.,  II;  1831,  31tt. 

DESCRIPTION 

Sr.  CH.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  Sternum,  not  very  stout.  Tongue,  long,  narrow,  not  very  thin,  and  horny  at  the 
tip  which  is  pointed  and  provided  with  barbs  for  three  fourths  of  the  terminal  portion.  The  extensible  sheath  occupies 
about  fine  half  the  length  of  the  tongue.  The  salivary  gland  which  is  a  hollow  cylinder,  lies  along  the  maxillary  bone  and 
tongue;  it  measures  about  '10  in  diameter  by  -85  in  length.  There  are  no  laryngeal  muscles,  excepting  the  sterno-trachealis 
which  i<  stout.  The  tympaniform  membrane  is  present  and  although  there  is  an  os  transversale,  yet  it  does  not  support  a 
semilunar  membrane.  The  oesophagus  is  without  dilatation  and  opens  into  a  very  small  proventriculus  which  measures 
about  '20  in  external  diameter.  The  gastric  glands  are  simple,  very  small  and  placed  in  a  zonular  band  which  measures 
about  '50  in  width.  The  stomach  is  rather  globular  in  form  with  very  muscular  walls  that  measure  "30  in  thickness,  and 
the  lining  membrane  is  rugose.  The  fold  of  the  duodenum  is  quite  long  and  incloses  a  small,  narrow  pancreas.  The  spleen 
is  an  elliptical  hotly  lying  almost  entirely  on  the  proventriculus.  The  left  lobe  of  the  liver  is  only  about  one  half  as  large  aw 
the  right. 

(.'<  ii.ott.  Adult.  Head  all  around,  including  nape,  chin,  throat,  and  upper  breast,  scarlet;  the  latter,  narrowly  banded 
with  black.  IJasal  half  of  wings,  whole  of  primaries,  and  tail,  black,  with  bluish  reflections.  Terminal  half  of  secondaries, 
rump,  upper  tail  coverts,  tips  of  all,  but  central  pair  of  tail  feathers,  outer  web  of  outer  pair,  and  under  parts,  including 
under  wing  and  tail  coverts,  white,  with  the  abdomen  tinged  with  yellowish.  Bill,  bluish,  black  at  tip.  Feet,  greenish- 
brown. 

Young.  There  is  no  scarlet  on  the  head  or  breast,  excepting  occasionally  a  few  stray  feathers;  this  color  being  replaced 
by  dusky,  overwashed  a!x>ve  by  yellowish-rufous  and  grayish,  and  streaked  below  by  the  same.  The  black  feathers  of  the 
back  and  wings,  including  the  primaries,  are  edged  with  grayish  and  the  white  Is  barred  with  rather  wide  bands  of  black. 
The  tail  is  similar  to  that  of  the  adult  but  the  white  markings  are  not  as  wide.  The  white  beneath  is  overwashed  with 
yellowish-rufous,  and  streaked  on  the  sides  and  flanks  with  dusky.  UilL  wholly  black. 

Nesl/inyx.  Similar  to  the  young,  but  there  is  more  yellowish-rufous  above  and  it  even  extends  over  the  back,  and  the 
dusky  stripes  below  are  more  numerous.  Sexes,  similar  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

There  is  little,  or  no,  variation  in  plumage  in  the  adult,  but  one  now  before  me  has  the  scarlet  of  the  head  tinged  with 
yellow,  and  one,  a  fully  adult  male  procured  at  Williamsport  in  spring,  presents  a  remarkable  character  for  the  feathers 
directly  beneath  the  eye  are  grayish  in  color  and  greatly  elongated,  measuring  about  '60  in  length.  The  young  vary  con- 
sidcrably  nmrr  than  the  adult,  the  main  difference  being  in  a  greater  or  less  amount  of  black  above  and  below.  Readily 
known  from  all  others  by  the  description  as  given.  Distributed  in  summer  throughout  the  Eastern  Section  of  the  United 
States,  rare  in  Northern  New  England.  Winters  in  the  Middle  and  Southern  Portions,  some  remaining  as  far  north  OH 
Pennsylvania. 


230  RED-HEADED   WOODPECKER. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  eighteen  specimens  from  Eastern  North  America.  Length,  8-87;  stretch,  17'00;  wing,  5-30; 
tail,  3-45;  bill,  I'Ol;  tarsus,  -90.  Longest  specimen,  9-75;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  17-50;  longest  wing,  5-60;  tail,  3'80;  bill, 
1'12;  tarsus,  -95.  Shortest  specimen,  8'00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  16*50;  shortest  wing,  5'00;  tail,  3'10;  bill,  '90;  tarsus 
•85. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  cylinder-shaped  holes,  usually  excavated  in  dead  trees.  Dimensions,  diameter  of  external  orifice,  2'00, 
greatest  internal,  5-00.  Internal  depth,  18'00. 

Eygs,  four  or  five  in  number,  elliptical  in  form,  pure,  polished  pearly-white  in  color,  unspotted.  Dimensions  from 
•75x-90  to  -80x1-00. 

HABITS. 

•  Although  I  have  met  with  the  Red-headed  Woodpeckers  at  intervals  from  Massachu- 
setts to  Florida,  I  have  nowhere  found  them  more  abundant  than  in  Pennsylvania;  indeed 
this  latter  named  section  appears  to  be  head-quarters  for  them  in  the  more  eastern  portions 
of  the  section  of  which  I  write  and  they  exceed  in  number  any  other  species  of  Woodpeck- 
ers, not  excepting  even  the  Golden-winged.  I  have  said  that  the  two  last  species  described 
were  noisy  birds  but  the  Red-heads  by  far  exceed  them  in  this  respect  and  their  loud  and 
repeatedly  given  cries  may  be  heard  in  all  directions.  This  is  especially  noticeable  in  the 
open  country  for  these  Woodpeckers  frequent  the  orchards  or  small  groves  which  border 
streams,  in  preference  to  the  woodlands.  Although  not  as  gregarious  as  some  other  spe- 
cies of  the  family,  yet  they  are  fond  of  the  company  of  their  own  kind  and  it  is  not  unu- 
sual to  see  four  or  five  sporting  together.  The  sycamore  or  button  wood  grows  to  a  large 
size  in  the  fertile  valleys  of  the  creeks  which  empty  into  the  Susquehanna  River  and  as  the 
top  branches  of  this  tree  frequently  die,  they  form  convenient  roosts  for  these  Woodpeckers 
as  the  withered  limbs  protrude  above  the  foliage  and  thus  the  birds  have  an  uninterrupted 
view  of  the  surrounding  country.  Particular  birds  appear  to  choose  certain  trees  on  which 
to  rest  and,  in  autumn,  will  spend  some  hours  every  day  upon  them.  This  habit  is  observ- 
able during  the  fine  days  of  autumn  and  an  entire  brood,  consisting  of  the  two  parents  and 
their  dull-colored  progeny,  may  be  frequently  seen  upon  one  tree. 

In  spring,  however,  the  Red-headed  Woodpeckers  are  too  busy  to  spend  much  time 
in  idleness  for  they  soon  begin  the  duties  of  nest  building,  usually  excavating  the  hole  in 
an  old  apple-tree  or  in  some  stub  that  stands  in  the  open,  seldom  building  in  the  woods. 
At  this  season,  they  are  very  unsuspicious  and  will  construct  their  domiciles  in  any  tree 
that  strikes  their  fancy,  no  matter  how  near  a  dwelling  it  may  stand.  Thus  I  once  knew 
of  a  pair  that  chose  an  old  stub,  in  which  to  place  their  home,  which  not  only  stood  within 
a  dozen  yards  of  a  railroad,  but  was  also  not  fifty  feet  from  a  dwelling,  while  a  foot  path 
that  was  traversed  daily,  passed  directly  beneath  its  withered  branches.  Another  pair  had 
selected  a  dead  limb  in  a  buttonwood  that  grew  by  the  side  of  an  elevated  tram- way,  only 
a  short  distance  from  a  saw-mill  and  the  hole  in  which  the  nest  was  placed  could  almost  be 
reached  with  the  hand  as  one  stood  upon  the  wooden  railway  over  which  workmen  were 
constantly  pushing  cars  laden  with  lumber.  In  both  cases,  the  birds  appeared  to  be  per- 
fectly accustomed  to  all  the  bustle  and  din  attendant  upon  localities  which  were  in  such 
close  proximity  to  the  busy  haunts  of  man.  I  have  frequently  passed  within  a  few  feet  of 


COLAPTES  A  VRA  TVS.  231 

the  birds  as  they  sat  near  the  nests,  without  their  paying  the  slightest  attention  to  me. 
In  the  first  instance,  the  nest  was  quite  low,  not  over  ten  feet  from  the  ground  but  I  have 
taken  the  eggs  from  the  lofty  limb  of  a  buttonwood,  sixty-  feet  high. 

The  Red-headed  Woodpeckers  begin  to  drill  the  holes  for  their  nests  in  early  May  but 
the  full  complement  of  eggs  is  not  deposited  until  June.  The  young  leave  the  nest  about 
the  first  dl'  August  and,  as  related,  accompany  their  parents  for  some  time.  At  this  sea- 
son, they  resort  to  the  gum  trees  in  great  numbers  in  order  to  feed  upon  the  acid  berries 
which  grow  in  profusion  but  they  also  eat  large  quantities  of  insects  and,  like  the  Yellow- 
bellies,  are  quite  expert  flycatchers.  Most  of  the  Red-headed  Woodpeckers  leave  Penn- 
sylvania about  the  last  of  October  but  a  few  remain  all  winter. 

GENUS  IV.    COLAPTES.    THE  SPOTTED  WOODPECKERS. 

<!I:N.  Cn.  Sternum,  not  Iwiceca  wide  as  the  height  of  the  keel.  Marginal  indentations,  deep,  allbeing  equal  in  depth  to 
the  In  i'jlit  lift  In'  ki:<  1.  Posterior  border  of  sternum,  emarginate.  Manubrium,  quite  large.  Terminal  hook  of  scapula,  round- 
ed on  the  ujijirr  and  lower  sides.  Tongue,  provided  with  a  long,  extensible  sheath,  and  the  cerato-hycls  are  greatly  elongated 
and,  intending  around  the  back  of  the  skull  and  over  the  top  of  it,  enter  the  right  nostril.  Proventriculus,  large.  Stomach, 
muscular.  Salivary  glands,  well  developed.  Both  mandibles,  curved. 

Members  of  fliis  genus  are  usually  marked  on  the  occiput  with  scarlet  and  are  transversely  banded  above  and  spotted 
bcluw.  The  tail  feathers  arc  quite  acuminate.  The  hind  toe  exceeds  one  half  the  length  of  the  outer  which  is  projected 
backward.  There  is  but  one  species  within  our  limits. 

COLAPTES  AURATUS. 
Golden-winged  Woodpecker. 

Colaptes  auratus  SWAINSON,  Zool.  Jour..  Ill;  1827,  353. 

Colaplcs  AfczicanujSwAixsoN,  Syn.  Mex.  birrls  in  Philos.  Mag.,  [;  1827,  440. 

Colaptes  hybridus  BAIRD,  Birds  N.  A.;  1858,  122. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Si>.  Cn.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  Sternum,  stout.  Tongue,  long,  not  very  thin,  and  horny  at  the  tip  which  is 
provided  with  barbs  for  one  third  of  the  terminal  portion.  The  extensible  sheath  occupies  about  one  half  the  length  of  the 
tongue.  The  salivary  glands  are  large,  flat,  somewhat  triangular  in  form,  and  measure  about  2'40  in  length  by  '30  in  width 
at  the  base;  the  ducts  are  at  the  terminal  extremity  and  open  under  the  tongue.  Thereare  no  laryngeal  muscles,  excepting 
the  sterno-trachealis  which  is  stout.  The  tympanifonn  membrane  is  present  and  although  there  is  an  os  transversale,  yet 
it  does  not  support  a  semilunar  membrane.  The  cesophagus  is  without  dilatation  and  opens  into  a  very  large,  globular  pro- 
ventrk'tilus  which  measures  about  '70  in  external  diameter.  The  gastric  glands  are  rather  numerous,  not  simple,  being  o- 
val  in  form  with  four  small  protuberances  emerging  nt  equal  intervals  from  the  central  circumference.  They  only  occupy  the 
lower  portion  of  the  proventriculus  and  are  packed  on  a  surface  which  is  triangular  in  form,  with  the  base  which  measures 
about  "80  in  width,  toward  the  oesophagus  and  the  apex  which  is  -75  from  the  base,  toward  the  stomach.  Thus  the  upper 
portion  of  the  proventriculus  is  destitute  of  glands  but  is  provided  with  a  mucus  membrane.  The  stomach  Ls  rather  flat  in 
form  with  very  muscular  walls  that  measure  '30  in  thickness.  The  lining  membrane  is  soft,  similar  to  that  which  covers 
the  proventriculus.  The  fold  of  the  duodenum  is  quite  long  and  rather  twisted,  inclosing  a  pancreas  which  is  wide  and  of 
irregular  form.  The  spleen  is  an  elliptical  body  lying  partly  on  the  proventriculus  und  partly  over  the  pyloric  opening  of 
the  stomach.  The  left  lobe  of  the  liver  is  more  than  one  half  as  large  as  the  right. 

COLOR.  Adult  male.  Head  and  nape,  slaty-ash.  Back  and  wings,  excepting  primaries,  yellowish-ash,  transversely 
barred  with  dark-brown.  Primaries  and  tail,  dark-brown;  the  former,  slightly  barred  on  the  outer  and  inner  webs,  the  lat- 
ter on  the  outer  webs  of  extreme  outer,  and  the  inner  webs  of  central  pair,  with  yellowish-ash.  Shaft  of  wing  feathers  and 
upper  tail  coverts,  under  wing  coverts  and  axillaries,  under  sides  of  wings  and  tail,  excepting  tip,  bright  golden-yellow. 
Sides  of  head  and  entire  under  parts,  including  under  tail  coverts,  reddish-ash,  lightest  anteriorly.  Patch  on  check,  broad 
crescent  on  breast,  round  spots  on  under  side  of  body  back  of  breast  and  on  under  tail  coverts,  black.  There  is  a  band  of 


232  GOLDEN-WINGED    WOODPECKER. 

scarlet  around  occiput.  Rump  and  upper  tail  coverts,  white,  while  the  feathers  of  the  latter  are  marked  in  lines,  edgings, 
spots,  and  bars  of  black.  Bill,  brown.  Feet,  bluish.  Iris,  reddish. 

Adult  female.  Colored  almost  exactly  like  the  adult  male,  excepting  that  there  is  no  black  patch  on  the  cheek  and  the 
colors  below  are  perhaps  a  trifle  lighter. 

Adult  in  autumn.  Quite  similar  to  the  spring  dress  but  darker,  especially  above,  while  there  are  strong  traces  of  ashy 
on  the  throat. 

Nestling  male.  Retains,  to  a  great  extent,  the  pattern  of  marking  seen  in  the  adult.  The  black  bandings  above  are 
much  broader.  The  tail  is  not  barred  but  is  edged  on  the  outer  webs  with  yellowish-white.  The  under  parts  are  lighter 
and  the  spots  are  not  as  dark  nor  is  the  crescent  as  long  but  the  cheek  patches  are  large.  The  top  of  the  head  is  sprinkled 
with  red  and  the  scarlet  crescent  is  very  wide. 

Nestling  female.  Quite  similar  to  the  above  described  for,  strangely  enough,  the  black  cheek  patches  are  almost  al- 
ways present. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

There  is  considerable  variation  in  amount  of  color  and  especially  in  the  size  of  the  spots  which  are  larger  in  some  than 
in  others.  In  regard  to  the  highly  colored  Red-shafted  Flicker,  I  am  convinced  that  it  is  identical  witli  our  species  for,  as 
we  proceed  Westward,  we  find  that  the  two  forms  grade  insensibly  into  each  other.  Even  in  the  East,  notably  in  Penn- 
sylvania, it  is  not  unusual  to  find  specimens  showing. red  feathers  in  the  black  of  the  cheek  patches.  Specimens  taken  in 
Florida  are  not  only  smaller  in  size  but  are  darker  in  color  than  those  from  New  England.  Distributed  in  summer  throughout 
the  Eastern  Section  of  the  United  States.  Winters  in  the  Middle  and  Southern  Portions,  some  remaining  as  far  north  as 
New  England. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  nineteen  specimens  from  New  England.  Length,  12-50;  stretch,  19'25;  wing,  5'93;  tail, 
4-35;  bill,  1'25;  tarsus,  1-05.  Longest  specimen,  13-00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  80-00;  longest  wing,  6'27:  tail,  4'70;  bill, 
1-40;  tarsus,  I'OO.  Shortest  specimen,  12-00:  smallest  extent  of  wing,  18-50;  shortest  wing,  5'60;  tail,  4'05;  bill,  I'OO:  tar- 
sus, I'OO. 

Average  measurements  of  twenty-four  specimens  from  Florida.  Length,  12-37;  stretch,  18-75;  wing,  5-30;  tail,  4*40; 
bill,  T25;  tarsus,  -97.  Longest  specimen,  12'75;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  19'50;  longest  wing,  fi'OO;  tail,  4'85;  hill,  1'45; 
tarsus,  1'15.  Shortest  specimen,  ll'OO;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  18-00;  shortest  wing,  4'60;  tail,  3-95;  bill,  1'05;  tarsus, 
•80. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  cylinder-shaped  holes,  usu-ally  excavated  in  dead  trees.  Dimensions,  diameter  of  external  orifice,  2'50, 
greatest  internal,  5'00.  Internal  depth,  18'00. 

Eggs,  six  to  eight  in  number,  elliptical  in  form,  pure,  polished  pearly-white  in  color,  unspotted.  Dimensions  from 
•75x'90  to  -80x  I'OO.  A  specimen  from  Florida,  collected  by  Mr.  Fred  A.  Ober,  measures  '90x  T15.  The  number  of  eggs 
deposited  in  Florida  is  from  four  to  five. 

HABITS. 

The  Golden- winged  Woodpeckers  have  a  wide  distribution  and  their  well-known  notes 
are  to  be  heard  among  the  palms  which  border  the  wide-spread  savannas  of  the  extreme 
southern  main-land  of  Florida,  in  the  trackless  piney  woods  which  occupy  so  much  of  the 
country  along  the  Atlantic  sea-board,  in  the  fertile  valleys  of  Pennsylvania,  and  among 
the  pleasant  hill-side  farms  of  New  England.  As  they  are  not  only  showy  birds  and  con- 
sequently attract  attention,  but  also  make  themselves  conspicuous  by  their  loud  cries,  they 
are  noticed  by  nearly  every  one  and,  therefore,  receive  a  quantity  of  appellations  many  of 
which  are  to  be  found  in  the  table  of  local  names  given  at  the  end  of  the  present  volume. 

During  the  mild  days  of  early  spring  in  Massachusetts,  while  the  snow  still  lingers  in 
the  shadow  of  woods  and  on  northern  exposures,  the  rapidly  given  call  notes  of  this  spe- 
cies may  be  heard  coming  from  the  apple  orchards.  A  little  later,  when  the  season  has 
become  so  far  advanced  as  to  preclude  all  possibility  of  a  return  of  cold  weather,  these 
Woodpeckers  may  be  seen  together  in  small  companies  and  then  the  cry  which  is  probably 


COLAPTES  AURATUS.  233 

a  substitute  for  a  song,  i*  given.  This  rude  lay  which  consists  of  a  series  of  notes  uttered 
with  increasing  rapidity,  terminating:  abruptly,  is  so  harsh  as  to  be  somewhat  disagreeable 
when  heard  near  at  hand  but,  mellowed  by  distance  and  mingled  with  the  carol  of  the  Song 
Sparrow,  the  warble  of  the  Blue  Bird,  the  piping  of  the  hylas  in  the  meadows,  and  other 
.-••muds  so  characteristic  of  the  opening  spring-time,  it  is  far  from  unpleasant.  A  little  later 
in  the  season,  the  notes,  sounding  like  the  syllables,  yu-ca,  uttered  in  a  peculiar  manner, 
announces  that  the  breeding  season  is  approaching. 

Small  companies  may  lie  seen,  pursuing  one  another  about  the  trunks  of  trees  or  a- 
mong  the  branches,  dodging  about,  now  under,  now  over,  the  limbs,  or  dashing  through 
the  air,  onlv  to  alight  on  the  next  tree,  where  they  will  resume  their  sportive  antics.  These 
evolutions  are  performed  with  ease,  for  the  Golden-wings  glide  along  the  branches  smooth- 
ly, usually  without  the  jerking  motion  of  the  head,  observable  in  many  other  members  of 
the  family;  and  withal,  they  are  exceedingly  agile,  all  their  movements  being  performed 
with  marvelous  rapidity. 

About  the  first  of  May,  the  Golden-winged  Woodpeckers  begin  to  excavate  the  holes 
for  their  nests.  They  almost  always  select  a  dead  trunk  or  limb  for  this  purpose  but  will 
occasionally  choose  a  living  tree.  The  labor  of  drilling  is  performed  quite  expeditiously, 
both  sexes  being  employed.  The  bits  of  wood  removed  are  conveyed  to  a  distance  or  scat- 
tered over  the  ground  near  the  base  of  the  tree  which  contains  the  nest;  but  it  is  noticeable 
that  when  the  hole  is  b"ing  made  in  wood  which  is  quite  solid,  the  chips  are  carried  to  a 
greater  distance  than  when  the  task  is  performed  upon  a  partly  decayed  tree.  Thus  I  found 
a  newly  finished  nest,  only  a  few  days  ago,  which  was  built  in  an  old  apple-tree,  the  wood 
of  which  was  so  punky  that  it  crumbled  in  my  hand,  and  the  ground  about  the  base  of  the 
trunk  was  fairly  whitened  with  the  chips. 

It  is  wonderful  to  observe  with  what  ease  these  Woodpeckers  penetrate  hard,  dry 
wood.  I  once  kept  a  Golden-winged  Woodpecker  in  a  cage  which  was  only  wired  on  one 
side.  After  remaining  quietly  in  confinement  for  a  day  or  two,  the  bird  began,  one  morn- 
ing, to  drill  in  the  board  which  formed  the  side  of  his  prison  and,  in  an  incredible  short 
space  of  time,  had  formed  a  hole  of  sufficient  size  to  enable  him  to  escape  into  the  room. 
I  closed  the  hole  by  nailing  a  piece  of  wood  over  it  and  then  replaced  the  bird,but  he 
promptly  commenced  operations  in  the  same  place,  quickly  emerging  again  on  the  outer 
side.  I  noticed  that  the  wood  upon  which  he  was  working  was  saturated  with  moisture 
thai  u-as  evidently  saliva  secreted  by  glands  which  lie  along  the  sides  of  the  lower  mandi- 
ble. I  do  not  understand  why  the  bird  wet  the  wood  for  it  must  tend  to  toughten  it,  es- 
pecially if  it  were  pine  or  spruce;  yet  it  might  have  a  different  effect  upon  the  dead  limbs 
of  trees. 

The  bird  of  which  I  have  been  speaking,  became  quite  tame,  after  a  short  time  and, 
although  I  allowed  him  the  liberty  of  the  room,  he  would  always  go  into  the  box  to  eat  or 
roost.  The  door  of  his  cage  generally  stood  open,  yet  he  would  almost  always  avail  him- 
self of  the  hole  which  he  had  made  as  a  place  of  entrance  and  exit.  It  is  observable  that 
when  these  birds  wish  to  enter  a  barn,  which  they  do  quite  frequently,  especially  in  win- 
ter, they  will  always  do  so  by  a  hole  of  their  own  excavating  and,  when  surprised  in  their 

30 


234  HYLATOMUS  P1LEATUS. 

retreat,  will  always  dart  out  of  this  particular  hole,  even  if  the  sides  be  full  of  orifices 
through  which  they  might  readily  escape  into  the  open  air. 

As  remarked,  barns  are  the  favorite  resorts  of  these  Woodpeckers  in  some  sections 
during  winter,  yet  I  never  knew  of  their  nesting  in  them  but  they  do  use  ice-houses  for  this 
purpose  at  Ilyannis,  Massachusetts,  depositing  their  eggs  in  cavities  made  in  the  sawdust 
which  is  used  as  a  packing  between  the  double  walls.  The  eggs  are  laid  in  New  England 
about  the  first  week  in  May,  a  little  later  in  Pennsylvania,  but  I  found  them  in  Florida 
early  in  April. 

The  bears  of  the  latter  named  section,  especially  in  the  vicinity  of  Indian  River,  have 
the  singular  habit  of  ascending  the  palmettos  and  tearing  out  the  tender  last  growth  in 
order  to  eat  it,  thereby  killing  the  trees;  thus  there  are  many  of  the  leafless  trunks  along 
the  margin  of  the  hummocks.  These  form  excellent  breeding  places  for  the  Golden- winged 
Woodpeckers  and  they  almost  invariably  select  them  for  this  purpose.  This  species  is 
fond  of  insects  but  feeds  largely  on  ants  and  many  that  I  have  dissected,  both  North  and 
South,  had  their  stomachs  crammed  with  them.  These  birds  are  quite  expert  at  taking  in- 
sects on  the  wing  and  may  frequently  be  seen  in  autumn  engaged  in  this  occupation.  They 
are  also  very  fond  of  pears  and  apples  but  will  seldom  attempt  to  eat  them  unless  they  be 
overripe.  They  are  partial  to  corn  when  it  is  in  the  milk  and  the  one  which  I  had  in 
confinement  fed  almost  entirely  upon  meal.  The  Golden-winged  Woodpeckers  remain  in 
New  England  until  late  in  autumn  but  with  the  first  snow  the  majority  disappear,  a  few 
remaining  all  winter. 

GENUS  V.    IIYLATOMUS.     THE  BLACK  WOODPECKERS. 

GEN.  Cn.  Sternum,  nearly  twice  as  wide  as  the  height  of  the  keel.  Marginal  indentations,  not  equal  in  depth  to  the 
heigth  of  the  keel;  outer,  more  shallow  than  inner.  Manubrium,  moderate.  Terminal  hoolt  of  scapula,  rounded  on  upper 
and  lower  sides.  Tongue ,  provided  with  a  long ,  extensible  sheath,  while  the  cerato-hyals  are  greatly  elongated  and  extend  a- 
round  the  lack  of  the  skull.  Proventriculus,  very  large.  Stomach,  not  very  muscular.  Salivary  glands,  quite  well  devel- 
oped. Both  mandibles,  straight.  Head,  crested. 

Members  of  this  genus  are  marked  on  the  top  of  the  head  with  scarlet  but  the  prevailing  color  on  the  body  is  black, 
relieved  by  markings  of  white.  The  tail  feathers  are  quite  acuminate.  The  hind  toe  exceeds  one  half  the  length  of  the 
outer  which  is  projected  backward.  There  is  but  one  species  within  our  limits. 

HYLATOMUS  PILEATTJS. 
Pileated  "Woodpecker. 

Hylatomus pileatus  BAIRD,  Birds  N.  A  .;  1858,  107. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  Sternum,  stout.  Tongue,  rather  thin  and  horny  at  the  tip  which  is  provided 
~with  barbs  for  two  thirds  of  the  terminal  length.  The  extensible  sheath  occupies  about  one  half  of  the  length  of  the  tongue. 
The  salivary  glands  are  moderate  in  size.  There  are  no  laryngeal  muscles,  excepting  the  sterno-trachealis  which  is  stout.  The 
tympaniform  membrane  is  present  and  although  there  is  an  os  transversale,  yet  it  does  not  support  a  semilunar  membrane. 
The  oesophagus  is  without  dilatation  and  opsns  into  a  very  large,  somewhat  cylindrical,  proventriculus  which  measures  about 
1  '05  in  external  diameter  by  T75  inlength.  The  gastric  glands  are  rather  numerous,  simple,  and  occupy  a  wide  zonular  band. 
The  stomach  is  rather  flat  in  form  and  quite  small,  measuring  '65  in  external  width.  The  walls  are  not  very  muscular,  and 
the  lining  membrane  is  finely  rugose.  The  fold  of  the  duodenum  is  quite  long,  inclosing  a  wide  pancreas  which  is  of  a  very 
irregular  form.  The  spleen  is  an  elliptical  body  lying  over  the  proventriculus.  Both  lobes  of  the  liver  are  about  equal  in 
size. 


P1LEATED  WOODPECKER.  „  235 

COLOR.  Ar/u/t  mala.  General  color  throushout,  sooty-black  with  the  throat,  line  extendingfrom  nostril,  down  the  sides 
of  neck,  to  the  side  of  upper  breast,  line  hack  of  eye,  extreme  tips  of  primaries,  basal  half  of  primaries,  excepting  outer 
webs  of  outer  two,  basal  half  of  secondaries,  and  narrow  tippings  to  feathers  of  sides,  white.  Top  of  head,  including  occi- 
put, crest,  and  maxillury  patches,  scarlet. 

Ailultf'inalr.  Similar  to  tlie  male,  but  lacks  the  scarlet  maxillary  patch  which  is  replaced  by  black,  and  the  anterior 
portion  of  the  head  is  sooty-brown  with  the  feathers  tipped  with  yellowish. 

Yauntf.  Differs  from  the  adult  in  having  more  white  edging  to  the  feathers  below  while  a  sulphury  tinge  pervades  the 
broad  white  markings  ,,('  the  head  and  is  especially  noticeable  beneath  the  wing,  but  there  are  few,  or  no,  white  tippings  to 
the  primaries.  Iris,  yellow,  bill,  black,  bluish  at  base  of  lower  mandible,  and  feet,  greenish-brown,  in  all  .stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

This  Woodpecker  is  readily  distinguished  from  all  others,  excepting  the  Ivory-billed,  by  its  superior  size,  and  from  this 
latter  named  species  by  the  almost  uniform  color  above  as  well  as  by  the  black  hill.  Specimens  vary  but  little;  occasionally 
n  female  will  have  scarlet  feathers  dotting  the  darker  patch  of  the  anterior  portion  of  the  head  and  the  amount  of  white 

cially  the  tippings  of  the  wings,  is  not  always  the  same.  Specimens,  from  Florida  are  much  smaller  than  those  from 
Maine  but  are  only  slightly  darker  in  shade.  Distributed  asaconstant  resident,  throughout  North  America  but  are  found 
only  in  the  heavily  wooded  districts. 

DDIENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  seven  specimens  from  the  North.  Length,  18-25;  stretch,  28-50;  wing,  9'00;  tail,  6-75;  bill, 
2-35;  tar-us.  1-30.  Longest  specimen,  18-75;  greatest  extentofwing,  2!)-(K»;  longest  wing,9'50;  tail,7'00;  bill,  2'50;  tarsus, 
I'ifi-  S  -,i;vim  MI,  17-.">:>;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  23'00;  shortest wing,  8-50;  tail,  6-50;  bill,  2-25:  tarsus,  1-20. 

A\erage  measurements  of  sixteen  specimens  from  Florida.  Length,  16-3-2;  stretch,  2(i-50;  wing,  8-50;  tail,  G'02;  bill, 
1-75:  Ursus,  !•:$;).  L  >ng.-st  sj.ee.imen,  17'50;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  23-00;  longest  wing,  'J'OO:  tail,  6-75;  bill,  2-10;  tar- 
sus. 1-50.  Shortest  specimen,  15-15;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  25-00;  shortest  wing,  8'00;  tail,  5-30;  bill,  140;  tarsus,  T10. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

.V.S-/5,  placed  in  cylinder-shaped  holes,  generally  excavated  in  dead  trees.  Dimensions,  diameter  of  external  orifice, 
3-00.  greatest  internal,  (i'OO.  Internal  depth,  20'00. 

Eyys,  four  to  six  in  number,  elliptical  in  form,  pure,  polished  pearly-white  in  color.  Dimensions  from  -90x  1-05  to 
•95x1-10. 

HABITS. 

No  one  who  has  studied  the  habits  of  birds,  Will  hesitate  to  say  that  Woodpeckers,  as 
well  as  carpenters,  may  be  known  by  their  chips.  When  we  see  small  bits  of  wood  lying 
about  the  base  of  a  tree,  we  are  sure  that  some  of  the  smaller  species  have  been  at  work; 
larger  pieces  indicate  that  the  labor  has  been  performed  by  the  Golden-wing,  but  when  we 
meet  with  a  tree  trunk  denuded  throughout  its  entire  extent  and  the  bark  lying  in  piles 
at  its  roots,  often  ih  blocks  six  inches  square,  it  becomes  obvious  that  such  a  task  could 
have  been  accomplished  by  no  other  than  the  Great  Pileatcd  Woodpecker.  The  sound  of 
his  hammer  and  chisel  is  also  remarkable,  for  none  among  the  Woodpeckers,  save  the  Ivory- 
bill,  can  strike  such  resounding  blows,  each  of  which  produces  a  marked  effect.  All  this 
labor  is  performed  for  the  sake  of  finding  insects,  for  the  Pileated  is  the  most  indefatigable 
of  all  the  family  in  hunting  this  kind  of  prey.  They  are  also  very  fond  of  ants  and  I  have 
frequently  found  them,  both  in  Pennsylvania  and  further  south,  at  work  on  prostrate  trees 
which  were  inhabited  by  these  insects.  They  will  oat  fruit  and  are  partial  to  the  berries 
of  the  palmetto,  feeding,  in  Florida,  upon  little  else  when  these  arc  in  season. 

In  general  habits,  this  large  Woodpecker  does  not  differ  especially  from  the  Golden- 
wing.  The  notes  are  not  strickingly  unlike,  those  of  the  Pileated  being,  of  course,  louder 
and  they  end  more  abruptly.  Both  have  the  same,  energetic  way  of  throwing  the  head 
back  when  at  work,  in  order  to  glance  quickly  around,  and  the  flight  of  both  is  similar; 


236  HYLATOMUS  P1LEATVS. 

while,  in  the  wilds  of  Florida,  whore  neither  are  shot,  one  is  as  unsuspicious'  as  the  other, 
for  I  have  often  walked  within  twenty  yards  of  the  Pileated,  even  when  there  was  nothing 
to  conceal  me  from  the  bird. 

The  Pileated  Woodpeckers  inhabit  the  huge  forests  of  Northern  New  England,  never 
occurring  in  small  growths  of  timber;  hence  are  now  seldom,  if  ever,  found  in  Eastern 
Massachusetts  although  they  are  occasionally  taken  in  the  western  portion  of  the  state. 
They  are  not  uncommon  in  the  mountain  valleys  of  Pennsylvania  but  I  found  them  much 
more  common  as  I  proceeded  south  and  in  the  uninhabited  sections  of  Florida,  they  arc  very 
abundant. 

The  Pileated  Woodpeckers  are  found  in  this  latter  named  section,  both  in  the  hum- 
mocks and  in  the  piney  woods.  It  is  probable  that  they  breed  in  both  kinds  of  woodland 
but  the  only  nest  that  I  ever  saw  was  built  in  a  dead  stub  which  stood  on  the  edge  of  a 
clearing  at  Miami.  I  had  noticed  a  pair  of  these  Woodpeckers,  flying  about  the  place, 
early  in  March  and,  although  I  conjectured  that  they  were  either  drilling  their  hole  or  about 
to  do  so,  it  was  not.  until  the  twenty-eighth  of  the  month,  that  I  chanced  to  discover  their 
home. 

It  was  placed  in  a  fire-blackened  stub  which  was  about  three  feet  in  diameter  and  the 
opening  to  the  nest  was,  at  least,  thirty  feet  from  the  ground.  I  did  not  attempt  to  as- 
cend to  it  that  day  as  I  was  unprovided  with  any  instruments  with  which  to  enlarge  the 
hole.  The  next  day,  I  returned  with  a  small  ax  which  I  had  borrowed  of  a  cracker  woman 
who  lived  near,  and  with  great  difficulty,  managed  to  scramble  up  the  trunk.  This  labor 
was  not  only  arduous,  but  decidedly  unpleasant,  for  the  surface  of  the  wood  was  reduced 
to  charcoal  which  crumbled  into  a  fine,  black  dust  beneath  my  grasp.  At  length,  how- 
ever, I  reached  a  projecting  limb  beneath  the  nest  and,  fortunately,  near  enough  forme  to 
reach  it  conveniently.  At  this  stage  of  my  proceedings,  the  female  bird  darted  out  of  the 
hole  and,  now  certain  of  obtaining  the  eggs,  I  at  once  began  to  cut  the  tree.  As  I  was 
obliged  to  hold  on  with  one  hand  and  wield  the  ax  with  the  other,  I  could  not  make  over 
half  a  dozen  strokes  without  stopping  to  rest.  The  tree  was  old,  having  evidently  been 
dead  for  years  and  the  wood  was  as  hard  as  ivory;  thus,  although  I  labored  diligently,  only 
pausing  to  wipe  away  the  perspiration  that  streamed  down  my  cheeks  or  to  clear  my  eyes 
of  the  dust,  it  was  two  hours  before  I  had  opened  a  hole  of  sufficient  size  to  enable  me  to 
reach  the  bottom  of  the  orifice.  I  eagerly  thrust  in  my  hand  and —  found  nothing  but  chips. 
I  do  not  believe  that  there  was  a  more  disappointed  man  than  myself  in  the  whole  state 
of  Florida.  I  slid  down  the  tree  in  no  enviable  state  of  mind  and,  going  to  the  cracker's 
shanty  to  return  the  fix,  was  greeted  with  a  look  of  surprise  from  the  woman  who  owned 
the  place,  which  quickly  gave  way  to  one  of  amusement  followed  by  loud  laughter.  In- 
dignant at  such  treatment  after  my  ill  success,  I  was  about  to  turn  away  without  a  word, 
when  she  held  up  a  small  looking-glass  before  me  and  a  glance  showed  me  the  cause  of 
her  merriment.  The  charcoal  dust  combined  with  the  moisture  had  so  completely  covered 
my  face  that  I  was  as  black  as  the  blackest  darky  that  ever  boasted  of  African  origin.  A 
vigorous  washing  with  soap  and  water  soon  set  this  to  rights  and  I  then  took  my  way  camp- 
ward,  fully  determined  not  to  trust  to  outward  appearances  again  when  I  found  a  Pileated 


r  i  i  n i  .    , 


CAMPEP HILL'S  PRINC IPAL1S.  237 

Woodpecker's  nest.  Upon  returning  to  the  same  tree,  a  short  time  after,  I  started  the 
female  ('nun  her  dilapidated  nest;  in  a  day  or  two  after  this,  however,  I  sent  a  negro  lad 
up  into  the  same  tree  in  order  to  secure  the  eggs  of  a  Sparrow  Hawk  which  were  placed 
in  a  natural  cavity  HI  a  limb,  at  least  sixty  feet  in  air,  and  when  passing  the  nest  of  the 
Woodpecker,  he  looked  in  but  neither  of  the  birds  were  present  nor  did  I  see  them  in  the 
neighborhood,  so  concluded  that  they  had  deserted  their  home.  I  have  little  doubt,  how- 
ever, but  that  the  birds  would  have  deposited  their  eggs  in  that  nest,  had  I  taken  more 
care  in  opening  the  cavity. 

The  Pileatcd  Woodpeckers  are  not  at  all  migratory,  being  constantly  resident,  even  in 
Northern  Maine,  although  it  is  highly  probable  that  they  wander  in  the  North  during  win- 
ter. In  Florida,  however,  wheh  a  pair  become  attached  to  any  particular  locality,  they 
seldom,  if  ever,  leave  it  but  spend  their  entire  lives  in  a  limited  area. 

GENUS  VI.    CAMPKl'IIILUS.    THE  SCARLET-CRESTED  WOODPECKERS. 

Gi:\.  CM.  Sternum,  not  twice  as  wide  as  the  hciyht  of  the  keel.  Marginal  indentations,  equal  in  depth  to  about  one  half 
tlf  hfii/th  ,if  thi  I,' 1 1:  outer,  more  shallow  than  inner.  Manubrium,  very  small.  Terminal  hook  ofscapu/a,  nearly  straight 
on  tlic  UJI/H  r.  am/  rounded  nn  the  litwer,  side.  Tonyuc,  provided  with  a  tony,  extensible  sheath,  while  the  ceraio-hyats  are 
yr>  nt1::  '  loni/iiti  il  ami  extend  around  the  back  of  the  skull.  Proncntriculus ,  quite  larye.  Stomach,  not  very  muscular.  Sal- 
irary  ylanils,  quite  toell  developed.  Both  mandililet,  straight.  Head,  crested. 

In  nic:ii!irrs  <>f  thi-  genus,  the  males  are  marked  on  the  occiput  with  scarlet.     The  prevailing  color  on  the  liody  is  Mack, 
relieved  by  conspicuous  marking  of  'white,  especially  on  the  wings.     The  tail  feathers  arequite  acuminate.     The  hind  toe  is 
about  one  half  the  length  of  the  outer  which  is  projected  backward.     As  in  tl>e  preceding  genus,  the  head  is  large  and  the 
neck  lung  and  thin.     There  is  but  one  species  within  our  limits. 
• 

CAMPEPHILUS  PRINCIPALIS. 

Ivory-billed  Woodpecker. 
Campephilus  printipalis  GRAY,  List  of  Genera;  1840. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  Sternum,  stout.  Tongue,  rather  thin  and  horny  at  the  tip  which  is  provided 
with  barbs  for  two  thirds  of  the  terminal  length.  The  extensible  sheath  occupies  about  one  half  of  the  length  of  the  tongue. 
The  salivary  glands  are  moderate  in  size.  There  are  no  laryngeal  muscles,  excepting  the  sterno-trnchealis  which  is  very  stout. 

tympanifonn  membrane  is  present  and  although  there  is  an  os  transversale,  yet  it  does  not  support  a  semilunar  mem- 
brane. 

<  'OI.OR.  Adult  male.  Uniform  glossy  black  having  greenish  reflections,  with  a  line  from  below  the  cur  coverts,  running 
down  the  neck,  broadening  on  the  shoulders,  and  extending  along  the  back,  short  line  at  base  of  bill,  not  reaching  the  eye, 
expo-ed  portion  of  primaries  and  basal  portion  of  two  or  three  inner  primaries,  and  under  wing  coverts,  white.  Occiput, 
and  portion  extending  forward  nearly  to  the  eye,  forming  a  point,  and  back  of  upper  neck,  scarlet. 

Adult  female.  Similar  to  the  male,  but  lacks  the  scarlet  on  the  head  which  is  replaced  by  black.  Iris,  yellow,  bill, 
ivory-white,  feet,  greenish,  in  all  stages.  K 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Thi-  species  may  be  at  once  distinguished  from  all  the  others  which  occur  within  our  limits,  by  the  large  size,  white 
bill  and  secondaries.  They  are  constantly  resident  in  Florida  and  are  found  rarely  in  the  other  Gulf  Suites  as  well  as  in  the 

Carolines  and  along  the  Mississippi  Valley  to  Southern  Illinois. 

t 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements.  Length,  20-35;  stretch,  31-00,  wing,  9-30;  tail,  6'35;  bill,  2'75;  tarsus,  1-80.  Longest  speci- 
men, 21-00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  32-00;  longest  wing.U'GO;  tail,  (i'5();  bill,  2'80;  tarsus,  2-00.  Shortest  specimen,  19-75; 
smallest  extent  of  wing,  30'00;  shortest  wing,  9'00;  tail,  6'25;  bill,  2"«5;  tarsus,  1'60. 


238  IVORY-BILLED   WOODPECKER. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  cylinder-shaped  holes,  generally  excavated  in  living  trees.  Dimensions,  diameter  of  external  orifice, 
4-00,  greatest  internal,  7'00.  Internal  depth,  SO'OO. 

Ei/ffs,  four  to  six  in  number,  elliptical  in  form,  pure,  polished  pearly-white  in  color.  Dimensions  (approximate)  from 
•95x1-10  to  l-OOxl-15. 

HABITS. 

The  Ivory-bill,  prince  among  Woodpeckers,  once  abundant  throughout  the  Southern 
States,  north  to  the  Carolinas  on  the  east  and  up  the  Mississippi  Valley  to  Illinois  on  the 
west,  is  now  quite  rare,  being  restricted  to  very  limited  areas.  Even  in  Florida,  that  last 
strong  hold  for  many  species  of  birds  which  are  in  danger  of  being  exterminated,  it  is  com- 
mon in  but  one  section.  This  is  the  Gulf  Hummock,  an  extensive  track  of  heavily  wood- 
ed land,  uninhabited,  save  by  camps  of  cedar  hunters,  which  extends  from  the  Suwannee 
River,  eastward,  nearly  to  the  Oclawaha.  Here  they  are  quite  numerous  for  they  are  sel- 
dom, if  ever,  disturbed.  They  also  occur  regularly,  but  rarely,  in  a  belt  of  country  be- 
tween the  Gulf  Hummock  and  the  lagoons  which  extend  along  the  Atlantic  coast.  Although 
they  were  not  unfrequent  in  the  latter  named  section  some  ten  years  ago,  at  the  present 
time,  they  are  quite  rare  for  they  have  not  only  been  persistently  hunted  by  collectors,  but 
many  have  met  their  fate  at  the  hands  of  tourists  who  appear  to  consider  all  birds  in  Florida 
larger  than  a  Sparrow  as  legitimate  prey. 

The  Ivory-billed  Woodpeckers  inhabit  the  thick  hummocks  and  swamps,  seldom  ap- 
pearing in  the  piney  woods,  but  one  who  is  skilled  in  interpreting  bird  notes,  will  have  no 
difficulty  in  detecting  their. presence  for  their  loud  cries  which  differ  considerably  from 
those  uttered  by  the  Pileated,  are  constantly  given  when  the  birds  are  feeding.  When 
once  heard,  they  may  be  approached  quite  readily  as  they  are  not  generally  very  shy.  I 
have  been  informed  by  the  cedar  hunters  that  this  species  always  nests  in  living  trees,  gen- 
erally huge  live-oaks,  beginning  to  build  during  the  latter  part  of  February. 

These  large  and  handsome  Woodpeckers  generally  go  in  pairs  throughout  the  year 
and,  as  they  do  not  wander  much,  even  in  winter,  certain  birds  may  always  be  found  in 
particular  sections  of  a  hummock  or  swamp.  When  flying,  they  are  silent,  moving  with  a 
heavy,  rather  undulating,  flight,  similar  to  that  of  the  Pileated  Woodpecker  but  the  Ivory- 
bills  may  always  be  distinguished,  even  when  at  a  distance,  by  the  snowy  whiteness  of 
their  secondaries.  Like  many  species  of  this  family,  they  appear  to  have  a  predilection 
for  the  vicinity  of  water  and  I  have  frequently  observed  them  crossing  the  St.  John's  River 
in  advance  of  the  steamer  on  which  I  was  proceeding  up  the  stream. 

This  occurred  some  years  ago  but  I  doubt  if,  at  the  present  time,  many  of  these  noble 
Woodpeckers  are  to  be  found  in  the  vicinity  of  the  St.  John's,  for  it  is  a  lamentable  fact, 
that  they  are  rapidly  becoming  exterminated  in  all  sections  of  Florida  which  are  visited  by 
tourists. 

As  related,  the  last  strong  hold  of  the  Ivory-billed  Woodpecker  is  in  the  Gulf  Hum- 
mock but  how  long  they  will  remain  unmolested  in  this  fastness,  is  a  problem  which  the 
settlement  of  that  portion  of  the  country  will  solve  before  many  years  have  passed.  Then, 
unless  they  be  protected  by  stringent  laws,  they  will  disappear  from  the  surface  of  the 


PICUS  V1LLOSUS.  239 

globe.  Tlir  probable  extinction  of  any  species  of  bird  appears  to  me  worthy  tbe  attention 
of  the  National  Government,  for  such  a  calamity  is  to  be  deplored  by  the  entire  Scientific 
World.  Some  elWts  have  been  made  by  the  Florida  legislature  to  protect  birds  which 
occur  in  that  state  from  wanton  destruction  but  I  understand  that  these  laws  have  been 
repealed.  If  this  be  a  fact,  such  a  proceeding  cannot  be  too  severely  censured  for,  unless 
such  attractive  birds  as  the  Herons,  Spoonbills,  Parakeets,  Anhingas,  Ivory-billed  Wood- 
peckers, etc.,  etc.,  be  protected  by  urgent  laws,  it  will  not  be  many  years  before  Florida, 
once  so  famous  for  the  varied  hues  of  her  feathered  tribe  which  added  so  much  to  the  pict- 
uresque beauty  of  her  winding  streams  and  wooded  shores;  Florida!  the  land  of  flowers  and 
of  birds,  will  have  lost  one  of  her  greatest  charms — the  birds:  and,  if  it  were  possible  for 
the  hand  of  vandalism  to  destroy  them,  I  doubt  if  it  would  even  leave  her  the  flowers. 
Should  not  we,  then,  who  love  to  contemplate  the  unmplested  beauties  of  Nature,  make  an 
effort  to  preserve  them  for  the  enjoyment  of  the  coming  generations?  I,  for  one,  think  so 
and  let  us  keep  in  mind  that,  if  this  is  to  be  done  at  all,  it  must  be  done  quickly,  certainly 
as  regards  such  birds  as  the  Ivory-billed  Woodpecker. 

<  i  KM  .S  VII.    PICUS.    THE  BLACK  AND  WHITE  WOODPECKERS. 

<!K\.  Cii.  Sternum,  not  twice  as  wide  as  the  heiyht  of  (he  keel.  Marginal  indentations,  nearly  equal  in  depth  to  the 
tuiyth  of  thekee};  outer,  more  shallow  than  inner.  Mamtbrium,  moderate.  Terminal  hook  of  scapula,  variable.  Tonyue, 
}>rm-i,li  il  iri/>i  n  /<>«;/,  extensible  sheath,  while  the  ceralo-hyals  are  (/really  elonyated  and  extend  around  the  back  of  the  skull. 
Pr.i-  ntriru'w,  s:mll.  Stomach,  not  very  muscular.  Salivary  glands,  notvery  well  developed.  Both  mandible*,  straight. 
Head,  not  crested.  .1 

In  members  of  this  genus,  the  prevailing  color  above  is  black,  relieved  hy  white  markings  and  the  moles  are  marked,  to 
a  greater  or  lest  extent,  on  the  occiput  with  scarlet.  The  tail  feathers  are  very  acuminate.  The  hind  toe  is  less  than  one 
half  the  length  of  the  outer  which  is  projected  backward.  Theheadisnotstrickingly  large  nor  is  the  neck  very  thin.  The 
bill  is  about  equal  to  the  head  in  length.  There  are  no  laryngeal  muscles,  excepting  the  sterno-trachealis  which  is  very 
stout.  The  tympanifonn  membrane  is  present  and  although  there  is  an  os  transversale,  yet  it  does  not  support  a  semilunar 
membrane.  The  o>-<  iphagus  is  without  dilatation  and  opens  into  a  small  proventriculus  which  measures  about  •  15  in  exter- 
nal diameter  by  'SOinlength  in  bo  real  is.  The  gastric  glands  are  rather  numerous,  simple,  and  occupy  a  zonular  band.  The 
stomach  is  rather  globular  in  form  and  quite  large,  while  the  walls  are  not  very  thick,  and  the  lining  membrane  is  finely  ru- 

.  The  fold  of  the  duodenum  is  not  very  long,  inclosing  a  wide  pancreas.  The  spleen  is  an  elliptical  body  lying  over 
the  cardiac  opening  of  the  stomach.  Both  lobes  of  the  liver  are  about  equal  in  size.  There  are  three  species  within  oar 
limits. 

PICUS  VILLOSUS, 

Hairy  Woodpecker. 

Piau  vithsus  LINN.,  Syst.  Nat.,  I;  1766,  175. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sr.  Cn.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  Sternum,  stout.  Tongue,  rather  thin  and  horny  at  the  tip  which  is  provided 
with  barbs  for  one  third  of  the  terminal  length.  The  extensible  sheath  occupies  about  one  half  of  the  length  of  the  tongue. 
Terminal  hook  of  scapula,  angled  above  and  below. 

•in.  Adult  male.  Glossy  black  above,  including  sides  of  head  and  line  extending  down  on  to  the  the  sides,  with 
the  bristly  feather-  at  ba-e  of  bill,  line  extending  from  just  in  front  of  eye,  inclosing  it,  and  reaching  occiput,  line  from  the 
base  of  bill,  running  d  >wn  sMes  of  neck,  broad  line  along  middle  of  back,  spots  on  outer  websof  wing  feathers,  all  but  ba- 
sal portion  of  three  outer  tail  feathers,  and  tips  of  next  pair,  white.  Patches  on  sides  of  occiput,  scarlet.  Under  portion, 
including  under  wing  coverts,  white,  with  the  latter  spotted  with  black  on  the  center  of  the  second  row  of  feather-. 

Adult  female.  Similar  to  the  male,  but  lacks  the  scarlet  on  the  head  which  is  replaced  by  black,  and  the  white  on  the 
tail  is  not  as  extended. 


240  HAIRY  WOODPECKER. 

Young.  There  is  a  sulphury  tinge  to  the  white  markings  and  the  inner  white  tail  feather  is  tipped  with  black,  in 
both  sexes  and,  in  the  male,  the  scarlet  patch  on  the  occiput  is  more  restricted;  otherwise  similar  to  the  adult.  Iris,  red- 
dish-brown, bill,  black,  bluish  at  base  of  lower  mandible,  and  foot,  bluish,  in  all  tli3  preceding  stages. 

Nettling  male.  Very  much  tinged  on  the  white  with  sulphury,  the  forehead  is  spotted  with  white,  and  the  top  of  the 
head  is  spotted  with  scarlet;  otherwise  as  in  the  young  fomaie. 

Nestling  female.  A  specimen  before  me,  belonging  to  the  Tangs  Brothers,  taken  from  the  nest  in  Lincoln,  Mas>aoliu- 
setts,  on  the  eighteenth  of  June,  1877,  and  which  was  only  Imlf^rown,  has  the  forehead  spotted  with  white  and  is  slightly 
tinged  with  sulphury  on  the  white;  otherwise  similar  to  the  young  female. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Specimens  from  the  South,  although  smaller  in  size,  do  not  differ  strickingly  in  color.  They  may,  however,  be  a  trifle 
darker  as  an  average  but  there  is  considerable  variation  in  this  respect  in  birds  from  all  sections;  thus,  a  skin  taken  at 
Smithvillc,  North  Carolina,  shows  as  much,  or  more,  white  as  nny  from  Pennsylvania  or  from  further  north.  A-  tl.cn-  is  u 
most  perfect  gradation  in  size,  from  the  large  northern  variety  to  the  small  southern  one,  I  do  not  see  the  feasibility  of  ap- 
plying a  name  to  either  extreme  as  it  is  not  possible  to  draw  a  line  between  them,  and  the  same  remarks  might  be  applica- 
ble to  almost  any  geographical  race,  unless  it  be  separated  from  its  allies  by  some  natural  division  which  prevents  any  two 
forms  from  intergrading.  Distributed,  as  a  constant  resident,  throughout  North  America 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  seven  specimens  from  New  England.  Length,  9  85;  stretch,  14'70;  wing,  4'83;  tail,  3'55; 
bill,  1'23;  tarsus,  '92.  Longest  specimen,  10'50;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  10-50;  longest  wing,  5'07:  tail,  4-00;  bill,  l'3fl; 
tarsus,  1-00.  Shortest  specimen,  9'20;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  13'(K);  shortest  wing,  4'60;  tail,  3'10;  bill,  1  10:  tarsus,  -85. 

Average  measurements  of  live  specimens  from  Florida.  Length,  8'70;  stretch,  14'00,  wing,  4'65;  tail,  2"J7;  bill,  1'OsJ; 
tarsus, '67.  Longest  specimen,  8'9i);  greatest  extent  of  wing,  lj'00;  1. ingest  wing,4'75:  tail,  3'20;  bill,  1'05;  tarsus, '75. 
Shortest  specimen,  8'50;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  IS'OO;  shortest  wing,  4'50;  tail,  2'75;  bill,  I'OO;  tarsus,  '60. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  cylinder-shaped  holes,  generally  excavated  in  dead  trees.  Dimensions,  diameter  of  external  orifice, 
2-00,  greatest  internal,  2-50.  Internal  depth,  15-00. 

Eygs,  four  or  five  in  number,  elliptical  in  foim,  ]:uie,  pcl'sl  cd  rearlj-yhitc  in  cclor.  Dimensions  from  65x  •  70-  to 
•75  x -80. 

HABITS. 

The  Hairy  Woodpeckers  have,  like  the  Golden-wing,  a  wide  distribution,  being  found 
in  nearly  all  localities  from  Maine  to  Florida  but,  in  some  sections,  they  are  much  more 
common  than  in  others.  Thus,  I  have  found  them  exceedingly  abundant  in  the  vast  for- 
ests of  Northern  Maine  in  autumn  but,  in  Massachusetts,  they  are  not  of  very  frequent 
occurrence,  even  in  fall  or  winter,  and  are  rare  in  summer.  They  occur  in  all  the  wooded 
sections  of  Pennsylvania  as  a  moderately  common  resident,  are  not  unusual  south  of  this 
point,  especially  in  the  Carolinas,  and  in  Florida,  I  have  taken  them  quite  frequently,  al- 
though, when  compared  with  many  other  of  the  smaller  Woodpeckers,  as  regards  numbers, 
in  a  section  where  representatives  of  the  families  are  so  abundant,  they  appear  quite  un- 
common, for  I  did  not  find  one  Hairy  where  I  found  a  hundred  of  the  Cockaded  or  Red 
and  Yellow-bellied. 

Although  these  Woodpeckers  are  found  in  such  a  vast  extent  of  country,  their  habits 
do  not  differ  noticeably,  neither  do  those  which  live  in  the  piney  woods  of  Florida,  utter 
any  different  notes  from  those  which  inhabit  the  forests  of  Maine.  It  is  observable,  how- 
ever, that  in  the  South,  the  harsh,  abruptly  given  cry  is  not  repeated  as  frequently  as  in 
the  North,  neither  is  the  rattling  call  produced  by  striking  the  bill  on  a  dead  limb,  made 
as  often;  in  fact,  the  Woodpeckers  of  Florida,  of  all  species,  appear  to  \)G  affected  by  the 
enervating  climate  and  are  thus  much  more  indolent  than  birds  of  the  same  species  which 


HAIRY  WOODPECKER.  241 

are  hutched  in  more  bored  climes.  I  do  not  mean  to  say  that  Florida  Woodpeckers  have 
absolutely  no  energy,  for  energy  is  as  much  one  of  the  characteristics  of  a  Woodpecker  as 
is  his  wedge-shaped  bill  or  acuminate  tail,  but  only,  that  they  do  not  exhibit  this  quality 
to  such  an  extensive  degree  as  do  their  northern  brethren.  This  lack  of  enterprise  in 
Southern  Ilairys  is  also  shown  in  a  peculiar  way  for,  although  all  members  of  the  family 
arc  far  from  being  neat,  regarding  their  plumage,  yet  this  is  not  always  as  observable  as 
in  specimens  from  Florida.  The  piney  woods,  in  this  section,  are  very  often  burned;  con- 
sequently, the  tree  trunks  are  more  or  less  blackened  and,  as  the  Woodpeckers  run  up  and 
down  mi  them,  the  white  feathers  of  the  under  parts  become  tinged  with  it;  therefore,  as 
the  birds  neglect  to  clean  themselves,  in  course  of  time,  they  become  nearly,  or  quite,  as 
dusky  below  as  above.  Birds  of  this  species  from  Pennsylvania  and  Massachusetts  are 
generally  quite  clean  but  those  from  Maine  and  further  north,  have  their  tails  stained  by 
the  tannic  acid  from  the  hemlock  bark.  Thus,  aside  from  size,  it  is  quite  easy  to  tell  in 
what  section  on  the  coast  any  particular  specimen  was  taken  by  observing  these  extrane- 
ous marks.  Thus  I  have  noted  that  the  Hairy  Woodpeckers  which  occur  in  Massachu- 
setts in  winter,  seldom  have  buff-stained  tails;  consequently,  judge  that  they  do  not  come 
from  far  north,  yet  the  species  is  partly  migratory  for,  during  some  extreme  cold  seasons, 
we  do  occasionally  have  a  flight  of  northern  Hairy  Woodpeckers. 

I  have  never  seen  the  nest  of  Hairy  Woodpeckers  but  judge  that  they  breed  early.  I 
found  a  hole,  however,  containing  young,  during  the  first  week  in  June  at  Williamsport, 
Pennsylvania.  I  ascended  to  the  nest  which  was  built  in  a  small  dead  poplar  at  an  eleva- 
tion of  about  twenty  feet.  As  I  was  unable  to  reach  the  young,  I  could  not  ascertain  how 
old  they  were  but,  judging  by  the  loud,  continuous,  hissing  noise  which  they  made,  they 
must  have  been  quite  well  advanced.  The  nest  of  this  species  is  seldom  found  in  Eastern 
Massachusetts  and  I  know  of  but  two  instances  of  its  having  been  taken  here;  one,  as  re- 
lated under  description,  in  Lincoln  on  the  eighteenth  of  June,  1877,  by  the  Bangs  Broth- 
ers, which  contained  young  about  half  grown,  and  a  second,  by  Mr.  II.  A.  Purdie,  in 
Concord  on  the  thirtieth  of  May  last  past  (1879).  This  one  contained  eggs  nearly  ready 
to  hatch.  Thus  we  may  judge  that  the  eggs  are  deposited  about  the  tenth  of  may  in  Mass- 
achusetts, a  little  later  in  Maine,  a  week  or  so  earlier  in  Pennsylvania,  and  considerably 
in  advance  of  this  time  as  we  proceed  southward. 

The  Hairy  Woodpeckers,  as  far  as  I  have  observed,  feed  entirely  upon  insects,  largely 
upon  the  lame  of  the  boring  beetle.  They  have  been  accused  of  eating  the  inner  bark 
of  trees  and,  although  this  charge  can  scarcely  be  proved  against  our  Eastern  birds,  it  ap- 
pears that  the  same  species  West  is  not  above  suspicion  in  this  respect.  This  bark-eating 
propensity  must  be  indulged  in  to  a  limited  extent  and  few,  if  any,  who  have  given  the 
matter  close  attention,  will  venture  to  assert  that  the  Hairy  Woodpeckers  are  not  very  use- 
ful birds. 

The  Hairy  Woodpeckers  occur  as  far  south  as  Middle  Florida  but  I  never  saw  a  spec- 
imen at  Miami  or  among  the  Keys  although  it  is  probable  that  they  occur  rarely  in  all 
sections  of  the  main-land  but  I  do  not  think  that  they  breed  south  of  Cape  Cannaveral  on 
the  East,  yet  they  are  found  a  little  futher  south  on  the  West. 

31 


242  PICUS  PUBESCENS. 

PICTJS  PUBESCENS. 

Downy  Woodpecker. 
Pious pubescent  LINN.,  Syst.  Nat.,  I;  1766,  15. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  not  robust.  Size,  small.  Sternum,  not  very  stout.  Tongue,  rather  thin  and  horny  at  the  tip  which 
is  provided  with  barbs  for  one  third  of  the  terminal  length.  The  extensible  sheath  occupies  about  one  half  of  the  length  of 
the  tongue.  Terminal  hook  of  scapula,  angled  above  and  below. 

COLOU.  Adult  male.  Glossy  black  above,  including  sides  of  head  and  the  line  extending  down  on  to  the  sides,  with 
the  bristly  feathers  at  base  of  bill,  line  extending  from  just  in  front  of  eye,  inclosing  it,  and  reaching  occiput,  line  from  the 
base  of  bill,  running  downsides  of  neck,  broad  line  along  middleof  back,  spots  on  outer  webs  of  wing  feathers,  all  hut  ba- 
sal portion  of  three  outer  tail  feathers,  and  tips  of  next  pair,  white;  but  the  white  of  the  tail  is  more  or  less  barred  with 
black.  Crescent-shaped  mark  on  the  occiput,  scarlet.  Under  portion,  including  under  wing  and  tail  coverts,  yellowish- 
white. 

Adult  female.  Similar  to  the  male,  but  lacks  the  scarlet  on  the  head  which  is  replaced  by  white,  and  the  whi  te  on  the 
tail  is  not  as  extended. 

Young.  There  is  a  decidedly  sulphury  tinge  to  the  white  markings,  and  the  inner  white  tail  feathers  are  almost  en- 
tirely black,  in  both  sexes  and,  in  the  male,  the  scarlet  patch  on  the  occiput  is  more  restricted;  otherwise  similar  to  the 
adult. 

Next/ing  male.  Very  much  tinged  on  the  white  with  sulphury,  the  forehead  is  black,  occasionally  spotted  with  white, 
and  the  top  of  the  head  is  covered  with  scarlet,  but  there  is  a  white  line. crossing  the  occiput. 

Nestling  female.  Similar  to  the  male,  but  usually  has  the  forehead  spjtted  with  white  and  the  top  of  the  bead  is 
black.  A  specimen  before  me,  an  undoubted  female  of  my  own  dissecting,  has  the  feathers  on  the  top  of  the  head  slightly 
tipped  with  scarlet.  Iris,  reddish-brown,  bill,  blaak,  bluish  at  base  of  lower  mandible,  and  feet,  bulsh,  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

As  in  the  preceding  species,  specimens  from  the  South,  although  smaller  in  size,  do  not  differ  strickingly  in  color,  for 
there  is  considerable  variation  in  this  respect  in  birds  from  all  sections.  The  nestling  plumage  is  worn  but  a  short  time,  es- 
peciall}'  the  scarlet  on  the  head  which  is  soon  replaced  by  the  normal  color.  The  Hairy  and  Downy  Woodpeckers  may  be 
distinguished  from  all  others  which  occur  within  our  limits  by  the  broad  white  line  down  the  back.  The  Downy  may  be 
known  from  the  Hairy,  not  only  by  the  smaller  size,  but  also  by  the  banded  white  on  the  tail.  Distributed,  as  a  constant 
resident,  throughout  North  America, 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  fourteen  specimens  from  New  England.  Length,  6'90;  stretch,  1T68;  wing,  3'70;  tail,2'45; 
bill,  '67;  tarsus,  '80.  Longest  specimen,  7'15;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  12'25;  longest  wing,  3'90;  tail,  2'85;  bill,  '70;  tar- 
sus, '90.  Shortest  specimen,  6'25;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  10'92;  shortest  wing,  3'50;  tail,  2'10;  bill,  '55;  tarsus,  -70. 

Average  measurements  of  five  specimens  from  Florida.  Length,  6'30;  stretch,  11*40.  wing,  3*60;  tail,  21 17;  bill, '67; 
tarsus,  '65.  Longest  specimen,  6'50;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  1T80;  longest  wing,  3'80;  tail,  2'30;  bill,  '70;  tarsus,  '70. 
Shortest  specimen,  6 '10;*  smallest  extent  of  wing,  ll'OO;  shortest  wing,  3'40;  tail,  2'05;  bill,  '65;  tarsus,  '55. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  cylinder-shaped  holes,  generally  excavated  in  dead  trees.  Dimensions,  diameter  of  external  orifice, 
1-50,  greatest  internal,  2'50.  Internal  depth,  lO'OO. 

Eyys,  four  or  five  in  number,  elliptical  inform,  pure,  polished  pearly-white  in  color.  Dimensions  from  "SOx'GS  to 
•55x-70. 

HABITS. 

I  have  said,  or  rather  intimated,  elsewhere  that  the  Woodpeckers,  as  a  cla?s,  were 
endowed  with  a  superabundance  of  energy  but  there  are  none  among  them  all  which  dis- 
play such  an  amount  of  nervous  activity  as  the  little  Downy.  Always  busy;  now  climb- 
spirally  up  the  huge  bole  of  some  old  elm,  pausing  a  second  to  give  a  quick  tap  on  the 
bark;  then,  as  the  peculiar  sound  informs  them  that  the  wood  is  solid,  they  will  utter  their 


DOWNY  WOODPECKER.  243 

sharp  cry,  jerk  back  their  heads  in  order  to  give  a  hasty  glance  around,  and  move  upward. 
Almost  as  quickly  as  if  upon  the  wing,  they  will  gain  an  elevated  limb,  eighty  feet  or 
more  in  air;  then  the  resounding  blows  fall  thick  and  fast,  for  the  nice  ears  of  our  little 
friends  have  informed  them  that  an  insect  lurks  within.  This  mallet  and  chisel  applied 
with  such  persistence,  causes  the  bits  of  wood  to  fly  in  all  directions,  and  it  is  in  vain, 
that  the  plump  lame  which  has  been  fattening  upon  the  sap  of  the  tree,  retreats  further 
into  its  tunnel;  its  fate  is  sealed,  for  the  next  second,  it  is  impaled  upon  the  spear-like 
tongue  of  the  Woodpecker,  jerked  from  its  hiding  place,  and  quickly  transferred  to  a  safe 
receptacle. 

Thus  the  Downy  Woodpeckers  labor  on,  hour  after  hour,  day  in  and  day  out,  through-, 
out  the  year,  destroying  millions  on  millions  of  insects  which,  had  they  been  unmolested, 
would  have  done  an  incalculable  injury  to  the  husbandman.  Forest,  road-side,  and  or- 
chard, are  visited  in  turn  by  these  Woodpeckers,  thus  there  are  few  birds  which  are  better 
known,  than  our  little  spotted  friends.  They  are  called  Sapsuckers  by  many  for,  in  com- 
mon with  the  Hairy,  they  are  accused  of  eating  the  inner  bark  of  trees  but  I  do  not  think 
that  this  is  a  general  habit  with  them,  at  least  in  the  section  of  which  I  write.  It  is  true 
that  they  often  drill  holes  in  the  outer  bark  of  trees,  a  quarter  of  an  inch,  or  a  little  more, 
in  depth  but  I  never  saw  one  of  these  that  penetrated  to  the  fresh  bark  within.  I  do  not 
think  that  this  is  in  the  least  injurious  to  the  trees  or  that  they  are  drilled  by  the  birds 
with  the  intention  of  eating  bark  but  that  they  are  simply  following  the  promptings  of  what 
we  may  call  inherited  instinct.  We  find  that  the  California  Wodpeckers  store  acorns,  for 
winter  use,  in  holes  drilled  in  the  bark  for  this  purpose  but,  although  the  Downys  do  not 
actually  pack  away  insects  in  the  small  orifices  which  they  make,  yet  they  serve  as  kind  of 
store-houses  for  the  birds,  as  insects  enter  them  for  convenient  hiding  places  and  are  thus 
readily  found  by  the  sagacious  Woodpeckers. 

The  Downy  Woodpeckers  breed  in  all  sections,  from  Maine  to  Southern  Florida,  much 
more  commonly,  even  in  Eastern  Massachusetts,  than  is  generally  supposed.  They  are 
fond  of  nesting  by  road-sides,  often  drilling  their  holes  in  the  dead  limb  of  some  high  tree; 
thus  it  is  not  readily  seen  and,  as  the  birds  are  not  as  conspicuous  when  the  tree  is  covered 
with  foliage  as  in  winter,  they  pass  almost  unnoticed,  even  by  the  collector. 

The  eggs  are  deposited  during  the  second  week  of  May  in  New  England  but  much 
earlier  as  we  proceed  southward,  for  they  breed  in  March  in  Southern  Florida.  The  young 
leave  the  nest,  in  the  more  northern  section,  in  July,  about  the  fifteenth  of  the  month  and 
are  fed  by  their  parents  for  some  time;  at  this  point  of  their  lives,  their  bills  are  soft, 
therefore,  they  are  incapable  of  procuring  suitable  food  for  themselves. 

Like  the  Ilairys,  the  Downys  are  constantly  resident,  seldom  migrating,  excepting 
during  severe  winters,  but  in  the  cold  season  they  wander  considerably,  visiting  the  streets 
of  the  towns  and  villages  or  even  venturing  into  the  parks  of.the  great  cities.  Although 
the  Downys  are  everywhere  in  the  North,  yet,  in  Florida,  they  seldom,  if  ever,  occur  in 
the  hummocks,  having  a  decided  predilection  for  the  piney  woods.  They  are  rather  soli- 
ary  birds  in  habit,  being  found  oftener  alone  or  in  pairs,  than  with  other  members  of  the 
family. 


244  PICUS  BOREALIS. 


PICUS  BOREALIS. 

Cockaded  Woodpecker. 

•Picus  borealis  VIEILL.,  Oss.  Am.  Sept.,  II;  1807,  66. 

* 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  not  robust.  Size,  small.  Sternum,  not  very  stout.  Tongue,  rather  thin  and  horny  at  the  tip  which 
is  provided  with  barbs  for  one  third  of  the  terminal  length.  The  extensible  sheath  occupies  about  one  half  of  the  length  of 
the  tongue.  Terminal  hook  of  scapula,  angled  above  and  below. 

COLOR.  Adult  male.  Glossy  black  above,  including  sides  of  head,  the  line  extending  down  on  to  the  sides,  and  spots 
on  sides  and  flanks,  with  the  bristly  feathers  at  base  of  bill,  line  extending  "from  just  in  front  of  eye,  inclosing  it,  broadening 
out  over  ear  coverts  and  reaching  occiput,  transverse  bars  on  back  and  wings,  all  but  basal  portion  of  two  outer  tail  feath- 
ers, and  tips  of  next  pair,  white;  but  the  white  of  the  tail  is  more  or  less  barred  with  black.  Concealed  patches  on  the 
sides  of  occiput,  scarlet.  Under  portion,  including  under  tail  and  wing  coverts,  white,  with  the  s-econd  row  of  the  latter 
spotted  with  black.  • 

Adult  female.  Similar  to  the  male,  but  lacks  the  scarlet  on  the  head  which  is  replaced  by  black,  and  the  white  on  the 
tail  is  not  as  extended. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

There  is  more  black  spotting  below  in  some  specimens  than  in  others  but  they  are  generally  quite  uniform  in  color. 
Readily  known  f.-om  other  Wojdpeckers  by  the  absence  of  any  conspicuous  red  on  the  head,  combined  with  the  transverse 
bandings  above.  Distributed,  as  a  constant  resident,  throughout  the  Southern  Atlantic  States,  as  far  north  as  Pennsylva- 
nia, but  are  not  common  above  the  Carolinas. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  fifty  specimens  from  Florida.  Length,  8-25;  stretch,  14'37;  wing,  4'20;  tail,  3*35;  bill,  '80; 
tarsus,  -80.  Longest  specimen,  8'75;  greatest  extsnt  of  wing,  15'OG;  longest  wing,  5'00;  tail,  3'75;  bill,  '90;  tarsus,  '90- 
Shortest  specimen,  7'75;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  13'75;  shortest  wing,  3'40;  tail,  2'90;  bill,  '75;  tarsus,  '70. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  cylinder-shaped  boles,  generally  excavated  in  living  trees.  Dimensions,  diameter  of  external  orifice, 
1'75,  greatest  internal,  3'00.  Internal  depth,  lO'OO. 

Euys,  four  or  five  in  number,  elliptical  inform,  pure,  polished  pearly-white  in  color.  Dimensions  from  '55  x '70  to 
•65x-75. 

HABITS. 

Wilson  called  the  Cockaded  Woodpeckers,  Picus  querulus,  and  this  seems,  at  first 
glance,  to  be  a  most  appropriate  name,  for,  of  all  the  family,  these  are  not  only  the  most 
noisy,  but  their  notes  are  given  in  a  decidedly  fretful  tone  as  if  the  birds  were  constantly 
in  an  irritable  state  of  mind.  It  must  have  been  upon  the  impulse  of  the  moment,  how- 
ever, that  the  Pioneer  Ornithologist  gave  them  the  name  of  Querulus  Woodpeckers,  for  a 
close  study  of  their  habits  gives  a  very  different  impression  of  them.  They  are,  in  fact, 
a  most  jovial  class  of  birds,  being  almost  constantly  engaged  in  sporting  about  the  top?  of 
the  tall  pines  or  chasing  one  another  from  tree  to  tree,  uttering  their  peevish  sounding 
notes  very  frequently  when  in  the  best  humor.  The  noise  is  more  noticeable  because  they 
congregate  in  flocks,  and  it  is  quite  rare  to  find  even  a  pair  without  other  companions.  They 
are  also  fond  of  the  company  of  other  members  of  the  family  and  will  even  associate  with 
the  Jays,  Blue  Birds,  or  Warblers.  This  gregarious  instinct  does  not  forsake  them  during 
the  breeding  season,  for  they  build  in  detached  communities.  The  nests  are  almost  always 
placed  in  living  pines,  often  thirty'  or  forty  feet  from  the  ground;  thus,  as  the  trunks 
of  these  trees  are  covered  with  a  smooth  bark,  it  is  quite  difficult  to  climb  them  and,  when 


PICOIDES  ARCTJCUS.  245 

the  nosts  arc  reached,  it  is  not  easy  to  cut  the  hard  wood,  especially  as  the  straight  trunks 
ailoni  no  foot-hold. 

In  flight,  the  Oockaded  Woodpeckers  resemble  the  Downy  but  when  they  alight,  they 
strike  the  object  upon  which  they  wish  to  rest  very  hard.  Like  the  preceding  species, 
they  are  also  exceedingly  agile,  moving  spirally  up  the  tall  tree  trunks  with  great  celerity. 
Although  they  will  occasionally  alight  near  the  ground,  yet  they  spend  the  greater  part 
of  their  time  in  the  tops  of  the  lofty  pines;  in  fact,  they  pass  a  large  portion  of  their  lives 
there,  for  they  are  seldom,  if  ever,  found  elsewhere  than  in  the  piney  woods  and  they  in- 
habit this  kind  of  woodlan'd  even  to  the  extreme  southern  portion  of  the  main-land  of 
Florida. 

These  Woodpeckers  must  be  of  great  benefit  to  the  trees  of  the  sections  in  which  they 
occur,  for  they  are  indefatigable  insect  hunters.  Out  of  some  thirty  specimens  which  I 
have  dissected  in  order  to  examine  the  contents  of  their  stomachs,  I  found  that  only  three 
or  four  had  eaten  bark;  all  the  rest  being  filled  with  cither  the  boring  beetles  or  their 
larvae.  The  Cockaded  Woodpeckers  breed  about  the  first  week  in  April  in  Southern  Flor- 
ida and  a  little  later  further  north. 

GESUS  VIII.    PICOIDES.    THE  THREE-TOED  WOODPECKERS. 

(IEN.  CH.  Sternum,  not  twice  as  wide  as  the  height  of  the  keel.  Marginal  indentations,  nearly  equal  in  depth  to  the 
hciylh  of  tin -k'-fl;  outer,  more  shallow  than  inner.  Manubrium,  modi.rate.  Terminal  hook  of  scapula,  variable.  Tongue, 
firnriiliil  with  a  /any,  extensible  sheath,  while  the  ceralo-hyals  are  greatly  elongated  and  extend  around  the  back  of  the  skull. 
I'rui-i'ntricu/us,  small.  Stomach,  rather  muscular.  Salivary  y lands ,  not  very  well  developed .  Both  mandibles,  straight. 
II:  ml .  not  i-riftrd.  Toes,  three  in  number. 

In  members  (if  this  genus,  the  prevailing  color  above  is  black,  relieved  by  white  markings  and  the  males  are  marked,  to 
a  greater  or  lev  ex  tout,  on  the  top  of  the  head  with  yellow.  The  tail  feathers  are  very  acuminate.  The  hind  toe  is  want- 
ing. The  head  isnotstrickingly  large  nor  Li  the  neck  very  thin.  The  bill  is  about  equal  to  the  head  in  length.  There  are 
no  laryngeal  muscles,  excepting  the  sterno-trachealis  which  is  very  stout.  The  tyinpaniform  membrane  is  present  and  al- 
t  In  nigh  there  is  an  os  transversale,  yet  it  does  not  support  a  semilunar  membrane!  The  oesophagus  is  without  dilatation  and 
opens  into  a  small  proventriculus.  The  gastric  glands  arc  rather  numerous,  simple,  and  occupy  a  zonular  band.  The  stom- 
ach i-;  rather  globular  in  form  and  quite  large,  the  walls  are  quite  thick,  and  the  lining  membrane  is  finely  rugose.  The 
fold  of  the  duodenum  is  not  very  long,  inclosing  a  wide  pancreas.  The  spleen  is  an  elliptical  body  lying  over  the  cardiac 
opening  of  the  stomach.  Both  lobes  of  the  liver  are  about  equal  in  size.  There  are  two  species  within  our  limits. 

P 

PICOIDES  ARCTICTJS. 
Black-backed  Three-toed  Woodpecker. 

Picoides  arcticus  BAIRD.,  Birds  N.  A.;  1858,  98. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  not  robust.  Size,  large.  Sternum ,  not  very  stout.  Tongue,  rather  thin  and  horny  at  the  tip  which 
is  provided  witli  barbs  for  one  third  of  the  terminal  length.  The  extensible  sheath  occupies  about  one  half  of  the  length  of 
the  tongue.  Terminal  hook  of  scapula,  angled  above  and  below. 

iii.  Adult  male.  Glossy  black  above,  including  sides  of  head,  maxillary  line  and  bands  on  the  sides  and  flanks, 
with  line  extending  from  ba*e  of  bill,  do\<li  the  sides  of  neck,  spots  on  the  primaries  and  on  a  few  of  the  secondaries,  all  but 
ha*al  portion  of  two  outer  tail  feathers,  and  tips  of  next  pair,  white.  Square  patch  on  the  top  of  the  head,  saffron-yellow. 
Under  portion,  including  under  tail  and  wingooverts,  white,  while  the  feathers  of  the  latter  are  banded  with  black  and  the 
breast  H  faintly  tinged  with  yellowish. 

Adult  female.  Similar  to  the  male,  but  lacks  the  yellow  on  the  head  which  is  replaced  by  black,  and  the  white  on  the 
tail  is  not  as  extended. 


246  BLACK-BACKED  THREE-TOED   WOODPECKER. 

Nestling  male.  Similar  to  the  adult  but  with  the  yellow  on  the  head  more  restricted  and  the  black  on  the  back  is  dull- 
er, while  a  few  feathers  in  the  interscapular  region  are  spotted  with  white. 

Nestling  female.  Similar  to  the  adult  but,  singularly,  the  top  of  the  head  is  spotted  with  yellow.  Descriptions  of  the 
last  two  plumages  are  from  specimens  in  the  collection  of  Mr  Brewster.  Iris,  brown,  bill,  black,  bluish  at  base  of  lower 
mandible,  and  feet,  bluish,  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

There  is  more  black  spotting  below  in  some  specimens  than  in  others  hut  they  are  generally  quite  uniform  in  color. 
Readily  known  from  other  Woodpeckers  by  the  absence  of  any  red  on  the  head  which  is  replaced  by  yellow.  Known  from  the 
succeeding  species,  by  the  absence  of  the  transverse  white  bandings  above.  Distributed,  as  a  constant  resident,  through- 
out North  America  from  the  latitude  of  Maine  to  the  Arctic  Circle. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  the  North.  Length,  9-50;  stretch.  15  50;  wing,  5-00;  tail,  3-70;  bill,  1'25; 
tarsus,  '70.  Longest  specimen,  lO'OO;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  IG'OO;  longest  wing,  .V50:  tail,  3-82;  bill,  1'30;  tarsus,  -75. 
Shortest  specimen,  9'00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  15'OD;  shortest  wing,  4'50;  tail,  3'75;  bill,  T20;  tarsus,  '65. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  cylinder-shaped  holes,  generally  excavated  in  living  trees.  Dimensions,  diameter  of  external  orifice, 
1-50,  greatest  internal,  3-00.  Internal  depth,  15'00. 

Eggs,  four  to  six  in  number,  rather  ovate  in  form,  pure,  polished  pearly-white  in  color.  Dimensions  from  '60x  '75  to 
•65x-80. 

HABITS. 

The  mere  mention  of  the  Three-toed  Woodpeckers  recalls  to  my  mind  the  snow-clad 
mountains  and  dark  evergreen  forests  of  Northern  New  England,  for  it  was  among  them, 
that  I  first  became  acquainted  with  these  singular  birds.  The  Black-backed  Three-toed 
Woodpeckers  appear  to  be  quite  uncommon,  even  in  winter,  in  these  boreal  climes,  where 
the  sharp  cries  of  the  Downy  and  Hairy  are  quite  frequently  heard  and,  occasionally,  the 
louder  notes  of  the  Pileated  greets  the  ear,  but  one  may  travel  for  days,  over  snow-covered 
ground,  beneath  the  frozen  branches  of  the  pines  and  spruces,  without  hearing  the  discor- 
dant sounds  produced  by  this  rare  Woodpecker. 

These  Woodpeckers,  like  many  other  members  of  the  family,  are  only  migratory  to  a 
limited  extent;  thus,  during  unusually  severe  winters,  they  may  occasionally  reach  Mass- 
achusetts in  their  southward  flight,  but  they  are  exceedingly  rare  and  I  know  of  but  two 
or  three  instances  on  record  of  their  having  been  taken  here.  These  Woodpeckers  agree 
in  general  habits  quite  closely  with  the  members  of  the  preceding  genus;  their  flight  is 
similar  and  in  climbing,  they  are  as  expert  as  any  of  the  other  Woodpeckers;  three  toes  on 
each  foot  appearing  to  answer  as  well  for  clinging  to  the  bark  as  four.  It  is  difficult  to  ac- 
count for  the  absence'  of  the  hind  toe  as  this  apparent  mutilation  does  not  impede  the  move- 
ments of  the  birds  in  the  least,  yet  it  is,  perhaps,  singular  that  we  do  not  find  more  species 
without  it,  for,  as  a  rule,  any  superfluity  in  nature,  not  ornamental,  is  almost  invariably 
discarded. 

The  nesting  habits  of  this  rare  speci«s  of  Woodpecker  are  not  well  known  but  they 
are  said  to  build  in  living  trees,  probably  about  the  same  time  as  the  Hairy  or  Downy. 
They  are  a  little  more  northern  in  distribution  during  the  breeding  season  than  the  suc- 
ceeding species. 


PICOIDES  H1RSUTUS.  247 

PICOIDES  HIBSUTUS. 

Banded  Three-toed  Woodpecker. 

Picoides  hirsutus  BAIRD,  Birds  N.  A..;  1858,  98. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sr.  Oil.  Ponn,  not  robust.  Size,  large.  Sternum,  not  very  stout.  Tongue,  rather  thin  and  horny  at  the  tip  which 
is  provided  with  h:irl>s  for  one  thirtlof  the  terminal  length.  The  extensible  sheath  occupies  about  one  half  of  the  length  of 

tin1  tongue.     Terminal  hook  of  scapula,  angled  above  and  below. 

r.'i.int.  Atlu/l  male.  (  1  lossy  block  above,  including  sides  ofhead,  maxillary  line  and  bands  on  the  sides  and  flanks, 
with  line  exf-nding  fVom  base  of  !iill.  down  the  sMes  of  neck,  short,  narrow  lino  back  of  eye,  spots  on  the  primaries  and  on 
the  secondaries,  bands  on  buck  to  rump,  allbut  basal  portion  of  two  outer  tail  feathers,  and  the  tips  of  next  pair,  white, 
Forehead,  spotted  with  white.  Square  patch  on  the  top  of  the  head,  saffron-yellow.  Under  portion,  including  under  tail 
nnd  under  wing  I-OMTIS,  white,  while  the  feathers  of  the  latter  are  banded  with  black  and  the  breast  is  faintly  tinged  with 
yellowish. 

Adult  frmale.  Similar  to  the  male,  hut  lacks  the  yellow  on  the  head  which  is  replaced  by  black  spotted  with  white, 
ami  the  white  on  the  tail  is  not  as  extended.  Iris,  brown,  bill,  black,  bluish  at  base  of  lower  mandible,  and  feet,  bluish, 
in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Like  t!ie  preceding,  there  is  more  black  spotting  lielow  in  some  specimens  than  in  others,  but  they  are  generally  quite 
uniform  in  color.  Readily  known  from  other  Woodpeckers  by  the  absence  of  any  red  on  the  head  which  is  replaced  by  yel- 
low. Kn.iwn  from  the  preceding  species,  by  the  presence  of  the  transverse  white  bandings  above.  There  is  also  a  line 
back  of  the  eye  in  arclicus  but  it  is  much  narrower  than  in  the  present  bird.  Distributed,  as  a  constant  resident,  through- 
out North  America  from  the  latitude  of  Maine  to  the  Arctic  Circle. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  the  North.  Length,  9-25;  stretch,  15  25;  wing,  4'75;  tail,  3'60;  bill,  1'15; 
tarsus, -GO.  Longest  specimen,  9'75;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  IG'OO;  longest  wing,  5"25;  tail,  3'80;  bill,  1'25;  tarsus,  '75. 
Shortest  specimen,  8-50;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  14-00;  shortest  wing,  4'00;  tail,  3'50;  bill,  TOO;  tarsus,  '60.  ' 

DESCRIPTION  OP  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  cylinder-shaped  holes,  generally  excavated  in  living  trees.  Dimensions,  diameter  of  external  orifice, 
1'50.  greatest  internal,  3'00.  Internal  depth,  IS'OO. 

Ejjgs,  four  to  six  in  number,  rather  ovate  in  form,  pure,  polished  pearly-white  in  color.  Dimensions  from  '65x  '90  to 
•70  x -95. 

HABITS. 

The  first  time  that  I  ever  met  with  the  Banded  Three-toed  Woodpeckers,  was  at  Errol, 
New  Hampshire,  some  years  ago,  late  in  autumn;  so  late  in  fact,  that  the  ground  was 
covered  with  snow  to  the  depth  of  several  inches.  I  was  walking  along  the  margin  of  a 
heavily  wooded  tract,  looking  after  Pine  Grosbeaks  which  were  particularly  abundant 
there,  when  my  attention  was  attracted  by  hearing  the  harsh  cry  of  a  Woodpecker  which 
was  new  to  me.  It  instantly  occurred  to  me  that  it  was  a  Three-toed  and,  upon  going 
quickly  in  the  direction  of  the  sound,  my  suspicions  were  confirmed  by  seeing  the  bird  on 
the  trunk  of  a  tree.  The  Banded  Woodpecker,  for  such  it  proved  to  be,  was  quite  unsus- 
picious as  it  paid  no  apparent  attention  to  me;  therefore,  I  walked  as  near  as  I  chose, 
watched  its  movements  for  a  few  moments,  and  then  shot  it.  But  unfortunately,  although 
killed  at  once,  it  did  not  fall  to  the  ground  but  clung,  lifeless,  to  a  tuft  of  moss  on  the  side 
of  the  tree,  some  forty  feet  above  the  ground.  Thus  I  was  obliged  to  climb  the  straight 
trunk  in  order  to  secure  my  prize  which  proved  to  be  a  fine  male. 


248  CONURUS  CAROL1NENS1S. 

Although  the  Banded,  Three-toed  as  well  as  the  Black-backed,  resembles  members  of 
the  genus,  Picus,  in  many  respects,  yet  they  differ  in  one  particular  from  the  Hairy  and' 
Downy  Woodpeckers  for  they  are  seldom  found  outside  of  the  woods.  They  are  not  com- 
mon anywhere,  even  in  Northern  New  England  in  winter,  and  visit  Massachusetts  only  as 
rare  stragglers.  They  are,  perhaps,  a  little  more  southern  in  distribution  in  summer  than 
the  Black-backed  as  they  occur  rarely  about  Lake  Umbagog  and  have  been  found  nesting, 
by  Dr.  C.  Hart  Merriam,  in  Northern  New  York. 

;  ORDER  VIII.  PSITTACI.  PARROTS. 

Sternum,  with  two  inclosed  marginal  indentations.  Keel,  very  high.  Outer  anterior  toe, 
projected  backward. 

Members  of  this  large  Order  are  familiar  to  nearly  every  one;  so  familiar,  in  fact,  as 
scarcely  to  need  more  than  a  passing  notice,  at  least  as  regards  external  characters.  The 
marginal  indentations  of  the  sternum  are  two  in  number,  as  stated,  and  are  inclosed  on  the 
posterior  border  in  the  adult  but  may  be  open  in  the  young.  The  feet  are  admirably  fit- 
ted for  climbing,  there  being  two  toes  in  front  and  two  behind.  The  bill  is  of  varying 
form  but  is  always  strong  and  has  the  upper  mandible  well  curved. 

FAMILY  I.     PSITTACID^l.     THE  LONG-TAILED  PARROTS. 

Posterior  border  of  sternum,  rounded.  Scapular  bones,  pointed.  Tail,  long.  Cheeks, 
feathered.  , 

The  tail  is  long  and  pointed.  Although  the  cheeks  are  feathered,  yet  there  is  occasion- 
ally a  naked  ring  around  the  eye.  The  cere  is  feathered  to  the  bill.  This  Family  is  largely 
represented  in  Tropical  America  but  we  have  only  one  species  and  one  genus  within  our 
limits 


GENUS  I.    CONURUS.    THE  AMERICAN  PAROKEETS. 

GEN.  CH.  Bill,  short  and  very  strong,  with  theupper  mandible  notched.  Tail ,  very  long .  Stomach,  muscular.  Height 
of  keel,  nearly  equal  to  the  width  of  the  sternum. 

Members  of  this  genus  are  prominently  marked  with  green.  There  is,  as  stated,  but  one  species  within  our  limits,  al- 
though several  occur  as  far  north  as  Mexico. 


CONURUS  CAROLINENSIS. 

Carolina  Parokeet. 
Conurus  Carolinensis  KUIIL,  Nova  Acta,  K.  L.  C.;  1830. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sp.  CH.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  Sternum,  stout,  with  the  keel  high  and  well  rounded  at  the  tip.  Manubrium, 
small.  Furcula,  very  short,  slender  and  without  any  terminal  expansion;  it  is,  however,  moderately  well  arched.  Costal 
process  very  short,  pointed,  and  curved  backward.  Tongue,  short,  thick,  and  terminating  in  a  rounded  knob.  It  is  black 
in  color.  The  bill  is  strongly  curved,  notched,  and  the  upper  mandible  is  pointed.  There  is  a  naked  space  around  the  eye, 
The  tarsi  are  short  and  the  feet,  large.  Tail,  long  and  pointed. 


.0 


•    „  •-.  —  »,*,!     .• 


CAROLINA  PAROKEET.  249 

COLOR.  Adult.  Hend  nnd  neck  nllarouml,  bright.  yellow,  with  (lie  forehead  above  eyeand  sides  of  head,  yellowish-red. 
Body,  green  generally,  lighter  beneath.  Outer  welw  of  primaries,  bluish-green,  yellow  at  the  base.  Wing  coverts,  blu- 
ish-green, yellow  nt  base.  Kdge  of  wing,  yellow  tinged  with  red.  Twomiilcile  tail  feathers,  and  outer  webs  of  remainder, 
preen,  but  the  inner  webs  are  reddish.  Tibia,  yellow.  Bill,  white.  Iris,  dark-brown.  Naked  ring  around  eye,  white. 
Feet,  pinkish-white. 

Youay.  Quite  similar  to  the  adult  in  general  appearance  but  with  the  yellow  on  the  head  spotted  with  more  or  less 
green. 

Youny  of  the  year.  Head  and  neck,  wholly  green,  and  the  tail  is  short.  The  red  and  yellow  of  the  head  are  not  acquired 
until  niter  the  second  moult  and  the  full  dre«s  is  not  assumed  until  the  third  year. 

Nesl/inys.  One  of  my  rollertors,  who  found  the  young  in  the  nest,  informs  me  that  they  are  covered  with  a  grayish 
down.  Sexes,  similar  in  all  stages.  . 

OBSERVATIONS. 

lleadily  known  from  other  species,  by  the  colors  as  described.  Distributed,  as  a  constant  resident,  throughout  Middle 
Florida  and  rarely,  at  intervals,  along  the  Mississippi  River  to  Southern  Illinois. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimen"  from  Florida.  Length,  13-25;  stretch,  22  30;  wing,  7-25;  tail,  6'30;  bill,  I'OO; 
tarsus  -TO.  I.  ni-,-t  -j.eeimen,  14'00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  2-2-50;  longest  wing,  7'75;  tail,  6'50;  bill,  1-10;  tarsus,  -75*. 
Shortest  specimen,  12-50;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  21-00;  shortest  wing,  6-50;  tail,  5'90;  bill,  '90;  tarsus,  -65. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NEST'S  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  holes  of  trees,  generally  some  natural  cavity  of  a  large  size.  A  number  of  pairs  breed  together  in  the 
same  Imle. 

F.'iijs,  are,  as  I  have  lieen  informed  by  those  who  have  seen  them,  greenish-white  in  color  and  of  about  the  same  size 
as  those  of  the  Turtle  Dove.  There  are,  I  believe,  no  authentic  specimens  in  collections. 

HABITS. 

There  were  no  birds  for  which  I  looked  with  greater  interest  than  the  Parokeets  but, 
although  I  searched  diligently  for  them  throughout  the  winter  of  my  first  visit  to  Florida, 
I  did  not  meet  with  them  in  the  state  of  nature  until  April,  1869.  I  was  walking  across 
some  fields  on  a  plantation  near  the  Mantanzas  River,  some  twenty-five  miles  south"  of  St. 
Augustine,  when  I  observed  a  large  flock  of  Parokeets  moving  along  the  ground.  I  ap- 
proached within  a  few  yards  of  the  birds  and  watched  them  for  some  time  but  they  did  not 
appear  to  pay  the  slightest  attention  to  me;  thus  I  had  an  excellent  opportunity  of  noting 
their  actions.  At  first,  I  could  not  make  out  what  they  were  doing  but  soon  found  that 
they  were  busily  engaged  in  eating  cockspurs,  the  seeds  of  a  species  of  grass  which  grows 
very  abundantly  in  old  fields.  They  walked  quite  well  for  birds  having  such  short  legs 
and,  in  pressing  forward,  moved  side  by  side  in  a  long  rank,  looking  exactly  like  minia- 
ture soldiers.  After  a  few  moments,  something  started  them  and  they  rose,  wheeled  about, 
darting  rapidly  up  and  down,  precisely  like  pigeons,  at  the  same  time,  uttering  loud  cries; 
then  settled  quietly  down  again  and  resumed  their  meal,  as  composedly  as  if  nothing  had 
occurred  to  interrupt. 

This  is  the  only  time  that  I  ever  chanced  to  see  the  Parokeets  feeding  on  the  ground 
but  I  have  been  informed  by  the  inhabitants  of  Florida,  that  they  are  very  fond  of  the 
cockspurs  and  will  frequently  alight  in  the  fields  in  order  to  eat  them.  Early  in  winter, 
they  visit  the  swamps,  where  they  feed  upon  the  cypress  balls.  Then  it  is  very  difficult 
to  find  them  as  they  often  remain  for  weeks  in  the  impenetrable  fastnesses  of  the  vast  wood- 
ed tracks  which,  at  this  season,  are  submerged  in  water.  Later,  about  the  first  of  Febru- 


32 


250  CONURUS  CAROLMENS1S. 

ary,  the  Parokeets  emerge  from  the  swamps  in  small  flocks  and  enter  the  open  woods  to 
search  for  the  seeds  of  the  pine  cones  which  are  then  ripe.  At  this  time,  they  may  be 
taet  with  quite  frequently  but  the  best  opportunity  to  procure  specimens  occurs  about  the 
middle  of  February,  when  they  may  be  found  in  large  companies,  feeding  upon  the  green 
seeds  of  the  maples  and  elms  which  grow  along  the  rivers. 

Thus  it  will  be  seen  that  these  birds  are  somewhat  migratory  in  habit,  the  time  of 
their  visiting  certain  localities  being  governed  by  the  supply  of  food;  add  to  this  the  fact 
that  they  are  quite  local  in  their  distribution  and  it  may  readily  be  perceived  how  one  may 
travel  for  an  entire  season  in  Florida  without  seeing  a  single  living  Parokeet.  In  winter, 
they  are  restricted  to  a  belt  of  country,  about  fifty  miles  in  width,  which  stretches  across 
the  entire  state  of  Florida,  from  Cedar  Keys  to  New  Smyrna.  In  this  tract,  they  are  most 
abundant  in  the  large  cypress  swamp  which  lies  to  the  westward  of  the  St.  John's  River, 
near  Blue  Springs.  I  was  encamped  at  the  lalter  place  for  some  time  and,  although  I 
could  frequently  hear  the  birds  as  they  flew  about  in  the  swamp  opposite,  they  only  oc- 
casionally showed  themselves  and  did  not  emerge  from  their  retreat  until  the  ripening  seeds 
of  the  pine  induced  them  them  to  come  out,  as  mentioned. 

I  have  remarked  that  the  Parokeets  scream  very  loudly  when  flying;  so  loudly,  in  fact, 
that  their  shrill  cries  can  be  heard  for  miles.  They  come  dashing  along,  moving  in  a  most 
eccentric  manner;  now  near  the  ground,  then  high  over  the  tree  tops,  seeming  about  to 
alight  a  dozen  times  but  still  without  settling,  each  in  the  company  endeavoring  to  excel 
the  other  in  producing  the  most  discordant  yells,  when  they  will  all  pitch,  at  once,  into 
some  tree  and  a  sudden  silence  ensues.  So  great  had  been  the  din  but  a  second  before 
that  the  comparative  stillness  is  quite  bewildering,  then  too,  the  large  flock  of  highly  col- 
ored birds,  lately  so  conspicuous,  have  disappeared  completely.  I  well  remember  my  first 
experience  of  this  nature;  I  stood,  gun  in  hand,  watching  the  evolutions  of  a  large  com- 
pany as  it  wheeled  about,  awaiting  an  opportunity  to  shoot,  when,  of  a  sudden,  they  all 
alighted  in  a  huge  live-oak  which  stood  a  few  rods  away.  I  cautiously  approached  the 
tree,  ready  to  slaughter  half  the  flock  at  a  single  discharge,  if  possible,  when,  what  was  my 
surprise  upon  going  within  a  suitable  distance,  not  to  perceive  a  bird.  Neither  could  I 
see  so  much  as  a  feather  of  the  desired  game  although  I  walked  around  the  tree  several 
times  and  even  went  beneath  its  branches  to  peer  up  between  them.  After  spending 
some  time  in  these  fruitless  elforts,  my  patience  became  quite  exhausted  and  I  threw  a  large 
oyster  shell  up  into  the  tree.  This  certainly  produced  an  effect,  not  just  what  I  intended, 
however,  for,  in  an  instant,  out  darted  the  entire  body  of  screaming  birds  but  on  the  oppo- 
site side  of  the  thick  tree;  thus  I  could  only  stand  and  watch  them  as  they  disappeared  in 
the  neighboring  swamp. 

It  seems  incredible  that  such  large  birds  as  Parokeets  can  conceal  themselves  so  ef- 
fectually but,  although  I  have  had  considerable  experience  in  detecting  birds  among  foli- 
age, I  have  often  been  foiled  by  this  sagacious  species.  When  flying,  they  are  conspicuous 
enough  but,  among  the  thick  green  leaves,  especially  of  a  live-oak,  they  are  completely 
invisible.  Even  Avhen  they  are  screaming,  it  is  very  difficult  to  find  them  but  it  is  not 
usual,  however,  for  them  to  utter  any  loud  sounds  when  sitting,  yet  occasionally  one  will 


CAROLINA  PAKOKEET.  251 

stray  from  a  flock  and  will  then  call  from  a  tree  top  until  it  obtains  an  answer,  when  it 
will  at  once  join  its  friends. 

While  feeding,  the  Parokeets  are  not  absolutely  noisy  but  will  keep  up  a  low,  contin- 
uous chattering  among  themselves,  as  if  conversing  in  a  social  manner.  These  notes  are 
continued  while  the  birds  are  assuming  all  kinds  of  positions,  now  clinging  to  the  under 
side  of  a  limb  while  they  search  for  the  seeds  of  a  pine  cone,  now  reaching  for  some  tempt- 
ing morsel  while  they  hang  head  downward,  or  climbing  with  great  agility  from  twig  to 
twig.  All  of  these  feats  are  done  without  interrupting  the  flow  of  gossip  and  are  perform- 
ed with  the  greatest  ease,  for  the  Parokeets  are  accomplished  acrobats;  not  only  using 
their  feet  with  great  address  but  also,  like  most  Parrots,  cling  readily  to  a  branch  with 
their  bill  alone. 

As  may  be  readily  inferred  by  the  foregoing  remarks,  the  Carolina  Parokeets  are  of  a 
most  social  disposition.  This  is  not  a  mere  liking  for  company,  as  they  are  actually  fond 
of  one  another,  for,  if  one  out  of  a  flock  be  wounded,  the  survivors  attracted  by  its  screams, 
will  return  to  hover  over  it  and,  even  if  constantly  shot  at,  will  not  leave  as  long  as  their 
distressed  friend  calls  for  assistance;  in  fact,  I  have  seen  every  individual  in  a  flock  killed 
one  after  the  other,  and  the  last  bird  betrayed  as  much  anxiety  for  the  fate  of  its  prostrate 
friends  which  were  strewed  upon  the  ground,  as  it  did  when  the  first  fell.  Although  not  nat- 
urally wary  birds,  continual  persecution  has  caused  them  to  be  shy;  thus,  now  they  are  far 
from  being  unsuspicious,  yet,  in  spite  of  this  acquired  propensity,  they  appear  to  lose  all 
timidity  when  they  see  a  companion  in  distress.  I  once  brought  several  wounded  speci- 
mens into  camp  and  they  soon  became  quite  tame  but  would  call  when  they  heard  the 
cries  of  any  of  their  species  in  the  adjacent  woods.  If  their  friends  chanced  to  hear  them 
they  would  circle  around,  dart  close  to  the  ground,  without  paying  the  slightest  attention, 
to  us  and,  on  one  occasion,  when  the  captive  birds  were  perched  on  the  outside  of  a  tent,  the 
wild  ones  alighted  with  them,  while  a  few  endeavored  to  settle  on  the  head  of  one  of  the 
party  on  whose  shoulder  a  tame"  Parokeet  was  sitting. 

In  captivity,  the  Parokeets  soon  become  accustomed  to  human  beings  but  they  must 
be  traeted  well  or  they  will  acquire  an  ill  natured  disposition.  Some,  however,  will  never 
be  good  natured,  even  should  they  receive  the  best  attention;  for  example,  I  had  five  or 
six  at  the  time  of  which  I  have  been  speaking,  and  among  them  were  birds  of  all  sorts  of 
temperaments;  some  were  cross,  not  allowing  any  one  to  touch  them,  some  were  indifferent 
to  my  caresses,  while  one  or  two  displayed  considerable  affection  for  me.  Age  appears  to 
have  nothing  whatever  to  do  with  these  traits  but  it  seems  to  be  purely  a  matter  of  indi- 
vidual variation,  just  such  as  we  see  exhibited  by  many  of  the  higher  animals — man,  for 
instance. 

In  spite  of  this  variability  of  temper,  it  is  difficult  to  find  more  peaceful  birds  as  far  as 
absolutely  quarreling  with  their  own  kind  or  with  other  species  is  concerned.  When  kept 
in  confinement  in  any  numbers,  they  spend  the  greater  part  of  their  time  in  clinging  close- 
ly together  on  the  side  of  the  cage  and,  if  one  crowds  the  others  too  much,  they  will  mere- 
ly remonstrate  by  scolding  slightly  but  will  not,  very  often,  attempt  to  bite.  When  kept 
singly,  they  appear  to  miss  their  companions  sadly  and  one  that  I  had  recently,  would  try 


252  CONURUS  CAROL1NENS1S. 

to  fraternize  with  a  pet  Owl  which  did  not  at  all  fancy  the  noisy  Parokeet  and,  when- 
ever it  approached,  would  fly  to  another  part  of  the  room,  followed  by  his  pretentious  friend 
which  thus  moved  when  he  did,  keeping  so  persistently  by  the  side  of  the  poor  Owl  as  to 
cause  him  considerable  annoyance.  This  same  Parokeet,  before  I  owned  it,  contracted  a 
strong  friendship  for  a  large  White  Cockatoo.  These  birds  were  kept  in  the  same  cage 
and,  as  the  liking,  in  this  case,  was  mutual,  they  would  sit  as  closely  together  as  possi- 
ble, the  bright  green  Parokeet  being  half  buried  among  the  snowy  feathers  of  its  huge 
companion.  My  Parokeet  exhibited  an  attachment  for  all  kinds  of  birds,  even  taking  a 
fancy  to  a  Red-winged  Blackbird  which  often  proved  a  source  of  trouble  to  it,  however, 
for  it  would  enter  the  Parokeet's  cage,  the  door  of  which  frequently  stood  open,  in  order 
to  eat  the  seeds  which  were  scattered  on  the  bottom.  When  Polly  remonstrated  at  thus 
having  her  food  stolen,  the  Blackbird  would  fly  at  her  fiercely  and  drive  her  out  of  her 
cage  which  he  would  then  occupy  as  long  as  he  chose,  much  to  the  discomfiture  of  the 
Parokeet. 

After  witnessing  such  a  strong  predilection  for  companionship  as  is  exhibited  by  the 
Parokeets,  the  ornithologist  will  not  be  surprised  to  find  that  these  birds  breed  in  commu- 
nities but  it  is  certainly  somewhat  unexpected  to  learn  that  a  number  of  pairs  nest  in  one 
hole,  for  this  habit  is  without  precedent,  at  least  among  our  native  species.  Audubon  made 
the  statement,  that  a  number  of  females  built  in  the  same  hole,  many  years  ago  but  I  do 
not  think  that  this  fact  has,  up  to  the  present  time,  ever  been  confirmed.  While  in  Flor- 
ida, I  frequently  asked  hunters  and  others  about  the  breeding  habits  of  the  Parokeets  but 
got  nothing  more  definite  than  that  they  nested  in  the  cypress  swamps.  At  length,  how- 
ever, one  of  my  guides  told  me  that  he  knew  of  a  cedar  hunter  who  had  seen  them  during 
June,  in  the  depths  of  a  certain  swamp,  entering  a  hole  in  a  huge  cypress  where  they  were 
evidently  breeding.  As  it  was  impossible  for  me  to  remain  in  Florida  as  late  in  the  sea- 
son as  the  time  designated,  I  offered  him  a  good  sum  for  each  egg  which  he  should  get. 
Accompanied  by  the  cedar  hunter,  he  entered  the  cypress  swamp  about  the  middle  of  June 
carefully  following  the  old  blazes  (notches  cut  on  the  trees  to  mark  the  way)  made  by  the 
hunter  some  seasons  before  and,  after  traveling  fo'r  a  day  and  a  half  through  the  gloomy 
forests,  came  to  the  Iree  which  contained  the  nest.  My  informant  states  that  there  were 
a  large  number  of  Parokeets  about  the  tree  and  therefore  they  were  certain  of  a  good  prize 
but,  judge  of  their  disappointment,  upon  opening  the  hole,  to  find  that  it  contained  nothing 
but  young — not  an  egg  was  to  be  discovered;  thus  they  were  obliged  to  retrace  their  steps, 
bootiless,  after  having  been  three  days  in  the  swamp.  I  trust,  however,  that  the  next  time 
this  journey  is  attempted,  I  may  form  one  of  the  participants. 

The  Carolina  Parokeets  once  had  a  wide  distribution,  being  found  as  far  north  in  the 
West  as  Lake  Erie  and  in  the  East,  as  Pennsylvania.  Even  in  Audubon's  time,  their  range 
was  much  restricted,  for  he  states  that  their  numbers  were  much  diminished  within  his  rec- 
ollection and  they  have  been  steadily  decreasing  in  numbers  ever  since,  occupying  less 
and  less  territory  year  after  year,  until  now,  they  are  to  be  found  in  an  exceedingly  limited 
area.  Thus,  within  the  last  century,  birds  which  could  be  counted  by  millions  and  which 
roamed  over  vast  sections  of  country,  may  now  be  numbered  by  thousands  and  occupy  but 


STRIG1.     O  WLS.  253 

a  few  square  miles  in  two  or  three  isolated  localities.  The  ranks  of  the  few  survivors  are 
being  rapidly  thinned,  for,  in  Florida,  their  enemies  are  legion;  bird  catchers  trap  them  by 
hundreds  for  the  northern  market,  sportsmen  shoot  them  for  food,  planters  kill  them  be- 
cause they  eat  their  fruit,  and  tourists  slaughter  them  simply  because  they  present  a  fa- 
vorable mark.  Thus  a  species,  the  history  of  which  is  still  incomplete,  for  we  know  noth- 
ing definite  of  the  breeding  habits  of  the  Parokeet  or  of  its  younger  stages,  is  being  surely 
exterminated,  yet  ornithologists  and  others  who  would  prevent  this  calamity,  can  but  look 
upon  the  work  of  destruction,  powerless,  under  the  present  state  of  affairs,  to  stay  the  ruth- 
less hand  of  the  destroyer. 


OBDER  IX.  STRIGI.  OWLS. 

Sternum,  usually  with  four  marginal  indentations.  Keel,  very  low.  Manubrium,  want- 
ing. Head,  quite  large. 

The  eyes  are  usually  large,  directed  forward,  and,  in  a  great  number  of  the  species, 
constructed  for  seeing  in  the  twilight  or  even  at  night.  The  bill  is  strong  and  curved  but 
is  partly  concealed  in  bristly  feathers.  There  is  a  more  or  less  perfect  disk  of  radiating 
feathers  surrounding  the  face.  The  cavity  of  the  ear  is  large.  The  tarsus  is  usually  short 
and  is  nearly  always  feathered  to  the  toes.  The  wings  are  long  and  well  formed.  The 
plumage  is  soft  and  lax,  each  feather,  even  of  the  wings,  being  tipped  with  downy  fila- 
ments which  insures  noiseless  flight,  enabling  the  birds  to  take  their  prey  with  great  cer- 
tainty. The  sternum  is  quite  strong,  usually  with  four  marginal  indentations,  the  two 
inner,  shallower  than  the  outer.  The  keel  is  low,  not  exceeding  one  half  the  width  of  the 
straight  sternum  in  height.  The  coracoids  are  short,  strong,  and  of  medium  length,  and 
are  often  set  on  at  a  wide  angle  but  the  furcula  is  weak,  not  arched,  and  is  provided  with 
a  terminal  expansion.  This  sternal  structure  indicates  that,  although  the  birds  may  be 
able  to  fly  quite  well  in  a  straight  line,  they  are  incapable  of  making  any  sudden  turn  or 
performing  any  rapid  aerial  evolutions.-  The  oesophagus  is  wide  but  without  any  dilatation 
or  crop.  The  proventriculus  is  well  developed.  The  stomach  is  large  but  not  muscular. 
Although  the  fold  of  the  duodenum  is  long,  yet  the  pancreas  is  generally  small.  There 
are  two  coeca  of  quite  a  large  size  with  the  blind  ends  dilated.  The  females  are  larger 
than  the  males. 


FAMILY  I.     STRIGID^E.     THE  DISKED  OWLS. 

Marginal  indentations,  two,  wide  but  not  deep.  Tarsus,  long.  Eyes,  small.  Facial 
disk,  perfect. 

The  marginal  indentations  are  simple,  shallow  scallops.  The  size  is  not  very  large. 
The  bill  is  rather  long.  The  tarsi  are  comparatively  long  and  the  feet  large.  The  plum- 
age is  rather  light  in  color  and  of  a  peculiar,  soft,  downy  structure,  not  as  observable 
in  other  families. 


254  STRIX  FLAMMEA. 


GENUS  I.    STRIX.    THE  BARN  OWLS. 

GEN.  On.  The  sternum  is  shott  and  well  arclied,  with  the  coracoids  set  on  at  an  angle.  Furcula,  quite  well  developed. 
Tail,  rather  short.  There  are  no  ear  tufts. 

Members  of  this  genus  have  the  plumage  very  soft  and  lax.  The  small  eyes  are  dark  in  color.  The  sterno-trachealis 
is  stout  but  there  are  no  other  laryngeal  muscles.  The  oesophagus  is  straight,  wide,  and  opens  into  a  medium  sized  pro- 
ventriculus  with  simple  glands  arranged  in  a  zonular  band.  The  stomach  is  large,  globular  in  form,  with  rather  thin  walls. 
The  coeca  a"re  long.  Both  lobes  of  the  liver  are  nearly  equal  in  size.  There  is  but  one  species  within  our  limits. 

STRIX  FLAMMEA. 

Barn  Owl.  V 

Strix flammea  LINN.,  Syst.  Nat.,  I;  1766,  131. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sp.  CH.  Form,  rather  slender.  Size,  medium.  Sternum,  stout,  very  broad,  with  the  keel  well  arched,  thick,  and  short, 
for  it  does  not  reach  the  posterior  border.  The  marginal  indentations  are  wide  scallops,  quite  shallow,  measuring  in  the 
specimen  before  me  about  '20  in  depth. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Above,  including  rump  and  upper  tail  and  wing  coverts,  brownish-yellow,  and  nearly  all  the  feathers 
haveacentral  spot  of  deep-brown  preceded  terminally  by  a  smaller  one  of  white.  Wings  and  tail,  brownish-yellow,  trans- 
versely banded  witli  brown.  Under  parts,  pale  yellowish-white,  with  each  feather  tipped  with  a  small,  dark-brown  spot. 
Under  wing  and  tail  coverts,  white 'spotted  with  black.  The  face  is  white  tinged  with  red  near  the  angle  of  the  eye.  The 
edge  of  the  facial  disk  is  pale  reddish -brown. 

Young.  Birds  in  this  stage  appear  to  be  considerably  yellower  than  the  adult  and  are,  perhaps,  darker  above;  other- 
wise, similar. 

Nestlings.  Are  covered  with  a  yellowish  down.  Iris,  dark-brown,  bill,  horn  color,  claws,  brown,  in  all  stages.  Sex- 
es, similar  in  color. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

The  plumage  described,  gives  the  average  but  specimens  vary  in  being  much  lighter  above  and  below,  while  others 
are  considerably  darker  on  both  surfaces.  The  feathers  above  are  finely  marked  everywhere  with  brown  which  color  oft- 
en predominates  on  the  middle  of  the  back.  The  tibia  and  tarsus  are  often  spotted,  while  the  spots  below  vary  greatly  in 
size.  The  colored  ring  around  the  facial  disk  is  always  quite  conspicuous  and  occasionally  the  eyes  are  entirely  surround- 
ed by  chocolate-brown.  Readily  known  from  other  species,  by  the  colors  as  described  and  by  the  peculiar  character  of  the 
plumage  which  is  particularly  soft  and  downy. 

Distributed,  as  a  constant  resident,  throughout  the  Southern  portions  of  North  America;  not  common  in  the  Middle  or 
Northern  States  and  Is  quite  rare  in  New  England. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  male  specimens.  Length,  17'00;  stretch,  45-00;  wing,  13-00;  tail,  5'25;  bill,  1-79;  tarsus, 
2-75.  Longest  specimen,  18-00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  46'50;  longest  wing,  14-00:  tail,  5'40;  bill,  1'78;  tarsus,  3'00. 
Shortest  specimen,  16-00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  44'00;  shortest  wing,  12-50;  tail,  5' 10;  bill,  1-60:  tarsus,  2'55. 

Average  measurements  of  female  specimens.  Length,  16'00;  stretch,  44'25;  wing,  12'00;  tail,5'00;  bill,  1-70;  tarsus, 
2-05.  Longest  specimen,  IT'OO;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  45'00;  longest  wing,  13-00;  tail,  5-20;  bill,  1'74;  tarsus,  2'80. 
Shortest  specimen,  15'00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  43'25;  shortest  wing,  11-50;  tail,  4'85;  bill,  1-55;  tarsus,  2'40. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  natural  cavities  of  trees,  on  the  ground,  or  in  deserted  buildings,  composed  of  ascanty  supply  of  sticks, 
straws,  etc. 

Eggs,  four  or  five  in  number,  rather  elliptical  in  form,  yellowish-white  in  color,  surface,  not  very  smooth.  Dimensions 
from  1-65x1-25  to  l'69x  1'30. 

HABITS. 

The  Barn  Owls  of  the  Old  World  almost  invariably  inhabit  ruins  and,  although,  with 
us,  they  often  make  use  of  deserted  buildings  in  which  to  construct  their  nests,  they  do  not 
always  breed  in  such  places;  for  example  I  knew  of  a  pair  which  built  year  after  year  in 


BARN  OWL.  255 

an  old  hollow  stub  which  stood  near  a  cracker's  shanty  just  south  of  Haulover  Canal.  It 
is  true,  that  there  were  only  two  houses  for  twenty-five  miles,  on  that  side  of  Indian  River 
and,  as  these  were  both  occupied,  the  birds  could  not  well  find  a  suitable  building  in  which 
to  place  their  nests,  even  if  they  had  been  so  inclined,  but  I  think  that  breeding  in  cavities 
of  trees  or  rocks  must  have  been  the  original  manner  of  nesting  many  years  ago,  while  Au- 
dubon  even  found  their  eggs  on  the  ground  on  some  islands  off  Texas.  The  author  just 
mentioned  also  states  that  they  inhabited  the  old  fort  at  St.  Augustine,  which  is,  without 
doubt,  an  established  breeding  ground  with  them  for  I  found  them  inhabiting  the  place 
during  my  first  visit  to  the  Ancient  City,  in  1869,  and  Mr.  L.  L.  Thaxter  obtained  a  young 
bird,  about  the  first  of  April,  the  same  year,  which,  although  fully  fledged,  was  scarcely 
able  to  fly. 

It  will  be  remembered  that  this  fort  of  which  I  speak,  is  very  old  for  it  was  erected 
by  the  order  of  the  Spanish  Governor,  Menendez,  about  the  year  1565;  therefore,  it  is  one 
of  the  most  time-honored  structures  of  the  kind  in  the  United  States.  The  walls  are  quite 
thick  and  a  few  years  before  my  visit,  a  secret  cell  was  discovered  in  them  which,  not  only 
contained  instruments  of  torture,  but  also  the  remains  of  a  human  skeleton;  suggestive  rel- 
ics of  the  dark  days  of  Spanish  tyranny.  Adjoining  this  gloomy  inner  prison,  is  a  larger 
apartment,  celebrated  as  being  the  cell  in  which  the  Seminole  Chief,  Wild  Cat,  was  con- 
fined and  from  which  he  escaped  by  forcing  his  way  through 'a  window,  so  small,  that, 
previous  to  his  attempt,  no  one  supposed  that  it  was  possible  for  a  human  being  to  gain  an 
exit  by  it.  This  orifice  forms  a  place  of  ingress  and  egress  for  the  Barn  Owls.  How  long 
these  birds  have  used  this  opening  as  a  passage  to  their  homes  is  impossible  to  conjecture 
but,  beyond  a  doubt,  the  ancestors  of  the  present  occupsmts  heard  the  groans  of  the  French 
Huguenots,  who  were  confined  in  the  dungeon  by  Menendez  some  three  hundred  gears  ago. 
These  Owls,  through  a  succession  of  generations,  must  have  become  accustomed  to  the 
sounds  of  war  for  the  old  fort  has  been  besieged  no  less  than  seven  times  during  the  three 
centuries  of  its  existence  but  has  been  taken  only  once,  when  the  stars  and  stripes  replaced 
the  stars  and  bars  during  the  last  war.  Another  breeding  place  of  these  Owls  is  the  Old 
Lookout,  a  deserted  ruin  which  stands  on  a  small  island  in  the  Mantanzas  River,  near  the 
inlet,  and  which  was  erected  about  the  same  year  that  the  fort  was  built. 

The  Barn  Owls,  though  not  noisy  birds,  are  capable  of  producing  cries  so  loud  and 
shrill  that  they  may  be  termed  shreaks;  sounds  well  calculated  to  awaken  the  fears  of  the 
ignorant.  In  fact,  the  uneducated  class  of  Florida  look  upon  the  White  Owls,  as  they  call 
this  species,  with  suspicious  awe  and  will  seldom  disturb  their  nests  or  eggs.  This  spe- 
cies appears  to  see  well  by  day  and  probably  the  same  remark  may  be  applied  to  all  Owls; 
but  this  subject  will  be  discussed  to  a  greater  length  in  the  succeeding  pages.  I  once  start- 
ed one  from  a  bunch  of  live-oaks  in  Smithville,  North  Carolina.  It  rose  some  distance 
from  me,  too  far,  in  fact,  to  shoot,  then,  as  if  it  wished  to  obtain  a  nearer  view,  turned  to 
fly  back  again,  when  a  friend  who  was  accompaning  me,  fired,  but,  as  the  bird  was  then 
too  far  away  for  the  shot  to  have  any  effect,  it  merely  circled,  and  flew  rapidly  away,  mov- 
ing as  steadily  as  does  the  Snowy  or  Great  Horned  in  the  daylight,  for  both  of  these  birds 
can  then  fly  remarkably  well. 


256  &YRN1UM  NEBULOSUM. 

The  Barn  Owls  are  constantly  resident  wherever  they  occur  but  do  not  appear  to  be 
very  common  anywhere  in  the  section  which  wo  have  under  consideration,  yet,  as  they 
are  of  a  retiring  dispoistion,  they  may  escape  notice.  They  are  southern  birds,  being  rare 
north  of  Virginia  and  are  found  in  Massachusetts  and  the  other  New  England  States  only 
as  occasional  stragglers.  One  specimen  was  taken  at  Lynn  and  one  or  two  in  the  vicin- 
ity of  Springfiold,  sorns  years  ago. 

The  breeding  habits  of  the  Barn  Owls  are  not  very  well  known;  Audubon  states  that 
they  lay  at  irregular  times  throughout  the  year  but  my  correspondent,  Mr.  Chas.  Nauman, 
who  has  spent  many  years  in  Florida,  says  that  they  nest  in  March,  April,  and  May.  The 
pair  of  which  I  have  spoken  on  the  preceding  page,  .which  had  a  home  in  the  hollow  stub, 
brought  out  their  young  in  the  spring,  depositing  their  eggs  about  the  first  of  March,  while 
the  birds  at  the  old  fort  appeared  to  breed  in  the  spring.  Thus  we  may  judge  that  the 
majority  begin  their  household  duties  about  that  time,  bringing  out,  at  least,  two  broods 
in  a  season. 


FAMILY  II.     BUBONIDJL     THE  HOOTING  OWLS. 

Marginal  indentations,  four,  quite  wide  but  deep.  Tarsus,  short.  Eyes,  rather  large. 
Facial  disk,  nearly  perfett. 

The  marginal  indentations  are  wide  and  deep  but  the  two  inner,  are  shallower  than 
the  outer.  The  size  is  usually  quite  largo.  The  bill  is  not  very  long  but  is  strong.  The 
tarsi  are  comparatively  short  and  the  feet  strong.  The  plumage  is  rather  dark  in  color 
and,  although  soft  and  lax,  is  not  of  that  peculiar,  downy  structure  observable  in  the  pre- 
ceding family. 

GENUS  II.    SYRNIUM.    THE  GRAY  OWLS. 

GEN.  Cn.  The  sternum  is  short  and  well  arched,  with  the  coracoids  set  on  at  an  angle.  Furcula,  not  very  well  devel- 
oped. Tail,  rather  long.  There  are  no  ear  luffs. 

Members  of  this  genus  have  the  plumage  very  long  and  full.  The  eyes  are  rather  large  and  dark  in  color.  The  sterno- 
trachealis  is  stout  but  there  are  no  other  laryngeal  muscles.  The  oesophagus  is  nearly  straight,  but  is  a  little  wider  in  the 
middle,  and  opens  into  a  medium  sized  proventriculus  with  simple  glands  arranged  in  a  zonular  band.  The  stomach  is 
large,  globular  in  form,  with  rather  thin  walls.  The  coeca  are  quite  long.  Both  lobes  of  the  liver  are  nearly  equal  in  size. 
There  are  two  species  within  our  limits. 

SYENIUM  NEBULOSUM. 
Barred  Owl. 

Syrnium  nebulosum  FOSTER,  Trans.  Philos.  Soc.  London,  LXII;  1772,  386,  424. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sp.  Cn.  Form,  robust.  Size,  medium.  Sternum,  stout,  rather  broad,  with  the  keel  well  arched,  thick,  and  short,  but 
it  reaches  the  posterior  border  which  is  emarginate.  The  marginal  indentations  are  quite  deep.  Tongue,  thick  and 
fleshy,  horny  at  the  tip  which  is  rounded  and  slightly  bifid. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Above,  including  rump  and  upper  tail  and  wing  coverts,  dusky-brown  and  all  the  feathers  are  trans- 
versely banded  with  white.  Wings  and  tail,  dusky-brown,  transversely  banded  with  brown.  Under  parts,  white,  trans- 


BARRED  OWL.  257 

imnded  alxive  the  upper  hrrast,  and  longitudinally  striped  below  this,  with  dusky-brown.  Under  wing  and  tail  cov- 
en-, flunks,  tihia.  nnd  tarsus.  roddMi-yelluw,  the  under  (nil  coverts  being  striped  with  dusky  and  the  tarsus  mixed  with  it. 
The  t'.nv  is  uTiiyish-vvhite  haired  with  dusky  and  the  edge  of  the  facial  disk  is  dark-brown. 

YHUHI/.  P.inls  in  this  stage  are  tinged  with  reddi-ih-brown  above,  particularly  on  the  white  markings,  while  the  same 
color  pervades  heloW. 

,\  <r/ini/s.     Are  covered  with  a  yi-llow  down.     Iris,  dark-brown,  bill,  yellow,  cere,  greenish,  claws,  horn  color,  in  all 
>  -xcs,  similar  in  color. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

K  i  lily  known  from  the  preceding  by  the  smaller  size  and  yellowish  tinging  to  the  feathers,  and  from  other  species  by 
the  -crihed.  The  wings  and  tail  are,  perhaps,  more  frequently  barred  with  yellowish  than  with  brown.  Spec- 

imen- from  Florida  are  darker  than  those  from  the  Northern  States  and  are  strongly  tinged  with  reddish  above  and  below, 
wliil.  of  southern  birds  are  quite  destitute  of  feathers.    Distributed,  as  a  constant  resident,  throughout  Eastern 

North  America. 

DIMENSIONS. 

A\  entire  measurements  of  male  specimens.  Length,  19'00;  stretch ,  44-00;  wing,  13'00;  tail,  8'00;  bill,  1-35;  tarsus, 
2-00.  Longest  specimen,  SO'OO;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  45'00;  longest  wing,  H'OO:  tail,  8'50;  bill,  1'45;  tarsus, 2'25. 
Shortest  specimen,  IT'OO;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  43'00;  shortest  wing,  12'50;  tail,  7'00;  bill,  T25;  tarsus,  1'90. 

Avcraire  measurements  of  fciiKile  specimens.  Length,  20'00;  stretch,  45'25;  wing,  14'00;  tail,8'50;  bill,  1'45;  tarsus, 
2-2"'.  Linn.'st  sp;vi:m-n,  21-00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  4«'00;  longest  wing,  14'50;  tail,  9-00;  bill,  1-50;  tarsus,  2'05. 
Shortest  specimen,  19-00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  44'00;  shortest  wing,  13'25;  tail,  7-50;  bill,  1'35;  tarsus,  2  00. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  natural  cavities  of  trees  or  on  the  branches.  They  are  either  remodeled  on  the  old  nests  of  other  birds 
or  compose.! ,  ('-ticks  and  twi.ns,  lined  with  ascanty  supply  of  leaves,  etc. 

K'/i/.t,  three  or  lour  in  number,  rather  oval  in  form,  white  in  color,  with  the  surface  very  smooth.  Dimensions  from 
H)0x9-00  to  l-75x-2-20. 

I1AKITS. 

I  have  placed  the  birds  now  under  consideration,  among  the  Hooting  Owls  and  they 
( rrtainly  proclaim  their  right  to  the  title,  most  emphatically,  for  it  would  be  difficult  to 
find  more  noisy  Owls.  They  are  not  only  noisy,  uttering  their  notes  very  frequently,  but 
their  cries  are  loud  and  are  given  with  startling  distinctness.  A  single  prolonged  hoot 
which  is  a  preliminary  to  a  series  of  lower  sounds,  is  particularly  noticeable,  especially 
when  heard  near  at  hand,  being  uttered  with  such  a  peculiar  intonation  as  to  suggest  su- 
pernatural origin;  then,  the  notes  which  succeed  the  first  outbreak,  are  so  weird  that  they 
are  not  calculated  to  dispel  the  illusion,  neither  is  a  sight  of  the  dark  gray  birds  flying 
swiftly  through  the  foliage  on  noiseless  wings,  at  all  reassuring  for,  in  the  dim  twilight, 
nothing  could  well  appear  more  ghostly  to  one  who  is  inclined  to  believe  in  visitations 
from  the  unknown  world.  How  different  are  the  facts  in  this  case  from  what  a  morbid  fan- 
cy pictures  them.  The  outcry  is  but  the  call  of  an  awakening  Barred  Owl  to  its  mate  for 
whom  he  is  seeking  and  for  whose  benefit  he  is  singing  his  quaint  love  song  as  he  goes. 
To  me  the  notes,  although  given  in  a  minor  tone,  are  not  even  disagreeable,  but  then  I 
have  a  particular  liking  for  Owls  and  have  at  different  times,  kept  almost  all  of  our  native 
species  as  pets.  A  pair  of  Barred  Owls  which  I  once  had  were  particular  favorites  as  they 
were  very  tame  and  notably  gentle,  never  attempting  to  bite  when  I  caressed  them.  They 
would  take  food  from  my  hand  and  would  frequently  fly  to  meet  me  when  I  entered  the 
the  room  in  which  they  were  confined.  The  male  was  finally  killed  by  a  Great  Horned 
Owl  after  which  I  gave  the  female  her  liberty,  a  favor  which  she  doubtless  appreciated 

33 


258  SYRN1UM  C1NEREUM. 

more  than  the  people  in  the  neighborhood,  for  she  remained  in  the  vicinity  for  some  time, 
committing  considerable  havoc  by  entering  chicken  coops  and  killing  the  occupants. 

The  Barred  Owls  are  very  common  in  all  sections  where  they  can  find  woods  of  suffi- 
cient extent  to  offer  them  shelter.  They  are  numerous  in  all  the  Southern  States  but  are 
particularly  abundant  in  Florida,  .where  they  fairly  swarm  and  I  have  started  a  dozen  in  a 
morning's  walk  through  a  swamp.  Although  they  seldom  enter  holes,  they  are  fond  of 
dark,  secluded  localities  from  which  they  emerge  only  by  night,  seldom,  if  ever,  volunta- 
rily flying  by  day.  They  are  quite  unsuspicious  in  sections  where  they  arc  not  disturbed 
and  I  have  often  walked  within  a  few  yards  of  them;  in  fact,  in  Florida,  during  the  even- 
ing, they  would  often  alight  on  the  trees  over  our  camp  fire. 

The  Barred  Owls  breed  early  in  February  in  Florida  but  do  not  generally  lay  in  Xr\v 
England  until  the  latter  part  of  March.  In  the  former  named  locality,  the  e^gs  aro,  I 
think,  placed  in  the  cavity  of  some  hollow  stub  in  cypress  swamps  but  in  New  England, 
they  either  remodel  old  nests  of  Crows  or  Hawks  or  construct  a  domicile  for  themselves. 
The  Barred  Owls  are  not  generally  migratory,  as  the  term  is  usually  applied,  but  in  the 
Nor{,h,  are  inclined  to  wander  somewhat  during  winter. 


SYRNIUM  CINERETJM. 
Great  Gray  Owl. 

Syrnium  cinereum  GH.,  Syst.  Nat.,  I;  1788,  291. 

DESCRIPTION.     . 

Sp.  Cn.  Form,  robust.  Size,  very  large.  Sternum,  stout.  The  marginal  indentations  are  quite  deep.  Tongue,  thick 
and  fleshy,  horny  at  the  tip  which  is  rounded  and  slightly  bifid. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Above,  including  rump  and  upper  tail  coverts,  sooty-brown,  mottled  and  transversely  banded  with 
ashy-white.  Wings  and  tail,  dusky-brown,  transversely  banded  with  ashy-white.  Under  parts,  including  under  wing  and 
tail  coverts,  ashy-white,  longitudinally  streaked  with  sooty-brown,  the  streakings  being  more  numerous  on  the  breast, 
with  transverse  bands  of  the  same  color  on  the  abdomen  and  under  tail  coverts.  The  face  is  grayish  barred  with  dusky 
and  the  eyes  are  nearly  surrounded  by  a  ring  of  the  same  dark  color. 

Young.  Similar  to  the  adult  but  show  inoreorless  traces  of  reddish-brown  above.  Iris,  yellow,  bill,  pale-yellow,  cere, 
greenish,  claws,  horn  color,  in  all  stages.  Sexes,  similar  in  color. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

This  species  may  readily  be  distinguished  from  all  others  by  its  superior  size,  it  being  the  largest  Owl  within  our  lim- 
its, and  by  the  color  as  described.  Distributed,  as  a  constant  resident,  throughout  North  America,  north  of  the  latitude  of 
Canada,  migrating  into  New  England  in  winter. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  male  and  female  specimens.  Length,  22-50;  stretch,  54'00;  wing,  18'CO;  tail,  13'50;  bill,  T50; 
tarsus,  2'50.  Longest  specimen,  SO'OO;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  56'00;  longest  wing,  19'00;  tail,  15'CO;  bill,  1'75;  tarsus, 
3-00.  Shortest  specimen,  25-00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  52-00;  shortest  wing,  17  00;  tail,  12'00;  bill,  1'25;  tarsus,  2-00. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  generally  placed  in  high  trees,  composed  of  sticks,  twigs,  etc.,  and  lined  with  feathers.  They  are  usually  bulky 
structures. 

Kyys,  three  or  four  in  number,  rather  oval  in  form,  pure  white  in  color,  with  the  surface  very  smooth.  Dimensions 
from  1-75x2-00  to  1-78x2-85. 


GREAT  GRAY  OWL.  259 

HABITS. 

One  has  but  to  glance  at  the  long,  downy  plumage  of  the  Great  Gray  Owls  to  under- 
stand that  they  are  inhabitants  of  a  boreal  clime,  and  they  do  dwell  in  the  Arctic  regions, 
not  (inly  in  summer  but  also  remain  there  all  winter,  being  protected  from  the  ravages  of 
the  intense  cold  by  the  thick  coat  of  soft  plumage  with  which  they  are  provided.  They 
must  find  an  abundance  of  food  in  those  bleak  and  inhospitable  sections  for  they  seldom 
leave  them,  being  quite  uncommon  even  in  the  more  northern  of  the  New  England  States, 
while  they  are  very  rare  in  Massachusetts;  so  rare,  in  fact,  that  I  never  had  the  good  for- 
tune to  meet  with  one  living  although  I  have  searched  diligently  for  them  for  many  years. 
There  are  but  a  few  instances  on  record  of  the  capture  of  these  desirable  Owls  in  the  state 
and  the  greater  part  of  these  occurred  in  the  neighborhood  of  the  sea  shore,  mainly  at  Lynn 
and  Salem  or  in  the  vicinity.  I  do  not  think  that  they  wander  south  of  this  point  as  a 
rule,  but  a  single  specimen  was  taken  in  Connecticut  many  years  ago. 

According  to  published  descriptions,  the  Great  Gray  Owls  resemble  the  Barred  in 
habits,  frequenting  the  densely  wooded  sections,  hiding  by  day  and  flying  about  the  coun- 
try by  night.  This  brings  me  to  a  point  which  I  have  mentioned  before — the  sight  of  Owls. 
Almost  every  one  believes  that  these  birds  cannot  see  well  during  daylight,  even  ornithol- 
ogists appear  to  have  this  opinion  regarding  certain  species.  Now,  I  have  kept  all  but 
three  of  our  native  species  in  confinement  and  can  thus  affirm  from  actual  observation  that 
all  of  them  are  capable  of  discerning  objects,  far  or  near,  in  the  brightest  sunlight,  as  clear- 
ly as  by  night.  Thus  a  Mottled  Owl  which  I  now  have,  watches  the  moA'ements  of  insects 
a>  they  fly  about  the  room  or  crawl  on  the  floor  and,  on  several  occasions,  has  alighted  on 
them,  striking  them  with  his  talons  with  as  much  adroitness  as  in  the  evening,  even  if  the 
sunlight  were  shining  on  them.  He  also  perceives  objects  at  a  distance;  for  example,  he 
has  a  decided  antipathy  to  cattle;  thus  when  he  sees  one,  he  will  utter  a  peculiar  croak, 
indicative  of  alarm  and  I  frequently  hear  him  give  this  note  as  he  sits  on  the  sash  of  an 
open  window,  when  there  appears  to  be  no  cause  for  it,  yet  upon  going  to  the  window  in 
order  to  observe  the  direction  of  his  gaze,  I  often  find  that  he  is  looking  at  a  cow  in  a  dis- 
tant field,  so  far  away  as  to  be  scarcely  noticeable. 

It  is  true  that  Owls  see  well  by  night  but  this  is  a  faculty  which  is  possessed,  to  a 
greater  or  less  degree,  by  almost  all  birds  although  it  is  certainly  brought  to  the  greatest 
perfection  in  Owls  as  a  class,  yet  the  same  power  is  possessed  by  nearly  all  the  water  birds, 
especially  the  swimmers.  Thus,  Ducks  see  well  by  night,  as  do  also  Cormorants,  and  a 
White  Pelican  which  I  once  kept  for  four  years,  could  see  during  the  hours  of  darkness  as 
well  as  any  Owl. 

The  breeding  habits  of  the  Great  Gray  Owls  are  not  very  well  known  but  authors 
state  that  they  construct  nests  of  their  own  that  are  thickly  lined  with  feathers  which  is 
quite  an  unusual  feature  with  Owls  although  both  the  Barred  and  Great  Horned  occasion 
ally  deposit  some  of  their  own  plumage  in  their  domiciles.  The  Great  Gray  Owls  are  not 
strictly  migratory  but,  like  the  Barred,  they  wander  somewhat  during  winter,  especially 
during  severe  seasons. 


260  BUBO  VIRGINIAN  US. 

GENUS  III.    BUBO.    THE  HORNED  OWLS. 

GEN.  CH.  The  sternum  is  not  very  short  and  not  strongly  arched,  but  with  the  coracoids  set  on  at  an  anyle.  Furcula, 
quite  well  developed.  Tail,  long.  There  are  prominent  ear  tufts. 

Although  members  of  this  genus  have  the  plumage  long  and  full  yet  it  is  not  as  lax  and  downy  as  in  the  preccdini; 
group.  The  eyes  are  rather  large  and  are  usually  yellow  in  color.  The  sterno-trachealis  is  not  stout,  and  there  is  a  slen- 
der bronchialis,  but  no  other  laryngeal  muscles.  The  oesophagus  is  nearly  straight,  but  is  a  little  wider  in  the  middle, 
and  opens  into  a  small  proventriculus  with  simple  glands  arranged  in  a  narrow,  zonular  band.  The  stomach  i-  quite 
large,  globular  in  form,  with  moderately  thin  walls.  The  coeca  are  quite  long  with  the  blind  ends  dilated.  The  fold  «,f  the 
duodenum  is  long,  inclosing  a  small  pancreas.  Both  lobes  of  the  liver  are  nearly  equal  in  size.  There  is  but  one  species 
within  our  limits. 


BUBO  VIRGINIANUS. 
Great  Horned  Owl. 

Bubo  Viryinianus  GM.,  Syst,  Nat.,  I:  1788,  287. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  robust.  Size,  very  large.  Sternum,  stout.  Tongue,  rather  thick  and  fleshy,  homy  at  the  tip  which 
is  rounded  and  slightly  bifid.  The  bill  and  claws  are  strong  and  well  curved.  The  ear  tufts  are  always  present  and  u<u- 
ally  quite  prominent. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Above,  including  wings  and  tail,  dark-brown,  with  the  feathers  mottled,  spotted,  and  barred  with 
white  and  rufous,  the  bars  being  more  distinct  on  the  wings  and  tail.  The  base  of  the  feathers  are  more  or  less  rufous. 
There  is  a  patch  of  white  on  the  lower  neck  and  upper  breast  but  the  remainder  of  the  feathers,  including  under  wing  and 
tail  coverts,  is  barred,  mottled,  and  spotted,  with  black,  white,  and  yellowish-rufous.  The  tibia  and  tarsus  are  rufous  bar- 
red with  dusky.  The  face  is  rufous,  black,  and  white,  mixed,  hut  inclined  to  white  on  the  feathers  in  advance  of  the  eye. 
Ear  tufts,  dark-brown,  edged  on  the  inner  margin  with  rufous  and  white. 

Young.  Similar- to  the  adult  but  show  much  more  rufous  below  and  on  the  middle  of  the  back,  while  the  same  color 
predominates  on  the  wings  and  tail. 

Nestlings.  Are  at  first  covered  with  a  yellow  down  which,  in  time,  becomes  barred  with  dusky-brown.  Chin  and 
throat,  white,  also  the  ring  entirely  surrounding  the  bill,  but  the  bristles  at  its  base  are  black,  terminally.  The  facial  disk 
is  edged  with  black.  The  ear  tufts  are  at  first  wanting  but  soon  appear  as  the  birds  gradually  assume  the  second  plumage. 
Iris,  yellow,  bill  and  claws,  dark-brown,  in  all  stages.  Sexes,  similar  in  color. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

It  is  extremely  difficult  to  give  an  idea  of  the  variable  plumage  of  this  species.  Usually  specimens  from  the  far  North 
are  very  light,  often  being  creamy  or  even  nearly  white  throughout;  those  from  the  Middle  Region  show  a  preponderance 
of  rufous,  while  Owls  from  the  South  are  decidedly  darker.  This  is,  prehaps,  the  rule,  but  there  are  many  exceptions  to  it; 
for  example,  of  two  skins  before  me.  one  from  Labrador  and  one  from  Florida,  the  northern  skin  is  the  darker.  Keeping 
in  mind,  then,  the  fact,  that  either  of  the  three  colors,  white,  black,  or  rufous,  may  predominate  nearly  to  the  exclusion  of 
the  other  two,  or  be  mixed  in  all  proportions,  it  will  not  be  difficult  to  recognize  this  species  by  the  form  al<me  and  especial- 
ly by  the  prominent  ear  tufts  combined  with  the  large  size.  Distributed,  as  a  constant  resident,  throughout  the  entire  ex- 
tent of  North  America. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  male  specimens.  Length,  21 '00;  stretch ,  40  00;  wing,  14-00;  tail,  8-00;  bill,  1'60;  tarsus, 
1.-25.  Longest  specimen,  23'00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  45'00;  longest  wing,  15'00;  tail,  9-00;  bill,  1-60;  tarsus,  1'30. 
Shortest  specimen,  18-00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  35-00;  shortest  wing,  13-00;  tail,  7'00;  bill;  1'40;  tarsus,  1'20. 

Average  measurements  of  female  specimens.  Length,  23'00;  stretch,  51-00;  wing,  15-60;  tail,9'00;  bill,  1'70;  tarsus, 
1-50.  Longest  specimen,  24-00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  55'00;  longest  wing,  16-30:  tail,  9'60;  bill,  1-80;  tarsus,  1-60. 
Shortest  specimen,  22'00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  53'00;  shortest  wing,  IS'OO;  tail,  8'70;  bill,  1'50;  tarsus,  1'40. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  natural  cavities  of  trees  or  on  the  branches.  They  are  either  remodeled  on  the  old  nests  of  other  birds 
or  composed  of  sticks  and  twigs,  lined  with  a  scanty  supply  of  leaves,  etc. 

E<iys,  three  or  four  in  number,  quite  spherical  in  form,  white  in  color,  with  the  surface  very  smooth.  Dimensions  from 
1-80x2-00  to  2-00x2-30. 


PLAT  | 


GREAT  HORNED  OWL.  261 

HABITS. 

I  have  described  the  Great  Horned  Owls  as  possessing  certain,  strongly  marked  feat- 

by  which  they  may  be  at  once  distinguished  from  all  other  members  of  the  family. 
This  is  not  only  true  regarding  form,  plumage,  etc.,  but  they  also  exhibit  many  character- 
istic habits,  not  observable  in  any  other  species  of  our  native  Owls.  They  are  the  wildest 
of  the  group  and  it  is  only  by  exercising  the  greatest  caution  that  one  can  approach  within 
gun  .shot  of  them.  Even  in  the  wilds  of  Florida,  they  are  very  shy,  notably  so  during 
daylight,  at  which  time  they  are  extremely  restless,  especially  during  the  breeding  season, 
and  about  the  first  of  January,  I  have  frequently  heard  them  hoot  at  intervals  from  morn- 
ing until  night.  It  is  not  unusual  to  meet  them  flying  about  the  swamps  at  any  hour  at 
this  time  and  I  have  even  seen  them  in  the  piney  woods  at  a  considerable  distance  from  a 
hummock.  When  thus  wandering,  if  they  perceive  an  intruder,  they  will  at  once  start, 
flying  as  steadily  as  any  of  the  diurnal  birds  of  prey.  They  differ,  however,  from  this  class 
for  they  will  make  frequent  pauses  in  order  to  look  at  the  object  of  their  dislike.  This 
fear  of  man  appears  to  be  inherited  for  even  the  young,  when  scarcely  able  to  fly,  are  very 
wild  and  I  once  spent  an  hour  among  the  Alleghany  Mountains  endeavoring  to  obtain  a 
shut  at  a  Great  Horned  Owl  which  led  me  a  chase  of  some  miles  and  when  I,  at  length, 
succeeded  in  obtaining  it,  I  was  surprised  to  find  that  the  bird  was  only  in  the  nestling 
plumage. 

Unlike  any  other  Owls  which  I  have  kept,  the  Great  Homed  are  very  difficult  to  tame; 
in  fact,  it  will  not  be  easy  to  find  fiercer  birds,  for  they  will  seldom  permit  one  to  caress 
them  and  scarcely  appear  to  recognize  their  best  friend.  The  only  exception  to  this  rule 
that  ever  came  under  my  notice,  is  a  fine  specimen  now  in  the  possession  of  the  Bangs 
Brothers  which,  although  far  from  being  good-tempered,  does  acknowledge  his  masters* 
and  will  permit  them  to  handle  him  on  some  occasions  but  will  instantly  attack  all  other 
intruders. 

As  already  noted,  the  Great  Horned  Owls  are  not  only  variable  in  plumage  but  also 
in  regard  to  their  notes,  yet  no  one  would  be  apt  to  mistake  an  Owl  of  this  species  for  any 
other  when  he  saw  it,  no  matter  how  singular  the  color;  neither  would  any  one  fail  to  rec- 
ognize the  peculiar  notes,  even  though  there  is  considerable  difference  in  the  songs,  if  so 
we  may  call  them,  of  different  individuals.  My  extended  experience  in  the  woods  of  Flor- 
ida has  brought  me  in  contact  with  very  many  of  this  species  and  I  have  spent  many  hours 
in  listening  to  them.  The  usual  cry  consists  of  four  notes  which  may  be  expressed  as  fol- 
lows: wha-ho-ho-whoo,  the  first  two  being  given  quite  rapidly,  then  a  pause  of  a  second  or 
two  ensues  and  the  third  syllable  comes  out  distinctly  with  emphasis,  quickly  followed  by 
the  last  which  is  dwelt  upon,  often  with  a  rising  inflection  just  as  though  the  birds  were  ask- 
ing a  question.  Some  Owls  add  another  note  and  one  which  came  about  our  camp  at 
Blue  Springs  during  the  winter  of  1872,  gave  eight  distinct  sounds.  Besides  this  hoot, 
they  emit  other  sounds  and  when  the  males  are  pursuing  the  females  during  the  nesting 
season,  they  utter  a  series  of  guttural  notes,  sounding  like  wack-wack-ho-ho-wa-who,  all 
delivered  rapidly  but  dwelling  on  the  last  with  the  same  rising  inflection  as  when  hooting. 


262  BRACI1YOTUS  PALUSTRJS. 

As  remarked,  the  full  hoot  is  often  given  by  day  during  the  breeding  season  and  on  one  or 
two  occasions,  I  have  heard  it  in  winter  in  Maine,  where  the  country  people  say  that  when 
the  Owls  hoot  before  sunset,  it  foretells  a  storm, 

The  Great  Horned  Owls  are,  with  prehaps  the  exception  of  the  Eagles,  the  very  first 
in  the  season  among  our  native  birds  to  breed,  depositing  their  eggs  in  Florida  as  soon  as 
the  first  of  January,  but  not  laying  in  New  England  until  the  middle  of  February.  The 
young  grow  slowly  and  do  not  leave  the  nest  for,  at  least,  three  months.  These  Owls,  like 
the  Barred,  almost  invariably  breed  in  hollow  stubs  in  the  South  but  further  north,  they 
frequently  construct  nests  for  themselves  or  remodel  those  of  Hawks  or  Crows  but  they  oc- 
casionally resort  to  holes  in  this  section  for  I  once  found  some  eggs,  all  of  which,  excepting 
one,  were  broken,  in  a  cavity  of  a  prostrate  log  at  Upton,  Maine.  The  stub  which  con- 
tained the  nest,  must  have  been  thrown  down  shortly  after  the  eggs  were  deposited,  for 
the  whole  one,  although  addled,  showed  no  signs  of  incubation.  The  Great  Horned  Owls, 
like  other  species,  wander  considerably  when  not  breeding,  especially  in  the  North  during 
winter,  but  they  are  not  strictly  migratory. 

FAMILY  III.     OTUNID^.     THE  EARED  OWLS. 

Sternum,  emarginate.  Marginal  indentations ,  four ,  not  wide  nor  deep.  Tarsus,  very 
short.  Feet,  small.  Eyes,  rather  small.  Facial  disk,  nearly  perfect.  Ear  tufts,  always 
present. 

The  sternum  is  short  ami  well  arched,  with  the  top  of  the  keel  considerably  rounded. 
The  outer  marginal  indentations  are  deeper  than  the  inner.  The  size  is  medium  with  the 
form  slender.  The  bill  is  strong  but  not  very  long.  The  plumage  is  long,  full,  and  quite 
downy.  The  wings  and  tail  are  long,  and  although  the  ear  tufts  are  always  present,  they 
are  of  varying  length. 

GENUS  I.    BRACHYOTUS.    THE  EARED  OWLS. 

GEN.  On.  The  sternum  is  considerably  arched,  with  a  well  rounded  keel  which  emals  in  heiyhf  one  half  the  width  of  the 
sternum.  Outer  marginal  indentations,  but  little  deeper  than  the  inner.  Coracoids,  rather  short,  not  equal  in  lenylh  to  the 
top  of  the  keel  and  not  set  on  at  a  very  imde  anyle.  'Furcula,  quite  well  developed.  Tail  and  wingf,  long.  There  are  very 
short  ear  tufts. 

Members  of  this  genus  have  the  ear  tufts  present  hut  they  are  not  particularly  prominent.  The  plumage,  although 
downy,  is  not  strikingly  long.  The  eyes  are  not  large  and  are  usually  yellow  in  color.  The  sterno-trachealis  w  quite 
stout,  and  there  is  a  slender  bronehialis,  but  no  other  laryngeal  muscles.  The  ojsophagus  is  nearly  straight,  and  opens 
into  a  small  proventriculus  with  simple  glands  arranged  in  a  narrow,  zonulnr  band.  The  stomach  Is  not  large,  globular 
inform,  with  very  thin  walls.  The  coeca  are  quite  long  with  the  blind  ends  dilated.  The  fold  of  the  duodenum  is  long,  in- 
closing a  small,  but  wide,  pancreas.  Both  lobes  of  the  liver  are  nearly  equal  in  size.  There  is  but  one  species  within  our 
limits. 

BRACHYOTUS  PALUSTRIS. 

Short-eared  Owl. 
Brachyotvs  palustris  GOULD.,  Pro.  Zool.  Soc.,  London;  1837,  10. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sp.  Cn.  Form,  slender.  Size,  medium.  Sternum,  stout.  The  marginal  indentations  are  not  deep.  Tongae,  rather 
thick  and  fleshy,  homy  at  the  tip  which  is  rounded  and  slighty  bifid.  Ear  tufts,  short. 


SHOUT-EARED  OWL.  •  263 

Cii.oR.  Adult.  Ahove,  dark-brown,  with  tlic  feather-  edged,  mottled,  spotted,  and  barred  with  yellowi-'h-rufou". 
Bump,  wholly  yellowish-rufous,  bancd  with  ilu-ky.  \Yir.gs,  dark-brown,  barred  with  yellowish-ruf.ius,  which  becomes 
lighter  on  the  inner  TOba  and  naKri;  white,  li.-l  >w.  Tail,  also  dark-brown,  barred  with  yellowish-rufous  which  becomes 
lighter  mi  tin-  outer  Outliers  an;i  nearly  whin-  on  thr  lower  side;.  Beneath,  including  under  wins;  and  tail  coverts,  tibia, 
an  1  tarsu-,  yellowish-white,  streaked  with  dark-brown  on  tlie  b.i.ly.  There  is  a  prominent  spot  of  dark-brown  on  the  un- 
der \\  -ing  c.ncrts  near  the  outer  edge.  The  face  is  white,  mixed  with  dusky  and  a.  ring  of  dark-brown  entirely  surrounds 
the  eye. 

Youny.  Similar  to  the  adult  but  show  much  more  rufous  on  the  upper  surface  while  the  same  color  predominates  on 
the  lower  |xirtions. 

Nettings.  Are  at  first  covered  with  a  yellow  down  and,  in  time,  gradually  assume  the  second  plumage.  Iris,  yellow, 
cere,  greenish,  bill  and  claws,  dark-brown,  in  all  stages.  Sexes,  similar  in  color. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

•injens  of  the  same  age  and  sex  are  usually  quite  uniform  in  color,  for  Owls,  but  some  skins  obtained  by  Mr.  Win. 
Brewster  and  myself,  in  Summer  at  Muskeget,  a  sandy  inland  off  the  South  Shore  of  Massachusetts  are  so  much  bleached 
a-  m  appear  nearly  white  in  the  distance.  This  is,  however,  merely  the  result  of  exposure  to  the  sun  in  an  unsheltered 
situation,  where  they  were  constantly  resident.  Readily  known  from  the  succeeding  species  by  the  short  ear  tufts  and 
light  tints,  and  from  all  others  by  the  long  wings,  combined  with  the  colors  as  described.  Distributed,  as  a  constant  resi- 
dent, throughout  the  entire  extent  of  North  America,  also  found  in  the  Old  World. 

DIMENSIONS. 

A  \eragc  measurements  of  male  specimens.  Langth,  14*25;  stretch,  39'50;"  wing,  12*70;  tail,  fi*20;  bill, '85;  tarsus, 
1-60.  Longest  specimen,  15*00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  41*00;  longest  wing,  13*00;  tail,  H*40;  bill,  TOO;  tarsus,  ]-75. 
Sl'orfst  specimen,  14*50;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  3S*00:  shortest  wing,  12*30;  tail,  5*90;  bill,  *70;  tarsus,  1*50. 

.\\eraire  measurements  <*(  female  specimens.  Length,  14*50;  stretch,  4(1*00;  wing,  13*00;  tail,  6*30;  bill,  *90;  tarsus, 
1'80.  Lmg-st  -p.vimen,  15*50;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  4i*00;  longest  wing,  13*50;  tail,  6-60;  bill,  1*10;  tarsus,  1*90. 
Shortest  specimen,  15*00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  3!)'09;  shortest  wing,  12*50;  tail,  6*00;  bill,  '80;  tarsus,  1'70. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nesti,  are  often  bulky  structures  placed  either  on  the  ground  or  in  low  bushes.  They  are  composed  of  sticks,  twigs, 
gras-.  etc.,  lined  with  grass  and  leaves. 

Eyys,  four  or  five  in  number,  quite  elliptical  in  form,  white  in  color,  with  the  surface  very  smooth.  Dimensions  from 
I -20x1*50  to  1*25x1*56. 

HABITS. 

As  a  rule,  Owls  prefer  wooded  sections  or,  if  they  do  not,  as  is  the  case  of  the  Barn 
Owl,  they  will  hide  in  holes  of  rocks  or  in  deserted  buildings  but  the  species  of  which  I  am 
now  writing,  has  a  decided  predilection  for  the  open  country,  usually  choosing  marshes  or 
barren  sections  near  the  sea  shore;  in  fact,  they  are  quite  uncommon  elsewhere  and,  al- 
though I  have  seen  scores  of  Short-eared  Owls,  I  have  met  with  only  one  in  the  interior. 
They  are  fond  of  resorting  to  hill-sides,  grown  up  to  low  bushes  among  which  they  hide, 
emerging  by  night  to  feed  on  mice  or  small  birds  which  they  procure  by  hawking  over  the 
marshes,  flying  at  a  considerable  height,  but  when  they  perceive  the  object  for  which  they 
are  hunting,  they  will  suspend  themselves  in  air  for  a  moment,  after  the  manner  of  King- 
fishers, then  will  drop  perpendicularly  upon  their  victims,  seldom  missing  their  aim,  after 
which  they  will  remain  on  the  ground  to  eat  them. 

I  had  an  excellent  opportunity  of  studying  the  habits  of  these  Owls  when  camping, 
in  company  with  Mr.  Brewster  and  another  friend  who  has  since  passed  away,  on  the  is- 
land of  Muskoget  during  the  early  part  of  July,  1870.  This  little  islet  which  is  situated 
between  Nantucket  and  Martha's  Vineyard,  is  low,  sandy  and,  in  places,  quite  destitute  of 
vegetation,  while  a  scant  out-cropping  of  beach  grass  may  be  seen  on  the  sides  and  tops  of 


264  OTUS. 

the  low  hillocks  of  which  a,  greater  part  of  the  surface  is  composed.  The  miniature  val- 
leys in  which  there  is  a  slight  accumulation  of  soil,  support  a  somewhat  luxuriant  growth 
of  poison  ivy  among  which  are  scattered  clumps  of  wild  beach  plums  that,  although,  judg- 
ing from  their  moss-covered  stems  and  gnarled  branches,  they  have  withstood  the  storms 
of  many  winters,  have  only  attained  the  height  of  three  or  four  feet.  During  the  first  few 
hours  of  our  visit,  we  discovered  two  or  three  huge  nests  placed  in  the  tops  of  this  dwarfed 
shrubbery  but  could  not,  at  first,  make  out  to  what  birds  they  belonged.  The  island  was 
swarming  with  three  species  of  Terns  and,  after  a  time,  we  saw  a  cloud  of  these  birds  gath- 
ering around  some  object  which  was  suspended  in  air  but  the  Terns  were  so  numerous  that 
we  could  not  see  what  it  was  that  engaged  their  attention,  until  it  moved  onward,  when 
we  saw  that  it  was  a  Short-eared  Owl.  We  afterwards  found  that  there  was  quite  a  col- 
ony of  them  on  the  place;  in  fact,  we  secured  four  or  five  specimens. 

A  peculiar,  bleached  variety  of  the  field  mouse  was  very  abundant  on  the  island  of 
Muskeget,  living  mainly  on  the  surface,  for  they  could  not  well  burrow,  and  they  furnished 
a  never-failing  supply  of  food  for  the  Owls  which  were  evidently  constant  residents.  These 
birds,  much  to  my  surprise,  would  hunt  almost  constantly  by  day  and,  while  so  doing, 
were  always  surrounded  by  thousands  of  Terns  all  of  which  were  screaming  so  loudly  that 
it  was  quite  impossible  to  hear  any  other  sound,  yet  the  Owls  never  appeared  to  pay  the 
slightest  attention  to  them  but  would  fly  about  quietly  and  seemed  to  be  as  successful  in 
capturing  their  prey  as  if  alone.  The  reason  for  the  antipathy  displayed  by  the  Terns  was 
obvious  when  we  came  to  dissect  some  of  the  Owls  and  found  feathers  of  Terns  in  their 
stomachs,  mingled  with  bones  of  mice.  Well-cleaned  skeletons  of  Terns  were  also  numer- 
ous near  the  old  nests  which,  we  now  knew,  were  built  by  the  Owls,  thus  proving  most 
conclusively  that  these  birds  occasionally  varied  their  diet. 

An  examination  of  the  nests  of  these  Owls  on  Muskeget  Island,  showed  that  they 
were  composed  mainly  of  sticks  but,  as  they  were  bulky  structures,  it  was  quite  evident 
that  they  had  been  used  year  after  year  by  the  Owls.  The  eggs  must  be  deposited  here  in 
April  but  further  north,  on  Grand  Menan,  for  example,  they  are  laid  a  month  later.  The 
Short-eared  Owls  are  migratory  to  a  certain  degree  during  the  winter,  passing,  at  least, 
south  of  Massachusetts.  At  this  season,  they  are  inclined  to  be  gregarious,  for  they  asso- 
ciate in  small  companies  in  their  favorite  resorts. 

GENUS  II.    OTUS.    THE  LONG-EARED  OWLS. 

GEN.  CH.  The  sternum  is  considerably  arched,  with  a  moderately  rounded  keel  which  does  not  quite  e'iual  in  height  one 
half  the  width  of  the  sternum.  Outer  marginal  indentations,  twice  as  deep  a*  the  inner.  Coracoids,  not  very  short,  bting 
equal  in  length  to  the  top  of  the  Iceel  and  are  set  on  at  a  rather  wide  angle.  Furcula,  quite  well  developed.  Tail  and  wings, 
long.  There  are  very  long  ear  tufts. 

All  members  of  this  genus  have  the  ear  tufts  present  and  they  are  particularly  prominent.  The  plumage,  although 
downy,  is  not  strikingly  long.  The  eyes  are  not  large  and  are  usually  yellow  in  color.  The  sterno-trachealis  is  quite 
stout,  and  there  is  a  slender  bronchialis,  but  no  other  laryngeal  muscles.  The  oesophagus  is  nearly  straight,  and  opens 
into  a  small  proventriculus  with  simple  glands  arranged  in  a  very  narrow,  zonular  band.  The  stomach  is  large,  globular 
in  form,  with  very  thin  walls.  The  co3ca  are  quite  long  with  the  blind  ends  dilated.  The  fold  of  the  duodenum  is  long,  in- 
closing a  small,  but  wide,  pancreas.  Both  lobes  of  the  liver  are  nearly  equal  in  size.  There  is  but  one  species  within  our 
limits. 


OTUS  VULGARIS.  265 

OTUS  VULGARIS. 

Long-eared  Owl. 
Olus  vu/yaris  Fuon.,  liritish  Animals;  1828,  60. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sp.Cn.  Form,  slender.  Size,  medium.  Sternum,  not  stout.  The  marginal'indentations  are  quite  deep.  Tongue, 
rather  thick  and  tlcshy,  horny  at  the  tip  which  is  rounded  and  slijrhty  bifid.  Ear  tufts,  long. 

•  lit.     Adult.     Above,  very  dark-brown,  with  the  feathers  edged,  mottled,  spotted,  and  barred  with  yellowish- 
rut  Hi-,  and  as)  ly-  white.     Rump,  wholly  yellowish-rufous  barred  with  dusky.     Wings,  dark-brown,  burred  with  yellowish- 
nit'  >u-.  which  become!)  lighter  on  the  inner  webs  and  nearly  white,  below.    Tail,  also  very  dark-brown,  widely  barred  with 

•  wi-h-rtif  >us  w!ii.-h  becomes  nearly  white  on  the  lower  side.     lieneath,  including  under  wing  and  tail  coverts,  tibia, 
and  tur-n-.  yellowish-white,  broadly  streaked  with  dark-brown  on  the  body.     There  is  a  prominent  spot  of  dark-brown  on 

under  wing  coverts  near  the  outer  edge.  The  lace  is,  white  mixed  with  dusky,  and  a  ring  of  dark-brown  entirely  sur- 
rouild-  llie  eye. 

Y'lun;/.  Similar  to  the  adult  but  show  much  more  rufous  on  the  upper  surface  while  the  .same  color  predominates  on 
the  lower  portions 

Ni'itt/inr/x.  Are  at  first  covered  with  a  yellow  down  and,  in  time,  gradually  assume  the  second  plumage.  Iris,  yellow, 
erre.  greenish,  bill  and  claws,  dark-brown,  in  all  stages.  Sexes,  similar  in  Color. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Specimens  of  the  same  age  and  sex  are  usually  quite  uniform  in  color,  for  Owls,     'f  his  handsome  Owl  is  readily  known 
from  the   preceding  species  by  the  long  ear  tufts  an  1  dark  tints,  anil  from  all  others  by  the  long  wings,  combined  witli  the 
i  icd.     Distributed,  as  a  constant  resident,  throughout  the  entire  extent  of  North  America,  and  Ls  also  found 
in  the  Old  World. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Avenue  measurements  of  male  specimens.  Length,  14-50;  stretch,  39'50;  wing,  12'70;  tail,  6*00;  bill,  '85;  tarsus, 
1-00.  Longest  -pecimen,  15-00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  4TOO;  longest  wing,  IS'OO;  tail,  (V20;  bill,  1-00;  tarsus,  1-75. 
-t  spei  -i;iien,  14-00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  37-00;  shortest  wing,  11-80;  tail,  5-80;  bill,  '70;  tarsus,  1-50. 

Average  'iiea-uremcnts  of  female  specimens.  Length,  14*75;  stretch,  40-00;  wing,  IS'OO;  tail,  6'30;  bill,  "90;  tarsus, 
I-NI.  L  mg-'st  r.-.V);  greatest  extent  of  wing,  40-00;  long.-st  wing,  I.T50:  tail,  6-60;  bill,  1-10;  tarsus,  1'90. 

Shortest  specimen,  14-25;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  3!)-<K>:  shortest  wing,  12'50;  tail,  6-00;  bill,  '80;  tarsus,  T70. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nes/s,  not  very  bulky  structures,  placed  either  on  the  ground,  in  low  bushes,  or  in  trees.  They  are  composed  of  sticks, 
twig-.  grass,  etc.,  lined  with  grass  and  leaves,  or  occasionally  remodeled  on  the  nests  of  other  birds. 

F-ij'jt,  fi'ur  or  live  in  number,  quite  elliptical  in  form,  white  in  color,  with  the  surface  very  smooth.     Dimensions  from 
i-4(i  to  1-40x1-66. 


HABITS. 

Although  closely  allied  to  the  Short-eared  Owls  in  many  respects,  the  birds  now  in 
hand,  dilfer  widely  from  them  in  habits.  As  already  shown  in  the  preceding  page,  the 
Short-cared  prefer  the  open  country  but  the  Long-eared  Owls  are  almost  exclusively  in- 
habitants of  the  woods,  seldom  being  found  elsewhere;  in  fact,  they  rather  choose  the 
darkest  swamps  in  which  to  roost  by  day  but  it  is  probable  that  they  emerge  from  these 
hided  retreats  by  night  in  order  to  hunt  mice  and  small  birds  which  form  the  greater 
portion  of  their  food.  When  surprised  in  these  gloomy  retreats,  they  will  seldom  start  but 
will  merely  sit  perfectly  quiet  and  gaze  at  the  intruder  with  half-closed  eyes,  erect  ear 
tufts,  and  with  the  feathers  drawn  closely  to  the  body,  which  gives  them  a  most  grotesque 
appearance.  When  captured,  they  are  very  gentle,  seldom  attempting  to  bite  but  will 
rulfle  their  feathers,  expand  their  wings,  and  snap  their  bills  fiercely,  after  the  manner  of 
all  Owls  when  annoyed. 

34 


266  NYCTE1N1DJE. 

The  Long-eared  Owls  are  more  strictly  nocturnal  than  the  preceding  species,  flying 
almost  entirely  by  night  when  they  move  with  a  steady,  though  swift,  flight,  not  far  above 
the  ground,  pausing  occasionally  to  pounce  upon  some  unfortunate  mouse  which,  careless 
of  its  safety,  is  taking  a  moonlight  ramble.  When  hunting,  these  Owls  are  silent  and  I 
cannot  definitely  recall  an  instance  when  I  have  heard  either  the  Long  or  Short-eared  Owls 
utter  a  note  but  am  under  the  impression  that  I  have  heard  the  former  give  a  single  cry 
during  the  breeding  season.  It  is  highly  probable,  however,  that  both  species  have  a 
characteristic  call  as  well  as  a  love  song,  for  the  larynx  is  similar  to  that  of  other  Owls  but 
none  of  the  order  have  these  muscles  so  highly  developed  as  to  produce  any  great  variety 
of  modulated  sounds. 

According  to  authors,  the  Long-eared  Owls  occasionally  place  their  nests  in  low  bush- 
es or  even  on  the  ground  but  instances  of  this  kind  are  doubtless  not  common  for,  judging 
from  the  cases  which  have  come  to  my  knowledge,  their  domiciles  are  constructed  in  trees, 
often  in  dense  swamps.  Wilson  mentions  finding  the  nests  of  this  species  in  a  swampy 
thicket  which  was  occupied  as  a  breeding  place  by  Night  Herons.  They  appear  to  have  a 
fondness  for  similar  places  and  I  know  of  four  or  five  nests  which  have  been  taken  from  a 
heronry  near  West  Newton  during  different  years.  The  time  of  laying  in  Massachusetts 
is  during  the  last  week  in  April  or  first  week  in  May,  earlier  in  the  South  and  later  further 
north  for  I  find  in  my  note-book  a  record  of  a  nest  taken  at  Grand  Menan  on  the  twenty- 
second  of  May. 

The  Long-eared  Owls  are  not  apparently  as  common  as  the  preceding  species  but  this 
may  be  due  to  the  fact  that  they  are  more  retiring  in  habits,  thus  escaping  observation  and 
it  is  highly  probable  that  many  more  inhabit  a  given  section  than  one  would  suppose,  judg- 
ing from  the  few  specimens  actually  seen  or  taken.  I  have  met  with  them  much  less  fre- 
quently of  late  years  than  formerly  but  this  may  be  the  result  of  accident  or  they  may  be 
driven  away  by  the  thinning  of  the  forests;  yet  I  scarcely  think  this  can  be  a  fact,  for  the 
Mottled  Owl  which  would  be  affected  by  the  same  cause,  is  as  abundant  as  ever.  The 
Long-eared  Owls  are  not  apparently  migratory  being  found  with  us  throughout  the  entire 
year. 

FAMILY  IV.     NYCTEINLDJ3.     THE  ARCTIC  OWLS. 

Sternum,  quite  emarginate.  Marginal  indentations,  four,  not  wide  but  the  outer  is  very 
deep.  Tarsus,  very  short.  Feet,  large.  Eyes,  large.  Facial  disk,  not  perfect.  Ear  tufts, 
wanting. 

The  sternum  is  short  and  well  arched,  with  the  top  of  the  keel  well  rounded.  The 
outer  marginal  indentations  are  more  than  twice  as  deep  as  the  inner.  The  feet  are  large 
and  densely  feathered  to  the  toes.  The  head  is  not  large  but  rounded.  The  size  is  large 
with  a  robust  form.  The  bill  is  strong  and  quite  long.  The  plumage  is  full,  downy,  and 
long.  The  wings  and  tail  are  quite  long  but  well  proportioned.  The  predominating  col- 
or is  white. 


NYCTEA  N1VEA.  267 

GENUS  I.    NYCTEA.    THE  WHITE  OWLS. 

(li  \.  Cii.  The  sternum  is  «insi<l>-rnlili/  arrheil,  irith  a  modcrnle/y  rounded  keel  which  does  not  e>[ual  in  hei</ht  one  half 
tfn  width  of  the  Ittnmm.  Outer  mari/inal  intlmlations,  mure  than  twice  the  depth  of  the  inner.  Coracoids,  short,  not  be- 
in</  rifuiil  in  Icnyth  to  the  top  of  the  keel  and  are  set  on  at  a  rather  wide  anyle.  Furcula,  ijuile  well  developed.  Tail  and.  winys, 


Member*  nf  this  jrenus  are  particularly  noticeable  on  account  of  the  prominent  white  markings  to  the  plumage  which 
i<  -trikin^ly  \<>KZ  and  downy.  Tlie  eye-;  arc  large  and  yellow  in  color.  The  sterno-traehealis  is  quite  stout,  and  there  is 
»  slender  bruncliialis,  hut  no  other  laryngeal  muscles.  The  oesophagus  is  nearly  straight,  being  a  little  wider  in  the  mid- 
dle, and  opens  into  a  small  proventrirulu-i  with  simple,  oval  glands  arranged  in  a  narrow,  zonular  band  which  measures 
nbout  I'OO  in  width.  Thestomaeh  is  small,  flat  in  form,  with  somewhat  irregular  outlines,  and  with  very  thin  walls!  The 
ernes  arc  ijuite  loci;,  small  near  the  intestine,  measuring  '10  in  diameter,  with  the  blind  ends  dilated  into  long,  oval  sacs, 
•d":  in  ili;imctiT  by  1-50  in  length.  The  fold  of  the  duodenum  is  long,  inclosing  a  small,  narrow  pancreas.  The  spleen  is  an 
elliptical  body  lying  directly  on  the  proventriculus.  Both  lobes  of  the  liver  are  nearly  equal  in  size.  There  is  butone  spe- 
cies within  our  limits. 


NYCTEA  NIVEA. 

Snowy  Owl. 
Nyctea  nivea  STBPH.,  Cont.  of  Shaw's  Zool.,  XIIT;  1820,  62. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sr.  Cn.  Form,  robust.  Size,  very  large.  Sternum,  stout.  Tongue,  rather  thick  and  fleshy,  horny  at  the  tip  which 
is  rounded  but  not  bifid.  The  bill  and  claws  are  very  strong  and  well  curved,  long,  but  are  nearly  concealed  by  long,  brist- 
ly feathers. 

('num.  Adult  male.  Pure  snowy-white,  more  or  less  mottled,  spotted,  and  barred,  especially  above,  with  a  very  dark- 
brown,  but  the  white  predominates, 

Adult  fi-male.  White,  as  in  the  male,  but  with  the  dark  markings  much  more  prominent,  frequently  extending  over 
both  surfaces  including  wings  and  tail.  The  face,  chin,  throat,  under  wing  coverts,  tibia,  and  tarsus  are  always  perfectly 
immaculate. 

Young.  Similar  to  the  adult  but  much  more  widely  barred  with  dark-brown,  and  also  show  a  tinging  of  yellowish- 
rufous  on  the  back.  Iris,  yellow,  cere,  greenish,  bill  and  claws,  greenish-brown,  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

There  is  considerable  variation  in  amount  of  dark-brown  markings  hut  this  is  evidently  the  result  of  age  and  sex,  other- 
wise specimen*  are  quite  uniform  in  color.  Very  old  birds  become  nearly,  or  wholly  white.  Distributed,  as  a  constant  res- 
ident, throughout  the  more  northern  portions  of  both  Continents,  migrating  southward  in  winter,  in  North  America,  reg- 
ularly, at  least,  to  New  Jersey  and  rarely  as  far  as  South  Carolina. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  male  specimens.  Length,  22-50;  stretch,  59-00;  wing,  16-75;  tail,  8-55;  bill,  1'30;  tarsus, 
1-95.  Longest  specimen,  23-00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  60-00;  longest  wing,  17-35:  tail,  8-85;  bill,  1-35;  tarsus, 2-00. 
Shortest  specimen,  2-J'OO;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  58'00;  shortest  wing,  IB'OO;  tail,  8'27;  bill,  1-25;  tarsus,  1'90. 

Average  mea-urements  of  female  specimens.  Length,  23'70;  stretch,  60-54;  wing,  17'25;  tail,  9'35;  bill,' 1*45;  tarsus, 
S'25.  Longest  specimen,  25'00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  6-2"25;  longest  wing,  17-50;  tail,  9'85;  bill,  T50;  tarsus,  2'50. 
Shortest  specimen,  22-50;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  58-83;  shortest  wing,  16-90;  tail,  8-85;  bill,  1'40;  tarsus,  2'00. 

DESCRIPTION  OP  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  on  the  ground,  composed  of  sticks,  twigs,  grass,  etc.,  lined  with  grass  and  weeds.  They  are  bulky 
structures. 

Eyys,  three  or  four  in  number,  oblong-oval  in  form,  white  in  color,  with  the  surface  very  smooth.  Dimensions  from 
I'85x2-50  to  1-90x2-55. 

HABITS. 

Fortunate  for  admirers  of  the  Snowy  Owls,  these  beautiful  birds  are  migratory,  for  if 
they  did  not  choose  to  come  to  us  we  should  seldom  be  gratified  by  a  sight  of  their  mag- 


268  SNOWY  OWL. 

nificent  feathers  and  lovely  plumage  as  they  pass  the  greater  portion  of  their  lives  in  re- 
gions so  remote  and  inaccessible  that  they  can  be  visited  only  with  great  difficulty  and 
there  are  few  ornithologists  even  who  have  seen  the  Snowy  Owls  on  their  northern  breeding 
grounds. 

Although  some  of  these  Owls  visit  us  regularly  every  winter,  they  are  much  more 
frequently  met  with  during  some  seasons  than  others,  yet  they  are  not  usually  very  com- 
mon but,  on  some  occasions,  are  really  abundant.  They  were  remarkably  numerous  dur- 
ing the  winter  of  1877,  when  hundreds  were  taken  in  Eastern  Massachusetts  alone,  and 
many  more  seen.  These  Owls  have  a  decided  predilection  for  barren  reaches  of  sea-board 
and  the  place  where  I  was  always  sure  to  find  them  was  on  the  sand  hills  of  Ipswich  beach. 
When  the  wind  was  blowing  so  fiercely  and  cold  that  it  was  almost  impossible  to  make 
one's  way  over  the  sand  dunes,  I  would  go  in  search  of  the  Snowy  Owls.  I  well  remem- 
ber the  first  specimen  that  I  ever  secured,  although  many  years  have  past  since  then.  I 
had  started  out  early  in  the  morning  of  one  of  those  blustering  days  of  which  I  have  spo- 
ken, to  look  for  birds  and,  about  noon,  had  caught  sight  of  an  Owl  sitting  under  the  lee  of 
a  sand  hill,  but  almost  as  soon  as  I  saw  him,  he  noticed  me  and  apparently  the  recognition 
was  mutual  for,  as  I  sunk  down  behind  a  hillock  to  creep  nearer  in  order  to  obtain  a  shot, 
he  rose  and  flew  to  a  neighboring  dune,  where  I  followed  him  but  could  not  get  within 
range.  Thus  the  wary  bird  led  me  on,  up  and  down  the  beach,  throughout  the  remainder 
of  the  day  until  sunset,  when  upon  starting  him  from  the  beach  near  the  water,  he  flew 
boldly  out  to  sea  while  I  watched  him,  sadly  thinking  that  the  chances  of  adding  that  .spec- 
imen to  my  collection  were  exceedingly  small;  but  after  going  about  a  mile,  he  turned, 
came  directly  back,  and  alighted  on  a  high  sand  hill,  not  far  from  where  I  was  standing. 
As  I  now  had  a  favorable  opportunity  of  creeping  unseen  within  shot  of  him,  I  promptly 
availed  myself  of  it  and  just  as  the  sun  was  sinking  in  the  west,  the  report  of  my  gun 
broke  the  stillness  and  I  had  the  satisfaction  of  seeing  the  bird  roll  down  the  declivity  up- 
on which  he  had  been  sitting. 

While  with  us,  as  intimated,  the  Snowy  Owls  are  very  shy,  hiding  among  the  beach 
grass  from  which  they  keep  a  sharp  lookout  for  intruders  and,  when  once  started,  will  take 
good  care  to  keep  a  sufficient  distance  between  themselves  and  their  pursuers.  Neither 
are  they  apparently  much  tamer  in  their  northern  homes  for  one  that  I  met  with  on  the 
Magdalen  Islands,  behaved  in  a  similar  manner.  We  had  landed  on  the  upper  end  of 
Grindstone,  as  this  small  islet  is  called,  on  a  barren  beach,  in  order  to  look  for  Tern's  eggs, 
when  I  perceived  a  fine  male  Snowy  Owl  about  a  hundred  yards  away,  perched  on  the  top 
of  a  small  building  which  had  been  formerly  used  for  drying  fish  but  now  deserted.  I  at 
once  stepped  into  the  boat  for  my  rifle  when  the  bird  started  and  flew  some  distance,  alight- 
ing on  the  top  of  a  sand  hill  where  we  pursued  him  but  all  our  efforts  to  get  near  him  were 
fruitless  and  he  soon  managed  to  elude  us,  escaping  to  a  neighboring  island.  The  wildness 
of  this  particular  specimen  may  be  partly  accounted  for  by  the  fact  that  we  had  shot  two 
Red-throated  Divers  just  before  landing  and  the  Owl  was  probably  alarmed  by  the  report 
of  our  guns. 

In  spite  of  this  propensity  to  avoid  the  presence  of  man  while  they  are  in  a  state  of 


NYCTAL1N1D.E.  269 

nature,  the  Snowy  Owls  become  very  tame  and  gentle  when  in  confinement  and  make  most 
interesting  pets.  One  that  I  had  for  some  time,  became  so  familiar  that  he  would  allow 
me  to  handle  him,  even  playfully  taking  my  finger  in  his  large  beak  without  attempting 
to  injure  it.  lie  was  also  found  of  grasping  my  fingers  in  his  powerful  claws,  allowing  me 
to  shake  hands  with  him  but  he  never  attempted  to  harm  me,  excepting  on  one  occasion, 
when  lie  behaved  in  a  singular  manner.  I  was  accustomed  to  enter  the  room  in  which  he 
was  kept  and,  upon  doing  so  one  morning,  was  surprised  to  see  the  Owl  fly  to  meet  me  for 
he  usually  sat  on  his  perch  until  I  fed  him.  Although  this  procedure  was  unexpected, 
the  next  movement  which  he  made,  was  much  more  astonishing  and,  to  me,  somewhat  per- 
plexing, for  he  alighted  on  my  back,  buried  his  talons  in  my  clothing,  of  which  .1  fortunate- 
ly had  on  a  good  thickness,  yet,  as  it  was,  I  felt  his  claws  scrape  my  skin,  then  extending 
his  wings,  he  flapped  them  violently,  evidently  endeavoring  to  raise  me  from  the  ground, 
and  it  was  (inly  after  making  considerable  effort,  that  I  at  length  coa-xed  him  to  loosen  his 
hold,  when  he  returned  to  his  perch.  This  bird  emitted  a  whistling  cry  whenever  I  ap- 
proached him,  similar  to  that  produced  by  the  Sparrow  Hawk,  which  was  much  higher  than 
I  ever  heard  any  other  Owl  give,  but  this  was  the  only  note  that  I  ever  heard  him  utter. 
The  food  of  these  Owls  appears  to  consist  largely  of  small  rodents  which  diet  is  occasion- 
ally varied  by  the  addition  of  a  few  birds.  The  Snowy  Owls  make  their  appearance  in 
Massachusetts,  late  in  November,  remaining  all  winter  but  departing  with  the  snow  in  the 
spring. 

FAMILY  V.     NYCTALINID^.     THE  BIRD  OWLS. 

Sternum,  quite  emarginate.  Marginal  indentations,  four,  narrow,  with  the  outer  very 
deep.  Keel,  low,  not  exceeding  one  half  the  width  of  the  sternum.  Tarsus,  variable  but  never 
long.  Feet,  small.  Eyes,  medium  in  size.  Facial  disk,  not  perfect.  Ear  tufts,  present  or 
wanting. 

In  this  family,  I  have  included  three  groups  of  Owls  which  may  appear,  at  first  sight, 
somewhat  incongruous  but  they  seem,  to  me,  to  be  closely  related  and  I  have  been  induced 
to  place  them  under  one  head  on  account  of  the  peculiar  form  of  the  sternum  which  is  some- 
what flat,  rather  slight  in  struture,  with  a  keel  which  is  low  in  comparison  with  the  width 
of  the  sternum,  while  the  posterior  margin  is  deeply  emarginate,  with  the  indentations 
deep,  especially  the  outer.  The  furcula  is  never  well  developed  and,  in  some  of  the  gen- 
era, is  not  ossified  for  the  entire  length.  The  color  is  variable  as  is  also  the  comparative 
length  of  the  wings  and  tail. 

GENUS  I.    SCOPS.    THE  SMALL  EARED  OWLS. 

Cn.  Thf  stern-am  is  somewhat  archnl.  with  a  modrralely  straight  tee!  which  does  not  quite  equal  in  height  one 
half  I  In-  width  of  the  sternum.  Outer  marginal  indentations,  wider  than  the  Inner.  Coraroids,  short,  not  being  quite  equal 
in  I,  nijth  to  tl<'  lop  of  tin:  lifcl  and  are  set  on  at  a  rather  wide  angle.  Furcula,  quite  well  developed,  being  ossified  for  its  entire 
length.  Ear  tufts,  present  and  well  developed.  Tail,  short,  less  than  one  half  the  length  of  the  wings  which  are  considerably 
elongated. 


270  SCOPS  ASIO. 

Members  of  this  genus  are  not  large  but  the  plumage  is  long  and  downy.  Theeyesarequite  large  and  yellow  in  color. 
The  sterno-trachealis  is  stout,  and  there  is  a  slender  bronchialis,  but  no  other  laryngeal  muscles.  As  in  other  Owls,  the 
tympaniform  membrane  is  present  and  although  there  is  a  thin  os  transversale  it  does  not  support  a  semilunar  mernln-aoe. 
The  oesophagus  is  nearly  straight,  being  a  little  wider  in  the  middle,  and  opens  into  a  quite  large  proventriculus  with  thin 
wills  and  simple,  oval  glands  arranged  in  a  wide  zonular  band  which  measures  '70,  in  asto,  from  which  this  and  the  fol- 
lowing dimensions  are  taken;  it  is,  however,  encroached  upon  on  the  lower  side  by  a  scallop,  '15  in  depth.  The  stomach  is 
of  medium  size,  flat  in  form,  with  somewhat  irregular  outlines,  and  with  thick,  hut  soft,  walls.  The  fold  of  the  duodenum 
is  not  long,  inclosing  a  narrow,  irregularly  formed,  pancreas  which  extends  its  entire  length.  The  coeca  are  quite  loc«,  2-'J5 
in  length,  small  near  the  intestine,  measuring  '07  in  diameter,  with  the  blind  ends  dilated  into  balloon-shaped  sacs,  '15  in 
diameter.  The  spleen  is  an  elliptical  body  lying  directly  on  the  proventriculus.  Both  lobes  of  the  liver  are  nearly  equal  in 
size.  There  is  but  one  species  within  our  limits. 


SCOPS  ASIO. 

Mottled  Owl. 

Scops  asia  BON.,  Geog.  and  Comp.  List;  1838,  6. 
Scops  McCal/ii  CASSIN,  Birds  of  Cal.  and  Texas,  I;  1854,  180. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sp.  CH.  Form,  short  and  compact.  Size,  medium.  Sternum,  not  stout.  The  marginal  indentations  are  quite  deep. 
Tongue,  rather  thick  and  fleshy,  horny  at  the  tip  which  is  rounded  and  slightly  bifid.  Ear  tufts,  long.  Bill  and  claws,  not 
very  long. 

RED  STAGE. 

COLOR.  Adult,  Above,  including  upper  wing  and  tail  coverts,  uniform  yellowish-red,  with  a  narrow  central  line  of 
dark-brown  on  every  feather.  One  half  of  the  outer  feathers  of  the  scnpularies  and  wing  coverts  are  white,  forming  lines. 
Wings,  yellowish-red,  with  the  central  portion  of  the  feathers  dusky,  but  becoming  lighter  on  the  outer  edge,  and  barred 
with  dusky  which  is  tinged  with  reddish  on  the  outer  webs.  Tail, yellowish-red,  barred  with  dusky.  Face,  yellowish  and 
white,  mixed,  with  the  former  color  predominating  around  the  eye  and  the  latter  on  the  sides  of  the  bill  and  in  a  line  to  the 
ear  tufts,  which  are  red.  Line  on  sides  of  face,  dark-brown.  Beneath,  white,  with  each  feather,  excepting  on  the  chin, 
throat  and  abdomen,  barred  with  yellowish-red  and  centrally  lined  with  dark-brown,  but  much  more  widely  on  the  breast. 
Under  wing  coverts,  sulphury-yellow.  Under  tail  coverts,  white,  with  a  central  stripe  of  reddish-brown.  Tibia  and  tar- 
sus, yellowish,  often  mottled  with  a  darker  shade  of  the  same  color. 

Young.  Similar  to  the  adult  but  the  red  is  not  as  clear  and  the  dark  markings  are  much  more  prominent,  especially 
below. 

Nestlings.  Are  at  first  covered  with  a  grayish  down,  showing  traces  of  red.  This  gradually  becomes  reddish-brown 
above,  when  it  is  barred  with  dusky;  and  it  is  also  barred  below  with  dusky  which  shows  traces  of  red.  There  are  none  of 
the  characteristic  markings  of  the  adult  about  the  face,  where  the  feathers  are  barred  and  mixed  with  reddish-white  and 
dusky.  The  first  growth  of  wing  and  tail  feathers  are  retained  for  a  year. 

GRAY  STAOE. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Above,  mottled,  spotted,  and  mixed  with  pale-yellowish,  white,  and  dark-brown  but  the  feathers:  are 
centrally  striped  with  the  latter  color.  Wings  and  tail,  of  mixed  colors  like  the  back.  White  markings  above  as  in  the  red 
stage.  Face,  white,  mixed  with  dusky.  Ear  tufts  marked  like  the  back  and  edged  with  lighter.  Beneath,  whi'e,  mot- 
tled, spotted,  and  barred,  excepting  on  abdomep,  with  dark-brown  and  yellowish-rufous,  every  feather  having  a  central 
stripe  of  the  latter  color.  Tail,  tibia,  and  tarsus,  white,  mottled  with  yellowish.  Other  markings  below  and  on  the  head 
as  in  the  red  stage. 

Young.  Similar  to  the  adult  but  are  not  as  decidedly  gray  being  somewhat  reddish,  especially  above  and  the  markings 
are  broader. 

Neillings.  At  first  are  covered  with  a  whitish  down  which  shows  no  traces  of  red  but  which  becomes  barred  with 
dusky.  The  first  quills  of  wings  and  tail  are  decidedly  gray.  Iris,  yellow,  cere,  greenish,  bill  and  claws,  greenis-h -yellow, 
in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

I  have  described  the  extremes  of  the  two  plumages  assumed  by  these  Owls,  which  are  the  ones  most  frequently  found  but 
I  have  seen  every  gradation  between  the  two.  These  variations  appear  tobegoyerned  by  no  particular  condition  of  climate, 


MOTTLED  OWL.  271 

a-;  both  plumages  arc  found  equally  coiunion  ln>tli  North  and  South.  Parents  of  the  same  color  will  produce  young  which 
are  in  both  -ta^cs  of  plumage  and,  if  one  parent  chances  to  be  gray  and  the  other  red,  or  vice  versa,  the  young  may  he  all 
red  or  all  gray, or  part  oTthe  number  red  and  the  remainder  gray,  or  individuals  among  them  may  assume  the  intermediate 
stage;  in  short,  there  appears  to  tie  absolutely  no  rule  by  which  these  changes  can  be  determined.  No  one,  however,  will 
mistake  this  well-k;nnvn  Owl  fir  any  other  species,  for  the  small  size,  compact  form,  and  prominent  ear  tufts,  together 
with  the  colors  as  described  will  serve  to  distinguish  it.  There  is  a  rather  small  Florida  form  of  this  species  but  they  do 
iiu t  differ  much  from  more  Northern  Owls,  excepting  in  being  a  little  darker,  for  I  have  found  all  the  stages  described,  as 
common  there  as  they  are  in  Massachusetts.  Distribute  1,  as  a  constant  resident,  throughout  North  America  to  the  Arctic 
Circle. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Dimensions  of  specimens  from  Massachusetts  and  Florida.  Average  measurements  of  males.  Length,  8'50;  stretch, 
20-00;  wing,  (MO;  tail,  3"25:  hill,  -7.1;  tarsus,  1'25.  Longest  specimen,  !>'KO;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  21-00;  longest  wing, 
7'00;  tail,  3  50;  bill,  '80;  tarsus,  I'M.  Shortest  specimen,  8'00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  18-00;  shortest  wing,  5'4)5;  tail, 
2!M>;  bill,  •->->;  tarsus  1'05. 

Average  measurements  of  female  specimens.  Length,  9'OH;  stretch, 23*50;  wing,  6'25;  tail,  3-00;  bill,  '85;  tarsus,  T40. 
Longc-t  s] imen,  9'50;  greatest  extentof  wing,  23'85;  longest  wing,  7'30;  tail,  3'55;  bill,  '90;  tarsas,  I- 50.  Shortest  spec- 
imen, 8-50;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  21-50;  shortest  wing,  5-00;  tail,  2'55;  bill,  '80;  tarsus,  1-30. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  place!  in  holes  of  trees,  not  elaborately  constructed,  composed  of  grass,  leaves,  etc.;  or  the  eggs  are  often  placed 
on  any  material  which  chances  to  be  at  the  bottom  of  the  hole. 

Eyys,  from  New  Knglnml,  four  to  six  in  number,  rather  spherical  in  form,  pure  white  in  color,  with  the  surface  very 
smooth.  Dimensions  from  1-20x1-45  to  1*40 x  l"60.  The  number  of  eggs  deposited  in  Florida  is  seldom,  if  ever,  more 
than  three.  They  are  of  a  similar  form  to  those  from  further  North  but  are  considerably  smaller,  measuring  1'lOx  I- 30  to 
1  15x1-40. 

HABITS. 

The  Mottled  Owls  are  among  the  most  abundant  of  the  order  in  North  America,  yet 
their  habits  are  scarcely  known  to  the  majority  of  the  people  among  which  they  dwell;  in- 
deed, ornithologists  are,  as  a  rule,  not  familiar  with  these  birds,  judging  from  the  state- 
ments which  they  have  made  concerning  them  and,  until  quite  recently,  even  the  various 
stages  of  plumages  assumed  by  them,  were  not  well  understood.  Now  I  do  not  mean  to 
intimate  that  I  possess  any  more  sagacity  than  my  colaborers  when  I  make  the  above  as- 
sertions, for  I  have  doubtless  made  more  or  less  mistakes,  though  unwittingly,  in  reference 
to  what  I  have  said  about  some  birds,  but  in  regard  to  the  species  now  under  consideration, 
I  feel  as  if  I  had  the  subject  well  in  hand  as  there  has  scarcely  been  a  time  for  the  past 
ten  or  twelve  years,  when  I  did  not  have  a  Mottled  Owl  as  a  pet  and,  as  I  write,  a  fine 
male  is  sitting  on  his  accustomed  roost  near,  gazing  wisely  at  me  out  of  a  pair  of  bright 
yellow  eyes. 

I  have  begun  my  article  by  saying  that  the  Mottled  Owls  were  very  abundant  and 
they  are  much  more  numerous  than  any  one  would  suppose  who  has  not  searched  for  them. 
They  are  very  retiring  in  habit,  living  in  holes  throughout  the  day  almost  exclusively;  in 
fact,  it  is  rare  to  find  one  sitting  on  a  tree  and,  with  all  my  experience  with  the  species, 
I  do  not  think  that  I  have  seen  a  dozen  specimens  in  such  an  exposed  situation.  They 
are  quite  timid  and  Scopsie,  my  pet  Owl,  when  frightened,  will  fly  to  his  box  and  dart  in- 
to it;  thus  the  habit  of  seeking  protection  in  holes  appears  to  be  instinctive.  When  the 
Mottled  Owls  are  surprised  outside  their  domiciles  during  daylight,  they  will  half  close 
their  eyes,  raise  their  ear  tufts,  draw  their  feathers  close  to  their  body,  appearing  exactly 


272  SCOPS  ASIO. 

as  if  completely  dazed,  but  really  they  are  only  badly  frightened,  then  instead  of  flying, 
trust  to  their  motionless  attitudes  for  concealment  and,  in  nine  cases  out  of  ten,  this  ruse 
is  probably  successful. 

The  fact  that  these  Owls  sit  with  half-closed  eyes,  has  quite  likely  given  rise  to  the 
idea  that  they  cannot  see  in  the  day-time  but,  as  I  have  already  stated,  they  do  see  remarka- 
bly well.  It  was  only  yesterday  that  I  saw  another  stricking  proof  of  this  given  by  Scopsio; 
he  had  tlown  on  the  sash  of  an  open  window  near  which  I  was  standing  and  the  instant  he 
alighted,  he  gave  the  peculiar  croak  of  alarm  of  which  I  have  spoken  in  the  preceding'  pag- 
es.  I  instantly  stepped  to  the  window  to  see  what  attracted  his  attention  but,  although 
I  readily  noted  the  direction  of  his  gaze,  could  not  make  out  the  cause  of  his  alann  until 
a  Crow  flew  from  a  tree  so  faraway  that  it  appeared  very  small  and,  had  I  not  been  looking 
in  that  exact  spot,  I  should  not  have  observed  it.  But  still  the  Owl  saw  it  and,  when  it 
started,  croaked  loudly,  following  it  with  his  eyes  until  it  went  quite  out  of  sight.  I  have 
elsewhere  noted  the  fact  that  this  Owl  can  discern  insects  when  they  are  upon  the  floor; 
he  is  also  fond  of  watching  small  birds  among  the  foliage  and  will  follow  the  flight  of  Swal- 
lows, both  far  and  near;  in  short,  Scopsie  exhibits  every  indication  of  being  able  to  see 
perfectly  in  daylight.  The  experiment,  to  which  allusion  isjso  often  made  by  writers  up- 
on Owls,  that  of  almost  touching  the  eyeball  with  the  finger  or  any  other  object  in  order 
to  make  the  bird  wink,  judging,  if  it  does  not,  that  it  is  incapable  of  seeing,  is  far  from 
being  a  decisive  test  as  Hawks  and  other  birds  have  the  same  habit. 

The  notes  of  the  Mottled  Owls  are  very  interesting  and  they  have  a  greater  variety 
than  one  would  suppose  who  has  not  kept  them  in  confinement.  The  alarm  note  is,  as  re- 
lated, a  kind  of  croak  but  is  quite  melodious  and  is  given  high  or  low,  depending  upon  the 
proximity  of  the  object  which  frightens  the  bird.  Thus,  for  example,  let  Scopsie  see  a 
cow  in  a  distant  field  and  he  will  sound  his  note  of  alarm  very  low  but,  when  a  cat  or  dog 
enters  the  room  where  he  is,  he  will  stand  erect  and  give  the  cry  very  loudly;  then,  when 
frantic  with  terror,  as  he  has  been  on  one  or  two  occasions,  he  will  dash  around  the  apart- 
ment, fairly  screaming  with  fright.  Another  change  in  this  note  is  made  when,  although 
frightened,  he  concludes  to  stand  up  for  his  rights;  then  he  will  advance  slowly  toward  the 
animal  which  he  dislikes,  half  spreading  his  wings  and  ruffling  his  feathers,  until  he  ap- 
pears nearly  twice  his  usual  size;  when  quite  near,  he  will  bow  his  head,  at  the  same  time 
uttering  a  croak  that  is  not  only  loud,  but  considerably  prolonged.  This  has  such  a  pecu- 
liar intonation  and  is  so  unlike  any  sound  which  is  ordinarily  heard  that  it  seems  to  have 
the  required  effect  and  I  have  seen  a  cat  terrified  beyond  description  upon  hearing  it. 

Another  of  Scopsie's  notes,  or  rather  a  series  of  them,  indicates  anger  or  dislike,  for 
when  a  stranger  approaches  his  box,  especially  if  he  be  "sitting  outside  of  it,  he  will  raise 
his  ear  tufts,  wink  his  eyes  slowly,  at  the  same  time  uttering  a  rattling,  guttural  sound. 
This  is  merely  indicative  of  antipathy,  for  when  handled  by  any  one  whom  he  does  not 
fancy,  he  will  give  the  same  sound,  much  louder  and  in  a  higher  key,  frequently  ending 
in  a  kind  of  scream.  These  demonstrations  of  hostility  are  accompanied  by  a  violent  snap- 
ping of  the  bill,  especially  when  he  is  attacking  another  Owl,  for  I  am  sorry  to  say  that 
Scopsie  is  not  of  a  very  friendly  disposition  regarding  his  own  species,  and  will  not  hesitate 


MOTTLED  OWL.  273 

to  assail  any  living  Mottled  Owl  that  is  brought  into  the  room,  evidently  looking  upon 
it  as  an  invader. 

The  sounds,  given  by  my  Owl,  which  I  have  mentioned,  are  only  uttered  when  he  is 
frightened  or  irritated;  now  I  will  describe  some  other  notes  which  he  produces  when  in 
far  more  agreeable  moods.  Like  all  Owls,  he  has  a  call  which  consists  of  a  series  of  rather 
low  notes,  uttered  rapidly  and  quite  melodiously.  This  is  given  as  an  answer  when  he  is 
railed,  when  he  a  lights  on  my  hand,  or  when  approached  so  suddenly  as  to  be  slightly 
startled;  then,  after  a  quick  glance  informs  him  that  it  is  a  friend  who  is  near,  he  gives  the 
sound  quite  low  as  a  sign  of  reassurance  or  recognition.  This  same  sound  is  made  quite 
loud  as  a  challenge  to  some  other  Owl  or  as  a  preliminary  to  an  attack.  It  is  also,  when 
given  very  clearly,  the  love  song  to  the  mate  but  is  then  followed  by  a  kind  of  squeal, 
emitted  with  the  wings  partly  expanded.  But  this  brings  me  to  what  we  may  consider  the 
acme  of  Scnpsie's  vocal  performances, — what  I  look  upon  as  the  true  song.  This  is  always 
given  when  he  is  in  his  box  which  is  quite  dark,  having  only  small  orifices  which  serve  as 
windows,  and  an  open  door.  The  bird  is  seldom  confined  but  usually  prefers  to  sit  in  his 
house  or  on  top  of  it.  At  one  time,  he  would  scarcely  enter  his  abode  without  singing. 
The  performance  would  commence  with  a  series  of  singular,  chucking  notes,  given  quite 
slowly,  then  becoming  more  rapid;  when  suddenly  the  time  would  change,  then  the  pitch 
would  be  raised  or  lowered,  or  two  or  three  notes  would  be  thrown  together,  or  a  series  of 
lower,  steadily  given  sounds  would  be  followed  by  others  which  were  high  and  uttered  very 
rapidly;  in  short,  although  there  was  but  a  chucking  sound,  it  was  so  varied  that  it  be- 
came quite  harmonious.  Scopsie's  song  was  often,  continued  for  many  minutes,  especially 
if  the  room  were  quiet  and  strict  attention  were  paid  to  him;  in  fact,  when  he  was  encour- 
d  by  an  imitation  of  the  note,  he  would  continue  to  sing  for  half  an  hour.  Scopsie  is 
the  only  Owl  that  I  ever  heard  give  these  continuous  notes  and  even  he  seldom  indulges 
in  it  now,  excepting  occasionally,  when  he  first  sees  me  in  the  morning,  then  a  few  chucks, 
only,  arc  given  as  a  greeting.  Scopsie  often  answers  when  spoken  to  with  a  chuckle,  often 
given  so  very  low  as  to  be  nearly  inaudible,  especially  if  he  chances  to  feel  drowsy,  besides 
this,  he  has  a  loud  call  consisting  of  a  series  of  rapidly  given  notes,  which  is  uttered  when 
he  is  alone.  Nor  are  these  varied  sounds  all  that  Scopsie  is  capable  of  emitting;  in  addi- 
tion, he  has  a  prolonged,  whining  note,  when  begging  for  food  or  water,  and  also  the  loud, 
shivering  cry  of  his  species,  so  often  heard  in  the  woods  on  still  nights  and  which  is  so  famil- 
iar to  nearly  every  one. 

There  appeare  to  be  very  little  difference  in  the  time  of  breeding  in  Mottled  Owls 
found  in  Florida  and  those  in  New  England,  as  I  have  taken  the  fresh  eggs  from  Wood- 
perkers'  holes  in  the  piney  woods  and  from  palmettos  in  the  hummocks  or  along  their  bor- 
ders, the  first  week  in  April,  while  they  breed  in  the  apple  orchards  and  woods  of  the  north 
about  the  same  time. 

The  food  of  the  Mottled  Owls  consists  largely  of  insects  but  they  also  eat  quantities 
of  birds  and  mice,  occasionally  varying  this  diet  by  taking  frogs  or  even  fish.  Nor  are 
they  content  with  this  kind  of  food  but  will  frequently  enter  pigeon  coops  to  kill  the  occu- 
pants and,  on  one  or  two  occasions,  I  have  even  known  of  them  eating  their  own  species. 

35 


274  NYCTALE  ACAD1CA. 

« 

The  Mottled  Owls  are  not  migratory,  for  their  thick  plumage  forms  an  ample  protec- 
tion against  the  severe  cold  of  even  the  Northern  winters  and,  unlike  the  other  Owls,  they 
do  not  wander  much,  each  pair  spending  their  lives  in  a  particular  locality. 

GENUS  IT.    NYCTALE.    THE  SMALL  OWLS. 

GEN.  Cn.  The  sternum  is  only  sliyhlly  arched,  with  a  nearly  straight  keel  which  does  not  e'/ual  in  heiyht  one  half  the 
width  of  the  sternum.  Outer  marginal  indentations,  narrower  than  the  inner.  Coracoids,  not  very  long,  biiny  quid,  rqual 
in  length  to  the  top  of  Ihn  keel,  but  are  not  set  on  at  a  wide  anyle.  Furcula,  not  well  developed,  for  it  is  not  ossified  its  entire 
lenyth.  Ear  tufts,  present  but  not  well  developed.  Tail,  short,  but  little  longer  than  one  half  the  length  of  the  wmys  which 
are  considerably  elongated. 

Members  of  this  genus  are  quite  small  but  the  plumage  is  long  and  downy.  The  eyes  are  not  large  and  are  yellow  in 
color.  The  sterno-t'rachealis  is  thin,  and  there  *is  a  slender  bronchialis,  but  no  other  laryngeal  muscles.  As  in  other 
Owls,  the  tympaniform  membrane  is  present  and  although  there  is  a  thin  os  tran«versale  it  does  not  support  a  semiluniir 
membrane.  The  oesophagus  is  nearly  straight,  being  a  little  wider  in  the  middle,  and  opens  into  a  qurte  large  provrntric- 
ulus  with  simple,  oval  glands  arranged  in  a  wide  zonular  band  which  measure*  '50,  in  Acadica,  from  which  this  and  the  fol- 
lowing dimensions  are  taken.  The  stomach  is  of  medium  size,  somewhat  cuboid  in  form,  with  thin,  but  soft,  walls.  The 
fold  of  the  duodenum  is  long,  inclosing  a  wide  pancreas  which,  however,  only  extends  half  its  length.  The  coeca  are  not  vn-y 
long,  1-28  in  length,  small  near  the  intestine,  measuring  '05  in  diameter,  with  the  blind  ends  dilated  into  balloon-shaped 
sacs,  -15  in  diameter.  The  spleen  is  an  elliptical  body  lying  directly  on  the  proventriculus.  The  left  lobe  of  the  liyer  is  a 
little  larger  than  the  right.  There  are  two  species  within  our  limits. 

NYCTALE  ACADICA. 
Acadian  Owl. 

Nyclale  Acadica  GM.,  Syst.  Nat..  I;  1788,  296. 
Nyctale  albifron's  SHAWS,  Nat.  Misc.  V.;  1794. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sp.  CH.  Form,  short  and  compact.  Size,  small.  Sternum,  not  stout.  The  marginal  indentations  are  quite  deep. 
Tongue,  rather  thick  and  fleshy,  horny  at  the  tip  which  is  rounded  and  slightly  bifid.  Ear  tufts,  very  short.  Bill  and 
claws,  not  long,  the  former  is  stout  but  the  latter  are  slender. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Above,  including  upper  wing  and  tail  coverts,  uniform  reddish-brown  with  a  narrow  central  line  of 
yellowish-white  on  the  feathers  of  the  top  of  the  head  and  on  sides  of  face.  One  half  of  the  outer  feathers  of  the  seapula- 
ries,  forming  lines,  spots  on  wing  coverts  and  basal  portion  of  feathers  back  of  neck,  white.  Wings,  reddish-brown,  spot- 
ted on  the  outer  and  inner  webs  of  primaries  and  on  the  outer  webs  of  secondaries  with  white.  Tail, reddish-brown  with 
each  feather  narrowly  tipped  with  white  and  marked  on  both  webs  with  three  pairs  of  white  spots.  Face,  dusky,  yellowish 
and  white,  mixed,  the  former  color  predominating  around  the  eye  and  the  latter  on  the  sides  of  the  bill  and  in  a  line  to  the 
ear  tufts,  which  are  reddish-brown  streaked  with  yellowish.  Beneath,  white,  with  each  feather,  excepting  on  the  chin 
and  abdomen,  centrally  lined  with  pale,  reddish-brown,  but  much  more  widely  on  the  breast.  Under  wing  coverts,  pale,  red- 
dish-brown. Under  tail  coverts,  white,  with  central  stripes  of  reddish-brown.  Tibia  and  tarsus,  pale  reddish-brown,  un- 
spotted. 

Young.  With  the  face,  forehead  and  disk,  very  nearly  white  and  color  above  much  redder,  otherwise  similar  to  the 
adult. 

Young  of  the  year.  Above  of  the  same  color  as  the  young,  but  with  no  traces  of  white,  excepting  that  the  scapularies 
show  the  peculiar  markings  which  are,  however  of  a  pale  yellowish.  Forehead,  throat,  neck,  and  breast,  colored  like  the 
back.  Remainder  of  under  parts,  including  under  tail  coverts,  pale  reddish-brown.  Under  wing  coverts,  pale  rose  color. 
Wings,  tail,  tibia,  and  tarsus, as  in  the  adult. 

Nestlings.  Are,  at  first,  covered  with  a  reddish  down,  but  gradually  assume  the  young  plumage.  Iris  and  soles  of 
feet,  yellow,  claws,  dark-brown,  cere,  greenish,  in  all  stages.  Sexes,  similar  in  color. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Specimens  of  the  same  age  and  sex  are  quite  uniform  in  coloration.  The  plumage  of  the  young  of  the  year  is  quite  sin- 
gular and  is  the  albifons  of  authors,  but  it  can  readily  be  distinguished  by  the  color  of  the  wing  and  tail  which  are  always 
similar  to  those  of  the  adult.  Readily  known,  in  the  adult  stage,  from  the  succeeding  species  by  the  reddish-brown  color, 
and  in  all  stages,  by  the  three  bars  of  spots  on  the  tail,  and  form  all  others,  by  the  small  size,  absence  of  any  prominent  ear 
tufts,  together  with  the  color  as  described.  Distributed,  as  a  constant  resident,  throughout  North  America  to  the  Arctic 
Circle. 


ACADIAN  OWL.  276 

DIMENSIONS. 

DbnewioM  of  specimens  from  Massachusetts  nml  Maine.  Average  measurements  of  males.  Length,  7'25;  stretch, 
lit ••")();  wiiii.  :V-J~>:  t  ill,  2  3j;  hill,  '•> ');  t  u-<u<,  "!)  >.  L  m-^vHt  specimen,  7'50;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  20-00;  longest  wing, 
5  50;  tail.  0  .'*>,  bill,  '55:  tarsus,  I'OO.  Shortest  specimen,  7-00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  1!)'00;  shortest  wing,  S'OO;  tail, 
•J'Jj,  luii,  -|'>:  tarsus  '!)0. 

AMTIII:,'  measurements  of  female  specimens.  Length,  S"£5;  stretch, 20-25;  wing  5'50;  tail,  9*06;  bill, '65;  tarsus,  T05. 
I.'Hinv-;  -jn-eimen,  S  ~>0:  greatest  extent  (if  win;;,  20-50;  longest  wing,  5'75;  tail,  2'75;  bill,  '60;  tarsus,  I'lO.  Shortest  spec- 
imen, H  00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  20-00;  shortest  wing,  5  25;  tail,  2'35;  bill,  '50;  tarsus,  1-00. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nats,  placed  in  holes  of  trees,  not  elaborately  constructed,  composed  of  grass,  leaves,  etc.;  or  the  eggs  are  often  placed 
on  any  man-rial  which  chances  to  be  at  the  bottom  of  the  hole. 

K/!/x,  three  or  four  in  number,  rather  spherical  in  form,  pure  white  in  color,  with  the  surface  very  smooth.  Dimen- 
sion from  l-OOxl'20  to  1-05  x  1'25. 

HABITS. 

I  have  said  that  the  Mottled  Owls  were  of  retiring  habits,  on  account  of  which  they 
were  very  seldom  seen,  and  the  same  is  true,  but  to  a  greater  extent,  of  the  little  Acadian 
( hvls,  for  although  there  can  be  but  little  doubt  that  they  occur  quite  commonly  throughout 
the  country,  yet  they  are  not  often  seen;  their  peculiar,  rasping  notes  are,  however,  not 
unfrequontly  heard  in  the  woods.  These  birds  appear  to  be  the  least  shy  of  all  the  Owls, 
allowing  unr  to  approach  very  near  them  when  surprised  outside  their  holes;  in  fact,  I  have 
known  of  their  being  killed  with  a  stick  or  even  taken  alive  in  the  hand.  When  captured, 
they  readily  become  tame,  behaving,  while  in  captivity,  in  a  similar  manner  to  the  Mottled 
Owl.  As  both  of  these  species  enter  holes  quite  readily,  they  may  be  easily  taken  by  fast- 
ening small  boxes,  provided  with  a  suitable  orifice,  on  limbs  of  trees  in  the  woods  and  this 
artifice  is  successfully  practiced  by  a  friend  who  takes  both  species  in  this  way  during  ^in- 
ter. He  puts  up  his  traps,  as  he  calls  them,  then  visits  them  regularly,  securing  a  consid- 
erable number  of  specimens  during  the  season,  for  the  Owls  enter  them  as  readily  as  they 
dn  cavities  in  trees. 

I  have  somewhere  seen  it  stated  that  Owls  do  not  drink,  but  all  that  I  ever  had,  were 
very  fond  of  water  and  would  not  only  drink  it  but  would  frequently  bathe.  Scopsie  is 
especially  noticeable  in  this  respect,  as  are  all  the  Mottled  Owls  and  they  may  often  be 
seen  in  the  water  during  twilight  or  early  in  the  morning.  I  once  surprised  a  Barred  Owl 
on  the  margin  of  a  river  in  Florida  and  a  short  time  ago,  an  Acadian  Owl  was  brought  in 
which  was  killed  by  a  gentleman  while  Woodcock  shooting,  he  having  found  the  bird  in  a 
small  stream. 

The  Acadian  Owls  breed  about  the  same  time  as  the  Mottled  Owls,  usually  choosing 
a  hole  in  a  tree  on  the  margin  of  a  wood  or  in  it  but  they  will  sometimes  select  an  old  apple 
tree  in  an  orchard  for  this  purpose.  The  notes,  during  the  nesting  season,  are  described 
as  being  peculiar  but  I  never  heard  them  utter  any,  excepting  the  rasping  sound  which  is 
evidently  given  as  a  kind  of  call  and  from  which  the  name  of  Saw- whet  Owls,  occasionally 
applied  to  them,  is  derived.  These  little  Owls  are  not  migratory  but  they  do  wander  some- 
what during  winter,  at  least,  they  are  much  more  commonly  found  then  than  during  the 
summer. 


276  NYCTALE  mCHARDSONl. 

NYCTALE  EICHARDSONI. 

Richardson's  Owl. 
Nycta/e  Richardsoni  Box.,  Corap.  List.;  1838,  7 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sp.  CH.  Fonn,  short  and  compact.  Size,  large.  Sternum,  not  stout.  The  marginal  indentations  are  quite  deep. 
Tongue,  rather  thick  and  fleshy,  horny  at  the  tip  which  is  rounded  and  slightly  bifid.  Ear  tufts,  very  short.  Bill  and 
claws,  not  long,  the  former  is  stout  but  the  latter  are  slender. 

COLOR.  A'dult.  Above,  including  upper  wing  and  tail  coverts,  uniform  greenish-brown  with  a  narrow  central  line 
of  white  on  the  feathers  of  the  top  of  the  head  and  on  sides  of  face.  Spots  on  head,  scapularies,  and  wing  coverts,  and  ba*;il 
portion  of  feathers  back  of  neck,  white.  Wings,  greenisli-brown,  spotted  on  the  outer  and  inner  webs  of  primaries  and  en 
the  outer  webs  of  secondaries  with  white.  Tail,  also  greenish-brown  with  each  feather  marked  on  both  webs  with  live 
pairs  of  white  spots.  Face,  white  and  dusky,  mixed,  the  former  color  predominating  around  the  eye,  excepting  in  front  of 
it,  and  the  latter  on  the  sides  of  the  bill  and  in  aline  to  the  ear  tufts,  which  are  greenish-brown  streaked  with  white.  Be- 
neath, white,  with  each  feather,  excepting  on  the  chin  and  abdomen,  centrally  lined  with  pale,  reddish-brown,  but  much, 
more  widely  on  the  breast.  Under  wing  coverts,  white.  Under  tail  coverts,  white,  with  central  stripes  of  reddish-brown. 
Tibia  and  tarsus,  reddish-white,  spotted  with  brownish.  Iris  and  soles  of  feet,  yellow,  claws,  dark-brown,  cere  and  bill, 
greenish,  in  all  stages.  Sexes,  similar  in  color. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Specimens  are  quite  uniform  in  coloration.  Readily  known,  in  the  adult  stage,  from  the  preceding  species  by  the  green- 
ish-brown color:  in  all  stages,  by  the  five  bars  of  spots  on  the  tail,  and  from  all  others,  by  the  small  size,  absenceof  any  prom- 
inent ear  tufts,  together  with  the  color  as  described.  Distributed,  as  a  constant  resident,  throughout  North  America  to 
the  Arctic  Circle.  Rare  in  New  England  during  winter. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  male  specimens  from  New  England.  Length,  9'00;  stretch,  SO'OO,  wing,  6'00:  tail,  3'02;  bill, 
•62:  tarsus.  -93.  Longest  specimen,  lO'OO;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  Sl'OO;  longest  wing,  6'50;  tail,  3'52;  bill,  '72;  tarsus, 
1'03.  Shortest  specimen,  8'22;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  19'00;  shortest  wing,  5-50;  tail,  2'52;  bill,  -52;  tarsus,  -83. 

Average  measurements  of  female  specimens  from  New  England.  Length,  lO'OO;  stretch,  21'00:  wing,  6'75:  tail,  3'52: 
bill,  '7.4:  tarsus,  1'02.  Longest  specimen,  ll'OO:  greatest  extent  of  wing,  22'00:  longest  wing,  7'00:  tail,  4'00:  bill,  -84;  tar- 
sus, 1-12.  Shortest  specimen,  9'00:  smallest  extent  of  wing,  20'00;  shortest  wing,  6'00:  tail,  2-98:  bill,  64:  tarsus,  -92. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  holes  of  trees,  composed  of  gra«s,  leaves,  etc.,  or  the  eggs  are  placed  on  any  loose  material  that  chances 
to  be  at  the  bottom  of  the  hole. 

Eyys,  four  or  five  in  number,  rather  spherical  in  form,  pure  white  in  color,  with  the  surface  very  smooth.  Dimensions 
from  1-06x1-28  to  riO.xl'32. 

HABITS. 

Richardson's  Owl,  although  very  common  in  the  woods  of  Canada  and  northward,  is, 
beyond  doubt,  one  of  the  rarest  of  the  order  in  the  United  States,  only  visiting  the  extreme 
northern  portions  during  winter.  They  are  not  very  uncommon  in  Maine  and  Northern 
New  Hampshire  at  this  season  but  are  very  rare  in  Massachusetts,  where  only  a  few  spec- 
imens have  ever  been  taken.  A  male  was,  however,  obtained  in  Newton  on  the  twenty- 
sixth  of  February  of  the  present  year,  1879,  by  the  Bangs  Brothers  who  saw  it  hanging, 
dead,  to  a  bush  by  the  road  side,  near  a  house,  as  they  were  passing.  Upon  inquiry,  they 
found  that  it  had  been  shot  some  time  previous  by  the  owner  of  the  place,-  who  supposed 
it  to  be  a  Hawk  and  said  that  it  had  been  killing  his  hens.  South  of  us,  this  bird  may  be 
regarded  as  a  rare  straggler  but  has  been  taken  once  in  Connecticut. 

I  have  never  been  so  fortunate  as  to  meet  with  this  species  living,  but  writers  describe 
its  habits  as  being  similar  to  those  of  the  Acadian  Owl  and  say  that  it  has  a  peculiar  note, 


PLATE  XXIV. 


SURNIA  ULULA.  277 

uttered  ;it  intervals.  Mr.  Will  Perhaui  discovered  a  nest  of  this  species  while  collecting 
on  tin1  Magdalen  Islands,  on  the  thirteenth  of  June,  1878.  It  was  placed  in  a  hole  of  a 
dead  birch  tree  not  far  from  the  ground  and  contained  four  young  and  one  addled  egg. 
As  the  young  wen-  well  grown  at  this  time,  it  is  probable  that  the  eggs  were  deposited 
about  the  same  time  as  those  of  the  Acadian  Owls,  very  late  in  April  or  early  in  May. 
Richardson's  Owl  is  not  strictly  migratory,  a  few  individuals,  only,  wandering  southward 
in  winter. 


HI.    SURNIA.    THE  LONG-TAILED  OWLS. 

QKH.  CM.  T/ie  sternum  is  considerably  arched,  with  a  nearly  straight  Tied  which  does  not  quite  e<[ual  in  height  one  half 
thi  irnltli  nf  Iki'  sternum.  Outer  marginal  indentations,  wider  than  the  inner.  Coracoids  short,  not  being  equal  in  lemjth  to 
tin  t,iji  i, i'  ih'  In  rl,  but  are  not  set  on  at  a  wide  angle.  Furcula,  no!  well  developed,  for  if  is  not  ossified  its  entire  length.  Ear 
tuj'/x,  mi/  jirixr-nt.  Tail, graduated,  and  nearly  equal  in  length  to  the  wtngs  which  are  considerably  elongated.  Tarsus  and 
toes,  mil  tint  In-red. 

M  embers  of  this  gmiis  are  quite  large  nnd  the  plumage  is  short  and  compact  but  not  strikingly  downy.  The  eyes  are 
not  large  and  are  yellow  in  color.  The  sterno-trachealis  is  thin,  and  there  is  a  slender  bronchialis,  but  no  other  laryn- 
geal  muscles.  As  in  other  Owls,  the  tympaniform  membrane  is  present  and  although  there  is  a  thin  os  transversale,  it 
dor-  not  support  a  scmilunar  membrane.  The  rtj-iophagiis  is  nearly  straight,  being  a  little  wider  in  the  middle,  nnd  opens 
into  a  .juke  large  proventriculus  with  simple,  oval  glan  Is  arranged  in  a  wide,  zonular  band  which  measures  T08  iau/u/a, 
from  which  this  and  the  following  dimensions  are  taken.  The  stomach  is  of  medium  size,  somewhat  globular  in  form,  with 
thin  but  soft  walls.  The  fold  of  the  duodenum  is  long,  inclosing  n  wide  pancreas  which,  however,  only  extends  half  its 
K'ugth.  The  eiBca  are  not  very  long,  2'<!5  in  length,  small  near  the  intestine,  measuring  '08  in  diameter,  with  the  blind 
ends  dilated  into  balloon-shaped  sacs,  -%5  in  diameter.  The  spleen  is  an  elliptical  body  lying  directly  on  the  proventric- 
ulus. The  left  lobe  of  the  liver  is  larger  than  the  right.  There  Is  but  one  species  within  our  limits. 


SURNIA  ULULA. 

Hawk  Owl. 
Strix  uMa  LINN,  Syst.  Nat.,  I;  1766,  133. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sp.  Cn.  Form,  long  and  slender  Size,  large.  Sternum,  quite  stout.  The  marginal  indentations  are  quite  deep. 
Tongue,  rather  thick  and  fleshy,  horny  at  the  tip  which  is  rounded  and  slightly  bifid.  Bill  and  claws,  not  long,  the  for- 
mer is  stout  but  the  latter  are  slender. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Above,  including  upper  wing  coverts,  uniform  dark  greenish-brown,  with  a  narrow  central  line  of 
white  on  the  feathers  of  the  top  of  the  head  and  on  sides  of  face.  Spots  on  scapularies,  where  they  are  largeand  partly  con- 
ceal.^!, and  on  wing  coverts,  and  basal  portion  of  feathers  back  of  neck,  white.  Wings,  dark  greenish-brown,  spotted  on 
tin1  outer  and  inner  webs  of  primaries  and  secondaries  with  white.  Tail,  also  greenish-brown,  narrowly  tipped  with  white 
and  enrh  feather  is  marked  on  both  webs  with  about  eight  pain  of  white  bars.  Upper  tail  coverts,  reddish-brown,  barred 
with  white.  The  face,  is  white  and  dusky,  mixed,  the  former  color  predominating  around  the  eye,  excepting  in  front  of  it, 
anil  the  latter  on  the  sides  of  the  bill  and  in  aline  to  the  top  of  head.  Beneath,  white,  with  large  spots  of  black  on  the  sides 
of  neck;  remainder  of  under  parts,  including  under  wing  coverts,  transversely  barred,  excepting  on  the  chin  and  abdomen, 
with  pule  reddish-brown.  Under  tail  coverts,  white,  barred  with  reddish-brown.  Tibia  and  tarsus,  reddish-white,  barred 
with  brownish. 

Yniiiig.  Ouite  similar  to  the  adult  but  there  is  a  dark  band  across  the  breast,  and  the  feathers  below  show  traces  of 
rufous,  especially  on  the  flanks. 

X/.il/in>/s.  Are  at  first  covered  with  a  reddish  down  and,  in  time,  gradually  assume  the  plumage  last  described.  Iris 
and  sol.-s  of  f.-ct,  yell  >\v,  bill,  also  yellow,  darker  at  base  and  on  lower  mandible,  cere  greenish,  and  claws,  dark-brown,  in 
all  stages.  Sexes,  similar  in  color. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Specimens  are  quite  uniform  in  coloration.  Readily  known,  in  the  adult  stage,  from  the  preceding  species  by  the  very 
dark  greenish-brown  color;  in  all  stages,  by  the  bars  on  the  long  tail,  as  well  as  on  the  lower  parts;  and  from  all  others,  by 


278  ATHENIDJE. 

the  peculiar  form,  together  with  the  color  as  described.     Distributed,  as  a  constant  resident,  throughout  Northern  North 
America  to  the  Arctic  Circle.     Rare  in  New  England  during  winter. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Dimensions  of  specimens  from  Massachusetts  and  Maine.  Average  measurements  of  males.  Length,  1V25;  stretch, 
31-00;  wing,  7'50;  tail,  6-75;  bill,  -95;  tarsus,  -95.  Longest  specimen,  15'75;  greatest  extentof  wing,  32'00;  longest  wing, 
8'OD;  taH,  7'00;  bill,  TOO;  tarsus,  TOO.  Shortest  specimen,  14-75;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  30-00;  shortesj  wing,  7'00;  tail, 
6-50;  bill,  '85;  tarsus  "90. 

Average  measurements  of  female  specimens.  Length,  17'Ofl;  stretch,  32'00;  wing.  8'00;  tail,  7'00;  bill,  I'OO;  tarsus, 
1-05.  Longest  specimen,  17'50;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  33-00;  longest  wing,  8-50;  tail,  7'25;  bill,  I'lO;  tarsus,  1-15. 
Shortest  specimen,  16-75;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  31-00;  shortest  wing,  7  50;  tail,  6'50;  bill,  -90;  tarsus,  -95. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  either  in  holes  of  trees  or  on  the  branches,  composed  of  sticks,  twigs,  etc.,  lined  with  grass,  leaves,  and 
feathers. 

Egy$,  six  or  seven  in  number,  rather  spherical  in  form,  pure  white  in  color,  with  the  surface  very  smooth.  Dimen- 
sions from  1-SOx  1-50  to  l'30x  1'63. 

HABITS. 

The  Hawk  Owl  is  common  in  Canada  and  northward  but  is  very  rare  south  of  this 
point,  consequently,  is  very  seldom  seen  even  in  Massachusetts,  where  I  have  met  with 
it  but  twice;  once  I  secured  a  male  in  beautiful  plumage  in  the  Boston  Market,  some  vears 
ago,  which  had  been  killed  in  the  vicinity,  and  a  short  time  after  this,  I  saw  a  fine  adult 
cross  the  road  just  in  advance  of  me.  This  specimen  was  flying  in  broad  daylight,  about 
noon,  but  it  was  one  of  those  dark,  lowering  days  in  December  which  precedes  a  long  win- 
ter storm.  The  bird  moved  as  steadily  as  a  Hawk  but  had  the  unmistakable  motions  of 
the  wings  so  characteristic  of  the  Owls.  Although  the  Hawk  Owl  has  been  likened  to 
the  Falcons,  yet  the  structure  of  the  scapular  arch,  especially  of  the  furcula,  would  prevent 
its  making  any  sudden  aerial  evolution;  therefore,  it  cannot  capture  its  prey  when  upon 
the  wing  but  must  drop  upon  it  in  a  similar  manner  to  that  practiced  by  all  the  members 
of  the  order. 

The  Hawk  Owls  breed  in  the  vicinity  of  Calais,  Maine,  for  Mr.  George  Boardman  has 
secured  one  or  two  nests  there,  but  this  may  be  considered  as  their  southern  range  during 
summer  and,  as  they  are  not  strictly  migratory,  only  a  few  irregular  stragglers  are  ever 
found  below  this,  even  in  winter.  The  time  of  depositing  the  eggs  does  not  vary  from 
that  of  the  other  small  Owls,  judging  from  a  young  female,  now  before  me,  which  was 
taken  by  the  Bangs  Brothers  at  PortLe  Preaux,  New  Brunswick,  on  the  tenth  of  August, 
for  it  has  almost  wholly  assumed  the  first  plumage,  being  as  far  advanced  as  a  young  Long- 
eared  Owl,  killed  by  the  same  enthusiastic  collectors  only  a  day  or  two  ago,  about  the 
twelfth  of  August,  in  Wayland,  Massachusetts. 


FAMILY  VI.    ATHENIDJ3.     THE  GROUND  OWLS. 

Sternum,  with  four  marginal  indentations.  Tarsus,  very  long.  Feet,  rather  small. 
Eyes,  comparatively  small.  Facial  disk,  very  imperfect.  Ear  tufts,  wanting.  Tail,  quite 
short. 


SPEOTYTO  CUNICULARIA.  279 

This  family  of  Owls  which  is  characterised  by  the  long,  nearly  naked  tarsus  and  short 
tail,  is  evidently  closely  allied  to  the  preceding  group;  just  how  closely,  I  cannot  deter- 
mine in  a  manner  quite  satisfactory  to  myself  as  I  have  never  made  a  dissection  of  one. 
Nor  have  I  seen  any  of  the  bones;  I  have,  however,  ventured  to  give  the  number  of  mar- 
ginal indentations  as  four  as  it  does  not  appear  probable  that  these  birds  are  related  to  the 
Disked  Owls  which  have  only  two.  In  preparing  these  articles  on  the  Owls,  I  am  indebted 
to  Messrs.  J.  W.  Knowlton  and  F.  II.  Brackett  and  the  Bangs  Brothers  for  the  privilege 
of  using  specimens  from  their  collections. 


GENUS  I.    SPEOTYTO.    THE  LONG-LEGGED  OWLS. 

GKX.  Cn.  Tail,  short,  not  being  equalin  lenylh  to  one  half  the  winys  which  are  considerably  elongated.  Tarsus  and  tib- 
ia, very  tony.  Head,  small. 

Members  of  this  ircnus  are  quite  small  and  the  plumage  is  short  and  compact  but  not  downy.  The  eyes  are  compara- 
tively small  anil  are  yellow  in  color.  The  legs  are  strikingly  long  enabling  the  birds  to  walk  with  ease  upon  the  ground. 
There  is  but  one  species  within  our  limits. 


SPEOTYTO  CUNICULARIA. 

Burrowing  Owl. 
Stria:  cuntatlaria  MOLINA,  Sagg.  Stor.  Nat.  Chili;  1782. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sp.  Cn.  Form,  slender.  Size,  not  large.  Bill  and  claws,  not  long,  the  former  is  stout  but  the  latter  are  slender  and 
are  nut  very  sharp. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Above,  including  wings,  tail,  upper  wing  and  tail  coverts,  uniform  yellowish-brown,  barred  and  spot- 
ted everywhere  with  yellowish-white.  The  face,  is  white  and  dusky,  mixed.  Beneath,  including  under  wingnnd  tail  cov- 
erts, yellowish-white,  transversely  barred,  on  a  band  across  the  throat  and  on  the  breast,  sides,  and  flanks  with  light  red- 
dish-brown. 

Youny.  Quite  similar  to  the  adult  but  are  generally  darker.  Tibia,  reddish-white,  barred  with  brownish  and  the  feath- 
ers below  «how  traces  of  rufous. 

Nr.itlinyn.  Are  at  first  covered  with  a  reddish  down,  and  in  time,  gradually  assume  the  plumage  last  described.  Iris 
and  soles  of  feet,  yellow,  bill,  also  yellow,  darker  at  base  and  on  lower  mandible,  cere, greenish,  and  claws,  dark-brown,  in 
all  stages.  Sexes,  similar  in  color. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

There  appears  to  be  considerable  variation  in  skins,  some  being  darker  than  others  but  this  may  be  due  to  age.  Some 
specimens  also  have  the  tarsus  feathered  more  than  others,  which  character,  together  with  variation  in  size,  has  been  con- 
sidered, by  some  authors,  of  sufficient  importance  to  entitle  their  possessors  to  specific  rank,  or  at  least  to  a  varietal  name. 
Known  from  all  other  species  by  the  long  tarsus  and  short  tail,  together  with  the  colors  as  described.  Distributed,  as  a 
constant  rcsii lent,  throughout  Western  United  States,  Mexico,  South  America,  and  in  a  restricted  area  in  Western  Florida. 
Accidental  in  Eastern  Massachusetts. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  male  specimens  from  Western  United  States.  Length,  9-50;  stretch,  22-50;  wing,  7-00;  tail, 
3-50:  bill,  '55:  tarsus,  170.  LoBgaH  fpeoiaiaa,  10*03;  graateli  extent  of  win^,  '23 -Oft;  longest  wing,  7-.r>.r>;  tail,  4'00;  bill, 
•00;  tarsus,  1  75.  Shortest  specimen,  9'00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  22-00;  shortest  wing,  6'50;  tail,  3-00;  bill,  '50;  tarsus, 
1-65. 

Average  measurements  of  female  specimens.  Length,  10-00;  stretch,  22-50;  wing,  7'50;  tail,  4-00;  bill,  '60;  tarsus, 
1-75.  Longest  specimen.  10'50;  greatest  extent  of  win;,',  23-50;  longest  wing,  8'00;  tail,  4'50;  bill,  '65;  tarsas,  1'80.  Short- 
est specimen,  9'50;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  23-00;  shortest  wing,  7  00;  tail,  3-50;  bill,  '55;  tarsus,  1'75. 


BUXROW1NG  OWL. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  holes  in  the  ground  which  are,  however,  not  excavated  by  the  Owls.  The  eggs  areplacedon  any  loose 
material  that  chances  to  be  at  the  bottom  of  the  hole. 

E(ir/s,  four  to  seven  in  nuuiljer,  rather  spherical  in  form ,  pure  white  in  color,  with  the  surface  very  smooth.  Dimension) 
from  f'OOx  1'22  to  1'lOx  1-25. 

HABITS. 

It  may  appear  strange  to  many  of  my  readers,  to  find  birds  so  long  supposed  to  be 
exclusively  confined  to  the  western  prairies  as  the  Burrowing  Owls,  given  among  the  birds 
of  Eastern  North  America  and,  a  few  years  ago,  no  ornithologist,  even,  would  have  dreamed 
of  adding  them  to  our  fauna;  yet,  as  in  the  affairs  of  humanity,  so  it  is  in  bird-life,  lor  a 
change  has  come  and,  behold,  we  have  the  Burrowing  Owls  on  our  list.  They  are  appar- 
ently firmly  established  there,  for,  by  some  chance,  to  mortals  unknown,  and  at  sonic  date 
in  the  past  which  no  one  has  recorded,  a  colony  of  these  Owls  came  to  Western  Florida. 
Here  they  evidently  found  dwarf  palmettos  as  congenial  to  their  tastes  for  shade  as  prairie 
grass,  and  the  holes  made  by  the  reptilian  gophers  appear  to  have  suited  their  wants,  as 
breeding  places,  as  well  as  those  excavated  by  mammalian  gophers,  while  the. apparent  par- 
adox caused  by  the  local  confusion  of  names,  did  not  puzzle  their  brains  half  as  much  as 
it  has  some  naturalists,  although  they  had  gophers  of  quite  different  habits  from  those  to 
which  they  had  been  accustomed,  dwelling  among  them,  that  had  received  the  decidedly 
batrachian  name  of  salamander.  Truly,  names  among  animals  in  Florida,  have  been  badly 
mixed  but,  as  before  mentioned,  this  made  but  little  difference  to  the  Owls  and  they  set- 
tled in  the  Land  of  Flowers,  quite  near  the  spot  where  the  valiant  De  Soto  landed,  so  long 
ago,  on  the  Bahia  Espiritu  Santo  now  known  by  the  less  pompous  appellation  of  Tampa 
Bay. 

I  have  never  seen  the  Burrowing  Owls  in  Florida  but  others  have  been  more  fortunate, 
and  Mr.  Ridgway  told  the  story  of  their  discovery  there  by  Mr.  Moor  some  years  ago. 
He  has  also  decided  that  the  colony  which  squatted  there,  claiming  the  land  by  preemption, 
perhaps,  unless  some  Spanish  hidalgo  presents  a  prior  claim,  are  entitled  to  a  varietal 
rank;  and  this  may  be  true,  for  such  matters  depend  entirely  upon  just  how  one  may  re- 
gard species  and  varieties,  for  although  ornithologists  are  quite  apt  to  agree  in  the  main, 
they  will  differ  about  some  points,  and  I,  for  one,  have  never  considered  it  advisable  to 
adopt  the  trinominal  system  for  reasons  which  I  have  given  in  the  preceding  pages. 

The  Burrowing  Owls  also  claim  a  place  among  our  Northern  birds,  for  my  friend,  Mr. 
Ruthven  Deane,  states  that  a  specimen  was  taken  on  the  marshes  at  Newburyport,  Mass- 
achusetts, in  the  spring  of  1875;  but  this  was  an  undoubted  straggler,  none  ever  having 
been  seen  here  before  or  since. 

As  remarked,  I  have  never  seen  a  living  specimen  of  the  Burrowing  Owl  but  Mr, 
Ridgway  who  has  met  with  them  in  abundance,  informs  me  that  they  always  breed  in  de- 
serted holes  made  by  the  prairie  dog,  or  gopher,  and  that  the  statements  made  by  travel- 
ers, that  the  Owls,  gophers,  and  rattlensakes  dwell  together  in  harmony,  has  no  foundation 
in  fact.  The  Owls  choose  abandoned  burrows  which  the  rattlesnakes  only  enter,  if  they 
do  at  all,  as  unwelcorned  intruders,  perhaps  allured  there  by  the  prospect  of  a  good  meal 
of  young  Owls. 


FALCON1.    HA  WXS,  ETC.  281 

ORDER  X,   FALCONI.    HAWKS,  ETC. 

Sternum,  stout  and  arched.  Keel,  high.  Furcula,  very  strong  and  considerably  arched. 
Head,  not  large. 

Although  some  of  the  members  of  this  Order  resemble  the  Owls  somewhat  in  external 
forms,  I  hey  dill'er  widely  from  them  in  many  internal  characters.  The  eyes  in  both  orders 
are  quite  large  but  among  the  present  birds,  they  are  not  directed  quite  so  well  forward, 
neither  are  they  especially  adapted  for  seeing  by  night.  The  bill,  as  in  the  Owls,  is  strong 
and  curved  but  is  not  often  concealed  by  bristly  feather?.  Usually  there  is  no  disk  of 
feathers  surrounding  the  face  but  this  is  occasionally  present,  notably  among  the  species 
in  Circus,  in  which  genus  the  cavity  of  the  ear  is  also  large;  yet  this  is  not  so  remarkable 
in  other  Hawks.  The  tarsus  is  usually  rather  long  and  naked  but  is  occasionally  feath- 
ered, even  to  (he  toes.  The  wings  arc  long  and  well  formed  but  the  plumage  is  compact, 
especially  that  by  which  flight  is  produced.  The  sternum  is  always  strong,  with  either  an 
unbroken  margin  or  two  or  four  marginal  indentations.  These  are  oftener  closed  than  open 
but  they  diller  widely  in  this  respect,  as  will  be  seen  under  family  and  generic  characters. 
The  keel  is  quite  high  as  a  rule,  although  it  does  not  always  equal  in  height  one  half  the 
width  of  the  sternum  and  seldom  exceeds  it.  The  costal  process  is  much  smaller  than  in 
the  preceding  order.  The  coracoids  are  stout  and  of  medium  length,  as  in  the  Owls,  and 
an1  set  on  at  a.  wide  angle  hut,  unlike  the  latter  named  order,  where  the  furcula  is  notice- 
ably weak  and  without  a  terminal  expansion,  in  these  birds,  it  is  very  strong,  well  arched, 
and  has  a  slight  terminal  expansion.  The  scapula  is  similar  in  form  to  that  of  the  OwJs 
but  is  mere  inclined  backward  toward  the  sternum  than  in  the  latter  named  order,  where 
it  is  set  on  at  nearly  a  right  angle  with  the  coracoid.  The  manubrium  is  usually  present 
but  small.  All  this  sternal  structure  indicates  that  its  possessors  are  not  only  endowed 
with  powerful  flight  but  that  they  are  capable  of  making  very  rapid  and  abrupt  aerial 
evolutions. 

As  in  the  Owls,  the  oesophagus  is  wide  but  in  these  birds,  it  is  dilated  into  a  crop  of 
considerable  size.  The  proventriculus  is  very  well  developed.  The  stomach  is  large  but 
not  muscular.  Although  the  fold  of  the  duodenum  is  quite  long,  the  pancreas  is  not  very 
largo.  There  are  two  coeca  but  they  are  not  very  well  developed,  often,  in  fact,  being 
rudimentary.  The  females  are  larger  than  the  males. 

• 

FAMILY  i.    MILVIDA:.   THE  KITES. 

The  sternum,  about  equals  in  width  the  length  of  the  coracoids  and  the  scapular  process  of 
the  latter  does  not  meet  the  furcula.  Marginal  indentations,  two,  inclosed. 

In  this  family,  I  have  included  a  number  of  genera  which,  although  they  vary  greatly 
in  external  form,  agree  in  sternal  characters  as  given  above.  The  manubrium  is  moder- 
ately well  developed  but  is  not  forked.  The  farcula  is  stout,  flattened  by  lateral  expansion, 
wide  and  thick  near  the  base  which  is  abruptly  truncated,  not  being  produced  into  a  point. 
The  terminal  expansion  is  small  and  the  furcula  near  it  is  contracted,  furrowed  above, 

36 


282  CIRCUS  CYANEUS. 

and  bent  downward  to  a  point  at  about  one  half  the  height  of  the  keel.  The  marginal  in- 
dentations are  large  in  the  young  stages,  but  are  always  inclosed,  becoming  smaller  in  the 
more  adult  birds. 


GENUS  I.    CIRCUS.    THE  HARRIERS. 

GEN-.  CH.  Bill,  not  tony,  well  curved,  with  the  cutting  edge  of  upper  mandible  slightly  lobed.  Tarsus,  long  and  nearly 
naked.  Tail,  long,  but  is  not  equal  in  length  to  thewmgs  which  are  considerably  elongated.  Lower  portion  of  face,  sur- 
rounded by  a  ruff. 

Members  of  this  genus  not  only  resemble  the  owls  in  having  a  ruff,  or  facial  disk,  but  the  ear  cavities  nre  large  and  the 
plumage  is  somewhat  downy.  The  leg'is  strikingly  long  and  the  tarsus  is  naked  to  the  heel  behind,  but  is  slightly  feath- 
ered in  front.  Four  outer  quills  are  incised  on  the  inner  webs.  The  trachea  is  flattened  throughout.  The  sterno-trarhe- 
alis  is  short,  having  its  origin  about '25  from  the  larynx,  and  there  is  a  slender  bronchial  is  extending  overall  the  half  rings, 
but  no  other  laryngeal  muscles.  The  tympaniform  membrane  is  present  and  although  there  is  a  thin  os  tran<ve,'sale,  it 
does  notsupport  a  semilunar  membrane.  The  walls  of  the  oesophagus  are  thin;  this  is  at  first  nearly  strniyjit,  then  is  dilated 
into  an  oblong  crop  near  the  middle,  after  which  it  is  again  straight  until  it  opens  into  a  rather  small  proventrieulus  with 
simple,  oval  glands  arranged  in  a  zonular  band  which  measures  TOO  in  cyancus,  from  which  this  and  the  following  dimen- 
sions were  taken.  The  stomach  is  of  medium  size,  somewhat  globular  in  form,  with  thin  but  soft  walls  and  is  lined  with  n 
soft  inemhrane.  The  fold  of  the  duodenum  is  long,  measuring  3'50,  inclosing  a  narrow  pancreas  which  extends  it-son 
tire  length.  The  coeca  are  merely  represented  by  slight  swellings  on  either  side  of  the  intestine.  The  spleen  is  an  ellipti- 
cal body  lying  directly  on  the  proventriculus.  Both  lobes  of  the  liver  are  equal  in  size  and  are  short  and  thick.  The  heart 
is  large,  bent  slightly  to  the  right  and  not  very  pointed.  Sexes,  not  similar  in  color.  There  is  but  one  species  within  oui 
limits. 


CIRCUS  CYANEUS. 

Marsh  Hawk. 
•  Circus  cyaneus  BOIE,  Isis;  1822,  549. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sp.  CH.  Form,  long  and  slender.  Size,  medium.  Sternum,  rather  stout,  with  themarginal  indentations  varyingwith 
age.  Tongue,  short,  not  very  fleshy,  and  about  the  same  width  for  nearly  its  entire  length,  then  abruptly  rounded  but  not 
bifid.  Bill  and  claws,  not  long. 

COLOR.  Adult  male.  Above,  including  upper  wing  coverts,  side*  of  head,  and  breast,  pale  bluish-ash, becomingruf.ms 
on  the  back  of  the  head  and  upper  neck.  Upper  tail  coverts,  white.  Wings,  brown,  edged  on  the  outer  webs  with  ashy 
and  barred  with  darker.  Two  middle  tail  feathers  and  outer  webs  of  remainder,  bluish-ash,  and  inner  webs,  ruf  m-;,  li:-.rred 
across  the  feathers  with  dark-brown.  Under  portion  of  tail,  silky  white.  Beneath,  including  under  wiagnnU  tailcutrrts 
and'tibia,  white,  spotted  with  pale  reddish.  Iris,  pale  yellow. 

Adult  female.  Above,  brown,  with  the  feathers  more  or  less  ashy,  edged  on  the  head  and  neck  and  spotted  on  the  re- 
maining portion  with  rufous.  Beneath,  including  under  wing  and  tail  coverts,  reddish-white,  darkest  on  thetibca,  with 
every  feather  having  a  central  spot  of  reddish-brown,  broadest  and  darkest  on  the  breast,  narrower  on  the  neck,  smaller, 
rounder  and  more  decidedly  rufous  on  the  posterior  portions  and  tibea:  otherwise  as  in  the  male. 

Young  male.  Similar  to  the  adult  female  but  decidedly  darker  above,  where  there  is  no  trace  of  ashy  but  there  is  more 
rufms  on  the  spottings  and  edgings.  Beneath,  very  dark  rufous,  not  much  spotted,  often  being  wholly  immaculate  on  the 
posterior  portion  and  tibea.  Iris,  brown. 

Young  female.  Quite  similar  to  the  young  male  but  somewhat  lighter  throughout,  especially  below,  where  the  dark- 
ening of  the  rufous  is  only  seen  on  the  tibia. 

Nestlings.  Are  at  first  covered  with  a  reddish  down,  then  gradually  assume  the  plumages  last  described.  Iris,  brown. 
Bill,  bluish-black,  cere, greenish,  feet,  yellow,  and  claws,  brown,  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

There  appears  to  be  considerable  variation  in  specimens,  some  being  darker  than  others  and  more  heavily  spotted,  but 
this  may  be  due  to  age  and  sex.  Known  from  all  other  species  by  the  peculiar  ruff  about  the  face  combined  with  the  white 
of  the  upper  tail  coverts,  which  i-i  noticeable  in  all  stages.  Distributed,  as  a  summer  resident,  throughout  North  America. 
Constantly  resident  in  the  more  southern  portions. 


MARSH  HAWK.  283 

DIMENSIONS. 

specimen-*  fr.nn  Eastern  Unitr'l  States.  Length,  19'00; stretch,  40'00;  wing,  13'50;  tail, 
7-50:  Sill.  •!>!);  'ur-a-i.  sJ'HO.  Lonir.-st  s|»"'iin;'u.  'J,t  IU:  greatest  extent  <>(  wing.  l-'-lKI;  lonui-st  wins,  IS'OO;  mil.  !HX);  bill, 
1  00:  tarsus,  3  00.  Shortest  specimen,  IS'OO;  smallest  extent  of  wins,  41 '(Hi;  .-honest  wing,  14'90;  tail,  8-00;  bill,  '80;  tar- 

suv,  •J-NI. 

Au'nigr  mrasurrmi-nts  offriiiiile  specimens.     Length,  23'00;  stretch, 45-50;  wing,  13'00;tail,  8'5();  bill,  TOO;  tarsus,  3 
•25.    LoiigiM  -prelim  i),  21'00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  48  00;  longest  wing.  l;V50:  tail,  lo-OO;  bill,  MO;  tarsus,  3'50.    Short- 
mi  'u,  -J-J  (H);  smallest  extent  of  wing,  43-50,  ihortert  wing,  14-50;  tail,  !)'00;  bill,  '90;  tarsus,  3'00. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  on  the  ground  or  near  it.  They  are  not  very  bulky  structures  and  are  composed  of  sticks,  twigs,  weeds, 
etc.,  linrcl  with  gra^s  ainl  Icaxcs. 

Eyys.  f'ur  to  six  in  nu'iibcr.  rntlier  oval  in  form,  greenish-white  in  color,  either  immaculate  or  faintly  spotted  with  pale 
brown  or  lilac.  Dimensions  from  1'4'Jx  1'80  to  r45sl'88. 

HABITS. 

The  Hawks,  now  under  consideration,  have  been  rightly  named  as  far  as  the  appella- 
tion by  which  they  are  commonly  known,  is  concerned,  for  it  will  be  difficult  to  find  a 
m.-trsli,  either  salt  or  fresh,  of  any  extent,  which  is  not  more  or  less  hunted  over  by  these 
birds.  It  makes  but  little  difference  as  to  the  situation  of  these  low-lying  tracts  of  coun- 
try so  Itin;^  as  they  form  the  homes  of  mice,  small  birds,  frogs,  or  even  snakes,  for  the  pres- 
ence of  any  of  these  animals  is  sufficient  to  induce  the  Marsh  Hawks  to  visit  the  sections 
in  which  they  occur,  in  order  to  prey  upon  them.  Thus  they  may  be  seen  hovering  over 
the  cold,  heath-covered  bogs  in  the  far  north,  searching  for  mice  or  small  birds;  they  are 
common  along  the  fresh  water  meadows  of  New  England,  are  abundant  in  the  middle  dis- 
tricts, and  1  airly  swarm  among  the  rice  fields  and  along  the  rivers  of  the  Carolinas  and 
(jeoruia,  extending  their  range  even  to  the  vast  savannas  of  Southern  Florida,  in  all  of 
which  places  the  abundant  mammalian,  avian,  and  reptilian  life  offers  them  an  ample  and 
varied  diet. 

Thus  it  will  be  seen  that  all  sections  are  alike  to  the  Marsh  Hawks  and  scarcely  any 
thin.u-  that  has  life,  comes  amiss  to  them  by  the  way  of  food.  Perhaps  I  ought  to  have 
said,  however,  any  thing  that  lives  or  has  lived,  for  these  Hawks  will  not  only  eat  mice, 
small  birds,  frogs,  snakes,  or  insects,  which  they  catch  and  kill,  but  will  also  eat  dead  ani- 
mals. On  several  occasions,  I  have  known  of  them  eating  Ducks  which  have  been  killed 
by  gunners,  or  some  animal,  and  either  lost  or  abandoned.  The  Marsh  Hawks  are,  as  a 
rule,  not  very  bold  but  I  unce  knew  an  exception  to  this  and,  while  in  Florida,  some  years 
ago,  repeatedly  saw  one  nf  -hese  birds  rob  a  Peregrine  Falcon  of  Ducks  which  it  had  cap- 
tured. This  appears  almost  incredible  but  I  was  once  quite  near  when  the  Marsh  Hawk 
took  possession  of  the  booty  of  the  Falcon  that  was  sitting  on  the  ground,  and  I  distinctly 
saw  the  latter  givi  up  his  prey,  almost  without  a  struggle,  to  the  venturesome  Hawk  which 
coolly  he-ail  to  eat  it,  utterly  disregarding  the  screams  of  the  Falcon  that  was  darting  about 
a  few  yards  above  him.  Nor  would  he  quit  his  meal  until  I  had  approached  quite  near, 
when  he  Hew  reluctantly  away.  On  the  two  occasions  when  I  took  the  trouble  to  exam- 
ine tlie  half-eaten  Duck,  I  found  that  it  was  a  Scaup,  a  species  which  was  to  heavy  for 
eithej-  the  Falcon  or  Hawk  to  carry  away  with  ease;  therefore  they  were  obliged  to  leav- 
it  when  attacked  and  .vhcn  surprised. 


284  RCSTEHAMUS  SOC1AB1L1S. 

The  Marsh  Hawks  hunt  by  flying  a  short  distance  above  the  ground,  when,  upon  per- 
ceiving their  prey,  will  poise  for  a  moment  in  air  upon  vibrating  wings,  then  drop  suddenly 
downward;  but  they  are  not  quick  enough  to  be  sure  of  their  victim  every  time  they  try 
to  catch  it  and  will  often  make  several  attempts  before  they  succeed. 

These  Hawks  are  very  methodical  in  their  habits  and  will  hunt  over  certain  portions 
of  a  marsh  or  meadow  every  day,  passing  a  particular  point  about  the  same  time.  This 
is  especially  noticeable  in  summer  when  they  are  securing  food  for  their  young. 

The  Marsh  Hawks  breed  about  the  first  week  in  May  in  the  North,  usually  placing 
the  nest  on  the  ground  in  some  secluded  bit  of  meadow.  When  the  female  is  sitting,  the 
male  is  very  watchful,  guarding  the  immediate  locality  with  great  assiduity,  and  when- 
ever he  perceives  an  intruder,  he  gives  notice  to  the  female  by  uttering  short,  shrill  screams, 
when  she  stealthily  leaves  her  eggs.  Thus  the  nest  is  not  easy  to  find  but  by  watching 
the  male  when  he  is  flying  about,  one  may  judge  of  the  approximate  position  of  it;  for  he 
will  frequently  pause  a  moment,  when  he  thinks  he  is  unobserved,  to  hover  over  the  spot 
or  will  swoop  down  toward  it,  evidently  to  assure  the  female  of  his  presence.  The  young 
are  cared  for  by  the  parents  until  they  have  left  the  nest,  after  which  they  soon  begin  to 
forage  for  themselves  and  by  the  middle  of  October,  both  young  and  old  migrate  south- 
ward. 


GENUS  II.    ROSTRHAMUS.    THE  CURVE-BILLED  HAWKS. 

GEN.  CH.  Bill,  lony,  well  curved,  with  the  cutting  edge  of  upper  mandible  not  lobed.  Tarsus,  not  lony  and  nearly  nak- 
ed. Tail,  slightly  emaryinale,  about  equal  in  lenyth  to  one  half  the  len/jlh  of  the  wmys  which  are  considerably  elon/jated. 
There  is  no  ruff  on  the  face. 

Members  of  this  genus  have  no  ruff,  or  facial  disk,  nor  are  the  ear  cavities  strikingly  large.  The  leg  is  short  and  the 
tarsus  is  naked  to  the  heel  behind,  but  is  slightly  feathered  in  front.  The  claws  are  very  long  and  pointed.  Four  outer 
quills  are  incised  on  the  inner  webs.  Sexes,  not  similar  in  color.  There  is  but  one  species  within  our  limits. 

EOSTKHAMUS  SOCIABILIS. 

Everglade  Kite. 
Rostrhamus  sociabilis  BAIRD,  Birds  N.  A.;  1858,  32. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sp.  Cn.  Form,  rather  slender.  Size,  medium.  Sternum,  rather  stout,  with  the  marginal  indentations  varying  with 
age.  Tongue,  short,  not  very  fleshy,  and  about  the  same  width  for  nearly  its  entire  length,  then  abruptly  rounded  but  not 
bifid.  Bill  and  claws,  long. 

COLOR.  Adult  male.  Above,  including  upper  wing  coverts,  sides  of  head,  and  upper  throat,  dull  hlack,  tinged  with 
pale  bluish-ash,  which  is  brightest  on  the  back  of  the  head  and  upper  neck.  Upper  wing  coverts,  shoulders,  and  scapula- 
ries,  overwashed  with  reddish-brown.  Upper  and  under  tail  coverts,  white.  Wings,  black,  edged  on  the  outer  webs  of 
secondaries  and  tertiaries  with  rufous.  Tail,  black,  with  the  basal  portion  of  one  half  the  four  outer,  and  two  thirds  of  the 
remaining,  feathers,  white,  and  all  the  feathers  are  broadly  tipped  with  reddish-brown,  while  a  band  of  the  same  color  pre- 
cedes the  basal  white  above..  Under  portion  of  wings  and  tail,  whitish.  Beneath,  including  under  wing  coverts  and  tibia, 
dark-brown,  becoming  reddish  on  the  latter.  Cere,  naked  space  before  eye,  commissure,  base  of  lower  mandible,  and  feet, 
bright-orange,  Claws  and  remainder  of  bill,  black. 

Adult  female.  Above,  dark-brown,  more  or  less  tinged  with  ashy,  with  the  feathers  of  the  back  and  wing  coverts  edged 
with  rufous.  Beneath,  including  under  wing  coverts  and  tibia,  dark-brown,  streaked  and  spotted  with  rufous.  Narrow 
band  on  the  forehead,  upper  portion  of  throat,  and  under  tail  coverts,  yellowish-white,  with  the  shafts  of  the  feathers  of 
the  two  former,  black.  Cere,  etc.,  yellow.  Otherwise  as  in  the  male. 


EVERGLADE  KITE.  285 

Young  male.  Similar  to  the  adult  female  hut  with  the  throat  whiter  and  the  stripe*  on  under  surface  lighter  nnd  a 
littli'  IT.  iiider.  Superciliary  line,  extending  from  base  of  bill  to  occiput,  and  spacemen  sides  of  neck,  aUo  white.  Cere, 
dr.,  pair  orange.  Iris,  ruhy-red  in  all  sta: 

OBSERVATIONS. 

There  appears  to  be  but  little  variation  in  specimen^  of  the  same  age  and  sex.  Known  from  all  other  species  which  oc- 
cur within  our  limit*  by  the  long,  curved  bill  and  claws  and  by  tin1  colors  as  described.  A  skin  of  an  adult  female,  from 
tin1  Smithsonian  Collection  (No,  53,081),  taken  in  1'ucnos  Ay  res,  and  kindly  loaned  by  Prof.  Haird,  does  not  differ  essen- 
tially Irom  Florida  birds,  excepting  in  Ix-in;;,  prehaps,  a  little  darker.  Distributed,  as  a  constant  resident,  throughout  the 
marshy  sections  of  Middle  and  Southern  Florida  and  in  some  portions  of  South  America. 

DIMENSIONS. 

AYemge  measurement*  of  nude  specimens  from  Southern  Florida.  Length,  17'00;  stretch,  44*75;  wing,  13-75:  tail,  6-85; 
bill,  1-00;  tar-us,  1*85.  1.  imen,  18-00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  45-00;  longest  wing,  14'00;  tail,  7*00,  hill,  1'04; 

tarsus '-''00.  Shortest  specimen,  10*00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  44*25;  shortest  wing,  13*50;  tail,  6'75;  bill,  '95;  tarsus, 
l-7r>. 

AM- M,"  measurements  of  female  specimens  from  S  mthern  Florida.  Longth,  17*05;  stretch,  45*30;  wing,  14*25;  tail, 
7*80;  bill,  *93;  tarsus,  1*65.  L,  in^e-tt  spvi-n-M,  17-10;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  45*93;  longest  wing,  14'50;  tail,  7*50;  bill, 
TIKI;  tarsus,  1'SO.  Shortest  specimen,  17'0ll;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  41*75;  shortest  wing,  14*50;  tail,  7*50;  bill,  *95;  tar- 
sus I '-13. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 
Nests,  placed  in  bashes.     They  are  nut  very  bulky  structures  and  are  composed  of  sticks,  twigs,  weeds,  etc.,  lined  with 

•pMB. 

I,  one  or  two  in  nu-nber,  rather  oval  infirm,  bluish-white  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  irregularly  with  brown 
and  urubcr  <•(  varying  shades.     Dimensions  from  l*40x  1*55  to  l*55x  1*76. 

HABITS. 

The  Everglades!  Nearly  every  intelligent  individual  looks  with  interest  on  these 
words,  but  to  him  who  loves  to  study  the  works  of  Nature,  they  express  volumes  of  untold 
wonders;  il)i-  King  has  this  section  of  Florida  been  an  unknown  land  to  the  naturalist.  Ow- 
ing to  (heir  remote  situation,  but  a  few  white  men  ever  enter  their  limits;  indeed,  I  will 
venture  to  state  that  it  would  be  difficult  to  find  a  hundred  individuals  who  have  stood 
within  their  borders  and  few  among  this  number  would  possess  any  great  degree  of  intel- 
ligence, while  perhaps  none  would  be  students  of  Nature.  I  had  long  desired  to  see  this 
far- lamed  spot  and  was,  therefore,  much  pleased  to  find  myself  on  the  banks  of  the  Miami 
River  and  learn  that  this  beautiful  stream  was  one  of  the  numerous  thoroughfares  used  by 
tin1  Seminolcs  in  passing  to  and  from  their  homes  in  Pi-i-o-kee,  the  Indian  name  for  the 
Everglades. 

.Not  long  after  our  arrival,  four  of  us  entered  a  small  dingey  with  the  intention  of 
visiting  these  cxtcnsiA'e  marshes.  This  attempt,  however,  proved  unsuccessful,  for  we 
were  unable  to  stem  the  bwift  current  with  the  boat  so  heavily  laden. 

But  a  few  days  later,  on  the  eigthteenth  of  February,  accompanied  only  by  a  single 
individual,  I  again  made  the  attempt.  We  started  early  in  the  morning  and  rowed  up 
the  winding  river,  the  margins  of  which  were  bordered  for  some  distance  with  mangroves. 
Leaving  these,  we  came  into  a  more  open  country  and  caught  sight  of  the  pine  barrens. 
Still  we  pushed  onward,  passed  the  only  houses,  or  rather  shanties,  that  disgrace  the  bank, 
and  entered  the  unbroken  wilderness  beyond.  The  river's  edges  were  now  overhung  by  a 
dense  growth  of  flowering  shrubs  from  which  rose  an  occasional  palmetto  that  hung  its 


286  ROSTRHAMUS  SOCJAB1L1S. 

graceful  fronds  high  in  air,  while  here  and  there  a  dead  live-oak  stretched  its  whitened 
arms  over  the  stream,  and  these  leafless  branches  were  chosen  by  the  Anhingas  as  perches. 
Here  they  sat  in  silence,  moving  their  long,  outstretched  necks  with  graceful  gesture,  un- 
til we  approached  almost  within  gun-shot,  when  they  rose  and  flew  quickly  up-stream. 
Large  water  oaks  also  overhung  the  river  with  their  evergreen  foliage  thickened  with  nu- 
merous parasitic  plants  and  creepers  which  grew  upon  the  huge  brandies  or  twined  in 
graceful  festoons  over  them.  These  secluded  places  were  the  chosen  retreats  of  the  Yellow- 
crowned  Night  Herons  which,  as  we  drew  near,  rose  in  flocks,  with  discordant  screams, 
and  followed  in  the  wake  of  the  Anhingas.  Small  companies  of  White  Ibis  flew  swiftly 
over,  and  high  above  us,  on  motionless  wings,  circled  an  Osprey,  ever  drawing  nearer  the 
head  of  the  river.  Several  Kingfishers  dashed  past,  rattling  merrily  as  they  flew  to  their 
fishing  grounds  above. 

The  stream,  however,  grew  narrower  and  the  current  very  rapid,  but  everything 
seemed  to  invite  us  onward  and,  by  redoubling  our  efforts,  we  were  enabled  to  proceed 
slowly.  After  a  row  of  six  miles,  we  reached  the  foot  of  some  rapids.  This  declivity  was 
quite  abrupt,  with  steep,  rocky  sides,  and  the  water  rushed  down  in  a  furious  manner. 
Stimulated  by  the  thought  that  the  unexplored  region  was  beyond,  we  concluded  to  attempt 
the  difficult  passage  and  landed  on  the  rocky  bank  which  was  destitute  of  vegetation  for 
some  feet  from  the  water  and,  by  means  of  the  painter,  I  drew  the  boat  slowly  up  the 
foaming  river,  while  my  companion  kept  it  off  the  rocks  with  an  oar.  In  this  laborious 
msinner,  we  advanced  for  several  hundred  yards,  passing  a  few  tributary  torrents,  and  at 
last  reached  the  top  and  launched  our  boat  on  the  quiet  waters  of  the  Everglades. 

Our  earliest  recollections  of  this  famous  locality  were  taken  from  engravings  by  artists 
whose  pencils  were  prompted  solely  by  the  imagination.  These  pictures  represented  a 
gloomy  swamp  overhung  with  dark-leaved  cypress,  the  roots  of  which  were  submerged  in 
black  and  slimy  Avater.  In  these  sombre  retreats,  amid  rank  and  noxious  weeds,  crawled 
great  alligators  and  clammy  serpents,  fit  inhabitants  of  this  dismal  region,  the  silence  of 
which  was  described  as  being  unbroken  save  by  the  harsh  cry  of  the  Heron  or  the  hoot  of 
an  Owl. 

But  a  far  different  scene  met  our  gaze  as  we  emerged  from  the  canon  and  glided 
smoothly  over  the  bright  and  sunlit  waters.  Directly  in  front  lay  an  immense  plain  of  saw- 
grass,  which  the  fresh  breeze  caused  to  rise  and  fall  in  huge  emerald  billows.  This  sea 
of  verdure  was  bounded  on  the  west  by  some  distant  islands,  while  on  either  hand  appeared 
rich  and  fertile  hummocks  covered  with  a  very  thick  growth  of  lovely  trees  and  shrubs. 
Our  ears  were  greeted  with  the  familiar  song  of  the  Red-winged  Blackbird,  a  Blue  Heron 
sprang  chattering  briskly  from  the  margin  of  the  stream,  and  flocks  of  snowy-plumaged 
Ibis  rose  from  the  grass,  Aahingas  and  Cormorants  darted  through  the  clear  air,  while  the 
marshes  resounded  with  the  musical  pipings  of  thousands  of  frogs. 

We  pushed  onward  through  this  picturesque  scene  for  nearly  a  mile,  over  waters 
teeming  with  fishes  of  varied  hues;  then  the  stream  narrowed  and  we  paused  for  a  time  be- 
fore turning  back.  While  here,  our  attention  was  attracted  by  a  bird  that  resembled  a 
Marsh  Hawk,  sailing  low  down  over  the  grass  and,  as  it  approached  us,  we  perceived  that 


EVERGLADE  KITE.  287 

it  hold  :i  round  object  in  its  talons.  It  drew  nearer  and  finally  settled  on  a  magnolia  bush 
a  few  rods  away,  when  I  saw  that  it  was  a  bird  that  was  new  to  me  :md  I  instantly  shot 
at  it,  but  without  effect.  It  rose  and  flew  away  and  I  anxiously  watched  it  as  it  hawked 
about  the  marsh  after  the  manner  of  our  common  Harrier.  Then  it  dropped  upon  some- 
thing and  returned  to  its  former  perch  with  its  prey  which  was  a  round  object,  similar  to 
the  first,  when  I  once  more  fired,  but  only  succeeded  in  loosening  a  few  feathers,  for  the 
bird  got  up  leisurely  and  went  in  search  of  more  game,  apparently  unharmed.  It  soon 
returned  again  but  was  shy  of  the  bush  and  would  not  settle;  thus  I  was  obliged  to  shoot 
at  it  on  (lie  wing  but  unaccountably  missed  it  a  third  time.  Thinking,  no  doubt  that  we 
were  in  earnest,  it  then  flow  away  and  did  not  return,  although  we  waited  a  long  time  for 
it.  We  then  turned  homeward,  somewhat  disappointed,  darted  down  the  rapids  with  the 
speed  of  an  arrow,  and  readied  the  bottom  without  accident.  As  I  had  seen  but  a  single 
Kite,  1  concluded  that  some  accident  had  brought  it  to  the  Everglades  at  that  time  and 
that  I  should  sec  no  more  of  it.  This  hypothesis  was,  in  a  measure  confirmed  by  my  vis- 
iting the  locality  afterward  without  seeing  it. 

On  the  first  of  March,  I  entered  the  Everglades  accompanied  by  Mr.  Ilenshaw;  then 
we  were  in  search  of  Anhingas  and,  as  they  were  very  shy  and  difficult  to  procure,  I  con- 
cluded to  use  stratogem  to  obtain  a  shot  at  them.  Therefore  my  companion  landed  me  in 
a  small  cypress  island  to  the  right  of  the  main  stream,  where  I  concealed  myself  beneath 
a  tree  that  was  thickly  hung  with  long  streamers  of  Spanish  moss.  JVIy  companion  then 
rowed  up  the  river  for  the  purpose  of  driving  the  Snake  Birds  down,  and  as  they  were  ac- 
customed to  alight  on  the  trees  on  the  island  they  would  be  within  range  of  my  gun.  Af- 
ter a  time,  several  came  down  as  expected,  and  I  had  killed  one,  when  I  heard  the  report 
of  my  friend's  gun.  I  was  wondering  what  he  had  killed,  when  he  appeared  with  a  beam- 
ing countenance. 

He  pushed  the  prow  of  the  skiff  into  the  reeds  that  grew  at  my  feet,  and  in  reply 
to  my  question,  "What  have  yen  got'/"  held  up  a  Kite  that  I  recognized  at  once  as  the 
same  species  that  I  had  vainly  endeavored  to  obtain  upon  a  former  visit  to  this  place.  It 
was  an  adult  male  and  Mr.  Ilenshaw  stated  that  he  had  seen  another.  Upon  hearing  this, 
the  Anhingas  were  forgotten  and  leaping  into  the  boat,  we  pushed  olf.  As  we  approached 
the  spot  where  I  had  seen  the  bird  before  we  perceived  one  sitting  on  a  bush.  By  care- 
fully pushing  along  the  marshy  banks  of  (he  tortuous  stream  under  cover  of  the  high  grass, 
we  came  within  gun-shot,  and  a  second  Kite  was  giving  its  death  struggle  in  the  top  of 
the  bush.  Just  at  this  moment  we  saw  another  coming,  and  its  attention  being  attracted 
by  the  motions  of  the  one  already  shot,  it  hovered  over  it  a  moment,  then  as  it  received  a 
charge  of  shot,  sailed  gracefully  downward  and  fell  in  the  dense  grass  only  a  short  distance 
from  us. 

I  immediately  left  the  boat,  entered  the  grass,  sinking  to  my  knees  in  water  and  thus 
easily  secured  the  first  Kite  that  proved  to  be  another  adult  male.  The  second  required  a 
longer  search,  and  I  experienced  considerable  difficulty  in  making  my  way  through  the 
deii-e  M-rowth  of  grass  upon  such  an  insecure  footing,  for  the  bottom  was  not  only  submerged 
but  also  quite  spongy.  After  a  time,  however,  I  found  the  Kite,  and  was  turniii"  to 


288  ROSTRHAMUS  SOCIAB1L1S. 

go  back,  when  I  discovered  a  partly  completed  nest  a  short  distance  from  me,  that  was 
without  doubt  owned  by  one  of  the  birds  just  killed.  It  was  small,  flat  in  form,  composed 
of  sticks  somewhat  carelessly  arranged,  and  was  placed  on  the  top  of  the  grass  which  sup- 
ported it  and  which  grew  so  luxuriantly  at  this  point  that  it  bore  me  up  as  I  was  endeavor- 
ing to  reach  the  nest.  Although  disappointed  at  not  obtaining  eggs,  we  were  much  pleased 
at  having  procured  three  birds,  the  last  of  which  proved  to  be  a  young  male. 

The  twenty  fourth  of  March  found  Mr.  Henshaw  and  myself  once  more  in  the  Ever- 
glades, searching  for  Kites.  We  had  killed  two  males  and  a  female,  when  upon  picking  up 
the  latter,  I  found  that  she  was  incubating.  Before  shooting  her  she  had  behaved  strange- 
ly, and  I  was  certain  that  she  had  eggs  near,  therefore  I  commenced  a  long,  systematic 
search,  during  which  time  I  was  obliged  to  exercise  great  caution  to  avoid  treading  upon 
water  moccasins,  for  they  were  very  abundant,  but  at  last  I  discovered  the  nest  in  a  mag- 
nolia bush.  It  was  placed  about  four  feet  from  the  water,  was  quite  flat,  about  a  foot  in 
diameter,  was  composed  of  sticks  quite  carelessly  arranged,  lined  with  a  few  dry  heads  of 
saw-grass,  and  contained  one  egg.  Upon  dissecting  the  female  we  found  an  egg  just  ready 
to  be  laid,  but  unspotted,  being  blue  in  color  throughout. 

Previous  to  this  time  we  had  become  acquainted  with  the  Seminolcs.  The  knowl- 
edge which  these  people  possess  of  Natural  History  is  surprising,  inasmuch  as  they  prob- 
ably never  saw  a  naturalist,  and  if  they  had  would  not  have  learned  much  from  him,  for 
they  speak  but  little  English.  Among  those  particularly  noticeable  was  Tiger  Tail,  the 
son  of  a  renowned  chief  of  the  same  name  who  so  bravely  withstood  the  whites  during  the 
last  Seminole  wars.  Tiger,  as  we  familiarly  called  him,  was  a  stalwart,  finely  formed  man, 
about  thirty  years  of  age,  with  a  handsome,  expressive  countenance,  and  bright,  intelli- 
gent looking  eyes.  Besides  being  a  man  of  influence  in  his  tribe  he  was  a  fine  hunter,  and 
his  wigwam  never  lacked  venison.  He  not  only  knew  the  different  mammals  of  the  coun- 
try, but  also  readily  distinguished  and  named  the  various  species  of  birds  that  we  showed 
him.  Every  one,  excepting  a  few  of  the  smaller  Warblers  that  only  winter  in  Florida, 
had  its  Seminole  name.  Even  insects  were  known  by  particular  appellations,  and  Tiger 
has  frequently  showed  me  the  chrysalis  of  some  butterfly  or  moth  and  afterwards  pointed 
out,  in  my  collection,  the  species  that  came  from  it. 

The  Everglade  Kite  was  at  once  recognized  as  So-for-fun-i-car,  and  its  place  of  res- 
idence said  to  be  Pi-i-o-kee.  We  explained  to  Tiger  that  we  were  anxious  to  procure 
So-for-fun-i-car  sos-ta-kar  (Kites'  eggs)  and  he  promised  to  look  out  for  them.  The  oth- 
er Indians,  who  visited  us  and  exhibited  much  interest  in  our  pursuits  were  also  made  to 
understand  that  we  wanted  eggs. 

After  discovering  the  nest,  as  narrated,  we  were  slowly  returning  homewards,  when 
we  perceived  a  Black-necked  Stilt  standing  on  the  margin  of  the  river,  near  the  rapids. 
We  shot  at  it  and  as  the  report  of  our  guns  rang  out  we  heard  the  friendly  whoop  of  an  In- 
dian. We  were  accustomed  to  this  cry  and  immediately  answered  it,  then  turning  in  the 
direction  from  whence  the  sound  came  we  saw  a  canoe  containing  the  lithe  form  of  a  Sem- 
inole glide  out  from  a  neighboring  cypress  swamp  and  as  he  came  rapidly  toward  us  we 
recognized  Billy,  a  son-in-law  of  the  old  chief  Ellick.  When  he  came  near  enough  for  us 


EVERGLADE  KITE.  289 

to  discern  his  face,  we  saw  that  he  h:id  something  to  tell.  He  pushed  up  and  we  exchanged 
the  usual  salutations.  After  this,  I  showed  him  our  precious  nest  and  egg  and  explained 
where  we  had  found  them;  then  asked  if  he  could  procure  any  like  them.  lie  listened 
gravely  until  I  had  finished  and  then  said  simply,  "Me  got  urn."  "What!"  we  both  ex- 
claimed. "So-for-fmi-i-kar  sos-ta-kar,"  he  quietly  answered.  "Where?"  we  asked.  Bil- 
ly saiil  nothing  hut  led  the  way  to  the  how  of  his  canoe  and  pointed  to  an  old  tin  dipper. 
We  looked  into  it  and  saw  two  Everglade  Kites'  eggs  lying  on  the  bottom.  It  may  be  as- 
sumed that  I  was  not  long  in  transferring  them  to  a  much  safer  place,  while  my  companion 
gave  vent  to  his  delight  in  some  whoops  and  a  dance  which  caused  the  Indian  to  gaze  at 
him  in  speechless  admiration.  Billy  said  that  he  found  the  eggs  in  a  nest  built  in  a.  bush. 
The  next  day,  Tiger  also  brought  me  two  eggs  from  a  nest  which  was  built  in  a  similar 
situation. 

I  think  two  eggs  are  the  usual  number  laid  by  this  bird,  for  in  three  instances,  no 
more  were  found  and,  in  the  last  eggs,  the  embryos  were  considerably  advanced;  I  also 
questioned  the  Indians  concerning  it  and  they  said  that  two  were  all  that  the  bird  ever 
laid.  The  Everglade  Kites  appear  to  be  very  irregular  in  the  time  of  depositing  their  eggs, 
as  may  be  seen  by  the  preceding  account.  This  species  is,  unlike  most  other  Kites  and 
Hawks,  very  sociable  in  its  habits  and  I  have  frequently  seen  six  or  eight  specimens,  at 
one  time,  (lying  over  the  marshes  in  company  or  sitting  together  on  the  bushes.  In  flight, 
they  resemble  the  common  Marsh  Hawk  and,  as  they  arc  unsuspicious,  they  may  be  ap- 
proached quite  readily. 

1  have  remarked  that  the  first  Ever-lade  Kite  I  saw,  was  carrying  a  round  object  in 
its  talons,  and  afterwards,  I  frequently  saw  others  doing  the  same  thing.  What  these  ob- 
jects were  was  explained  upon  dissecting  the  specimens  taken,  for  all  their  stomachs  con- 
tained the  animal  of  a  species  of  fresh-water  shell.  This  shell  (Pomus  dcpressa  of  Say) 
which  was,  only  a  few  years  ago,  considered  quite  rare,  appears  to  be  restricted  to  the 
fresh  waters  of  Florida,  where  it  abounds.  It  is  round  in  form,  about  two  inches  in  diam- 
eter, and  dark,  glossy  green  in  color.  I  observed  empty  shells  floating  on  the  waters  of 
the  Everglades,  long  before  I  had  the  slightest  idea  that  they  were  cleaned  by  the  Kites, 
but  after  I  dissected  the  birds,  T  searched  around  the  bushes  where  they  roosted  and  found 
the  shells  scattered  about  quite  abundantly.  The  Indians  call  it  Shal-ly-bung-kar.  Short- 
ly after  our  first  visit  to  the  Everglades,  bunches  of  eggs,  about  the  size  of  those  of  the 
Humming  Bird,  be»an  to  appear  on  the  stalks  of  the  saw-grass.  They  increased  in  num- 
ber rapidly  until  there  were  millions  of  them.  I  could  not  imagine  what  they  were  until 
Tiger  informed  me  that  they  were  Shal-ly-bung-kar  sos-ta-kar  (Pomus  dcpressa  eggs.) 

Although  the  Kites  subsisted  entirely  upon  the  animals  contained  in  these  shells  and 
appeared  to  find  them  readily,  I  never  saw  a  single  living  specimen.  I  have,  however, 
found  them  on  the  Indian  Hunting  Grounds,  when  freshly  killed  by  a  fire  which  spread 
over  a  drier  portion  of  the  (Hades.  The  talons  of  the  Everglade  Kite  are  curved  just 
enough  to  grasp  the  shell  readily  and  its  long,  abruptly  curved  upper  mandible  is  peculiarly 
fitted  lor  removing  the  animal  and  it  is  not  uncommon  to  find  specimens  of  the  shell  with 
a  hole  punched  in  the  side  by  this  hook.  I  have  never  met  with  this  bird,  except  on  the 

37 


290  NA  UCLERUS  FORFJCATUS. 

marshes  of  the  Everglades,  where  it  resides  throughout  the  year,  but  it  also  occurs  in  all 
the  fresh  water  marshes  of  Middle  and  Southern  Florida. 

GENUS  III.    NAUCLERUS.    THE  FORK-TAILED  KITES. 

GEN.  Cn.  Bill,  short,  well  curved,  with  the  cuttiny  edye  of  upper  mandible  not  lobed.  Tarsus,  not  long  and  nearly  nak- 
ed. Tail,  very  deeply  emaryinate,  exceeding  in  length  one  half  the  length  of  the  wings  which,  are  considerably  elonyated. 
There  is  no  ruff  on  the  face. 

Members  of  this  genus  have  no  ruff,  or  facial  disk,  nor  are  the  ear  cavities  strikingly  large.  The  leg  is  short  and  the 
tarsus  is  nailed  to  the  heel  behind,  but  is  slightly  feathered  in  front.  The  claws  are  quite  short  but  pointed.  Only  one 
outer  quill  is  noticeably  incised  on  the  inner  webs. 

The  trachea  is  flattened  throughout.  The  sterno-trachealis  is  short,  having  its  origin  about '25  from  the  larynx,  and 
there  is  aslender  bronchialis  extending  overallthe  halfrings,  but  there  are  no  other  laryngaal  muscles.  The  tympaniform 
membrane  is  present  and  although  there  is  a  thin  os  transversale,  it  does  not  support  a  semilunar  membrane.  The  walls 
of  the  oesophagus  are  thin;  this  is  at  first  nearly  straight,  but  is  not  dilated  into  a  crop,  thus  forming  a  striking  exception  to 
the  rule  among  bird*  of  this  order.  It  opens  into  a  rather  small  proventriculus  with  simple,  oval  glands  arranged  in  a  zon- 
ular  band  which  measures  I'OO  vaforficatus,  from  which  this  and  the  following  dimensions  were  taken.  The  stomach  is 
of  a  large  size,  somewhat  globular  in  form,  with  thin  hut  soft  walls,  and  is  lined  with  a  soft  membrane.  The  fold  c.f  the 
duodenum  is  long,  measuring  3'00,  inclosing  a  narrow  pancreas  which  extends  its  entire  length.  There  are  no  traces 
whatever  of  any  cooca  on  either  side  of  the  intestine.  The  spleen  is  an  elliptical  body  lying  directly  on  the  proventriculus. 
Both  lobes  of  the  liver  are  short  and  thick,  hut  the  left  is  larger  than  the  right.  The  heart  is  large  and  not  very  pointed. 
Sexes,  similar  in  color.  There  is  but  one  species  within  our  limits. 

NAUCLERUS  FORFICATUS. 

Swallow -tailed  Kite. 
NauderusforficMus  RIDCW.,  B.  B.  R.,  N.  A.  Birds,  IH;  1874,  192. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sp.  Cn.  Form,  rather  slender.  Size,  medium.  Sternum,  rather  stont,  with  the  marginal  indentations  varying  with 
age.  Tongue,  short,  not  very  fleshy,  and  about  the  same  width  for  nearly  its  entire  length,  then  gradually  rounded  and  bi- 
fid. Bill,  rather  short.  Feet,  comparatively  weak,  with  short  claws.  Tail,  very  deeply  forked,  the  outer  being  nearly 
twice  the  length  of  the  middle. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Head  and  neck  all  around,  under  portions,  including  under  wing  coverts,  under  tail  covert?,  and  tib- 
ia, middle  of  back,  basal  portion  of  a  large  part  of  tertiaries  and  of  a  small  part  of  secondaries,  white,  with  the  shafts  of  the 
feathers  on  the  head,  neck,  and  breast,  black.  Remainder  of  upper  portions,  including  wings,  upper  tail  coverts,  and  tail, 
black,  glossed  with  green. 

Young,  Similar  to  the  adult  but  somewhat  less  green  on  the  black  above  which  is  also  a  little  duller,  and  the  tail  is 
not  as  long. 

Nestlings.  Are  at  first  covered  with  a  yellowish  down,  then  gradually  assume  the  plumage  last  described.  Bill,  black, 
cere,  green,  eyes,  dark-brown,  feet,  light-blue,  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

There  appears  to  be  but  little  variation  in  specimens  of  the  same  age.  Known  from  all  other  species  which  occur  with- 
in our  limits  by  the  long,  very  deeply  forked  tail  and  by  the  colors  as  described.  Distributed,  as  a  summer  resident, 
throughout  the  Southern  States,  north  to  Virginia.  Rare  in  the  Middle  States  and  accidental  in  Western  Massachusetts. 
Winters  in  Central  and  South  America. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  male  specimen^  from  Southern  United  States.  Length,  22-00;  stretch,  46'00;  wing,  15'00;  tail, 
12-50:  bill,  1-00;  tarsus,  1-10.  Longest  specimen,  '23-00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  47-00;  longest  wing,  IC'OO;  tail,  13  00; 
bill,  l''J5;  tarsus,  1-20.  Shortest  specimen,  21'00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  45-00;  shortest  wing,  14'00;  tail,  12'00;  bill,  MO; 
tarsus,  1-15. 

Average  measurements  of  female  specimens  from  Southern  United  States.  Length,  24'50;  stretch,  51-00;  wing,  IG'OO; 
tail,  13-00;  bill,  TOO;  tarsus,  Mo.  Longest  specimen,  25'50;  greatest  extentof  wing, 5T50;  longest  wing,  17-00;  tail,  1-VOO; 
bill,  1-25;  tarsus,  1'35.  Shortest  specimen,  23-53;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  SO'OO;  shortest  wing,  15'00;  tail,  12'00;  bill,  MO; 
tarsus,  1-20. 


SWALLOW-TAILED  KITE.  291 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NEST'S  AND  EGGS. 

Nesti,  placed  in  high  trees.     They  are  m.t  UTY  bulky  strurturrs  and  are  composed  of  sticks,  twigs,  and  Spanish  moss, 
lined  with  wi-oiN.  2i-.i»<.  etc. 

t,  ('our  to  six  in  number,  rather  oval  in  form,  white  or  crivnMi-white  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  irregularly 
witli  brown  and  uuiber  of  varying  shades.     Dimension-;  from  l'48x  T87  to  l'50x  I'DO. 

HABITS. 

About  the  first  week  in  April,  in  the  more  southern  portions  of  Florida,  and  a  little 
later  in  the  more  northern  sections,  quantities  of  Swallow-tailed  Kites  may  be  seen  cours- 
ing through  the  air.  They  come  like  the  Swallows;  first  a  solitary  individual  appears,  then 
a  few  mure,  until,  at  length,  they  arc  to  be  seen  in  all  directions,  often  in  companies  of  a 
dozen  or  more.  It  is,  perhaps,  difficult  to  find  more  graceful  birds  on  the  wing  than  these 
Kites  and  their  elegant  aerial  gyrations  do  not  fail  to  attract  the  attention  of  even  the  cas- 
ual observer.  Not  only  in  migrating  do  they  resemble  the  Swallows  but,  as  their  name 
implies,  in  form,  and  also  in  flight;  for  they  circle  high  over  head,  at  such  a  giddy  height 
that  they  appear  like  mere  specks  against  the  blue  sky,  when  their  long,  broadly  expanded 
tail  is  scarcely  visible;  then  something  below  attracts  their  attention,  so  down  they  come, 
only  to  glide  smoothly  and  swiftly  over  the  tree  tops.  Their  flight,  when  near  the  surface 
of  the  ground,  is  particularly  noticeable,  for  although  they  move  in  a  sinuous  course  and 
frequently  double  upon  their  tracks,  all  these  evolutions  are  performed  with  a  graceful  ease 
which  is  seldom  excelled  by  other  birds.  They  have' an  object  in  thus  traversing  about, 
over  the  tops  of  the  shrubbery,  for  they  maybe  observed  to  swoop  suddenly  downward, 
pause  a  moment,  almost  on  the  ground,  then  mount  quickly  upward,  bearing  a  writhing 
snake  in  their  talons.  This  they  eat  as  they  fly,  bending  the  head  downward  to  secure 
each  mouthful;  thus  devouring  the  entire  reptile  quite  leisurely  while  sailing  quietly  about 
in  ever  broadening  circles,  until  the  meal  is  finished. 

The  Swallow-tailed  Kites  appear  to  spend  the  greater  portion  of  their  time  upon  the 
wing  and  even  when  gathering  material  for  the  nest,  they  do  not  alight  but  fly  through 
the  trees  ami  pluck  off  twigs  or  pick  up  bunches  of  Spanish  moss.  They  present  a  sin- 
gular appearance  when  carrying  this  latter  named  material  which,  in  Florida,  is  largely 
used  in  the  composition  of  the  nest,  and  I  once  saw  one  with  such  along  piece  that  it  trailed, 
for  at  least  two  yards,  behind  the  Kite  as  she  flew  swiftly  through  the  air. 

Nest  building,  with  these  beautiful  Kites,  begins,  in  Florida,  about  the  first  week  in 
May  and  the  domiciles  are  placed  in  the  tops  of  high  pines  or  oaks  which  grow  in  situations 
remote  from  settlements;  thus  the  eggs  are  quite  rare  in  collections.  The  young  make 
their  appearance  in  due  course,  arc  carefully  reared  by  their  parents,  and  in  early  autumn, 
they  all  depart  for  the  South,  passing  quite  out  of  the  country  to  spend  the  winter  in  the 
Tropics. 

GENTS  IV.    KTIMA.    THE  PRAIRIE  KITES. 

GKN.  Cu.  BUI,  short,  broad,  well  curved,  with  the  citttiny  cily  nfvjiprr  manili/ile,  lobcd.  Tarsus,  not  Ion//  and  nearly 
nakfd.  Tail,  sjuare  and  s/iyhtly  emaryinate,  not  exceeding  in  lenyth  one  half  the  lenyth  of  the  winys  which  arc  considerably 
thnyated.  There  is  no  ruff  on  the  face. 


292  1CT1NIA  M1SSISSIPP1ENSIS. 

Members  of  this  genus  have  no  vuff,  or  f:\eial  disk,  nor  are  tlie  car  cavities  strikingly  large.  The  leg  is  sliort  and  the 
tarsus  is  naked  to  the  heel  behind,  but  is  sligV.ly  f  vitlierod  ia  f.-ont.  Tiis  claws  are  quite  short  but  pointed.  Only  two 
outer  quills  arc  noticeably  incised  on  the  inner  wo'/-;. 

Tho  trachea  is  much  flattened  throughout.  The  sterno-trachealis  is  short,  having  its  origin  about  '25  from  the  larynx, 
and  them  is  a  slender  hroncltialis  extending  over  all  the  half  rings,  but  there  are  no  other  laryngeal  muscles.  .  The  tympan- 
iform  membrane  is  present  and  although  there  is  a  thin  os  transversal.1,  it  dues  not  support  a  semilunar  m;-mhi--.ui<'.  The 
walls  of  the  oesophagus  are  thin;  this  is  at  first  nearly  straight,  and  is  diluted  into  a  crop,  then  is  again  straight  ;in  I 
into  a  rather  small  proventriculus  with  simple,  oval  jrlands  arranged  in  :i  zonular  band  which  measures  1-50  in  Mississippi- 
ensis,  from  which  this  and  the  following  dimensions  were  taken.  The  stomach  is  of  a  medium  si/c.  somewhat  globular 
in  form,  with  thin  but  soft  walls,  and  is  lined  with  a  soft  membrane.  The  fold  of  the  duodenum  is  l;>ng,  measuring  3  00, 
inclosing  a  narrow  pancreas  which  extends  its  entire  length.  The  coeca  are  present  but  are  small.  The  spleen  is  an  ellip- 
tical body  lying  directly  on  the  proventriculus.  Both  lobes  of  the  liver  are  .short  and  thick.  The  heart  is  large  and  not 
very  pointed.  Sexes,  similar  in  color.  There  is  but  one  species  within  our  limits. 

ICTINTA  MISSISSIPPIEWSIS. 

Mississippi  Kite. 
Ictinia  Mississippiensis  Wilson,  Am.  Orn.,  Ill;  1811,  80. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sp.  Cn.  Form,  rather  robust.  Size,  medium.  Sternum,  rather  stout,  with  the  marginal  indentations  varying  with 
age.  Tongue,  short,  not  very  fleshy,  and  about  the  same  width  for  nearly  its  entire  length,  then  gradually  rounded  and  bi- 
fid. Tail,  square  and  slightly  emarginate.  Wings,  very  long. 

COLOR.     Adult.    Head  and  neck  all  around,  under  portions,  including  under  wing  coverts,  under  tail  coverts,  and  tib- 
ia, dark  bluish-ash.    Remainder  -of  upper  portions,  including  wings,  upper  tail  coverts,  and  tail,  black,  glossed  with  green. 
There  is  a  longitudinal  stripe  extending  over  the  middle  portion  of  each  primary,  occupying  the  whole  of  the  inner  web  and 
part  of  the  outer,  of  bright  chestnut.     The  tips  of  the  secondaries  are  ashy-white.     Lores  and  the  narrow  ring  aroui 
black. 

Youny.  Mixed  with  dull  rufous  and  white  above.  Hoad  and  under  parts,  yellowish-white,  with  longitudinal  stripes 
of  reddish-brown,  which  are  darker  and.more  numerous  on  the  head,  and  brighter  and  broader  on  the  abdomen. 

Nestlings.  Are  at  first  covered  with  a  yellowish  down,  then  gradually  assume  the  plumage  last  described.  Bill  and 
cere,  bluish,  iris,  ruby-red,  fe.et,  orange,  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

There  appears  to  be  but  little  variation  in  specimens  of  the  same  age.  Known  from  all  other  species  which  occur  with- 
in our  limits  by  the  square  tail,  taken  in  connection  with  the  peculiar,  bright  chestnut  markings  on  the  primaries,  and  the 
other  colors  as  describad.  Distribute  1,  as  a  comnim  summer  resident,  u.>  the  Mississippi  Valley  as  far  as  Southern  Illi- 
nois. Rare  in  Florida  and  other  Eastern  Southern  States,  north  as  far  as  South  Carolina.  Winters  in  Central  and  South 
America. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  male  specimens  from  Southern  United  States.  Length,  14-00;  stretch,  36-00;  wing,  H'OO;  tail, 
0-00;  bill,  -05;  tarsus,  1'75.  Longest  spaeimen,  14-50;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  35-50;  longest  wing,  11-50;  tail,  li-50;  bill, 
100;  tarsus,  1  80.  Shortest  specimen,  13'CO;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  35'00;  shortest  wing,  10-50;  tail,  5  50;  bill,  '85;  tar- 
sus, 1-fiO. 

Average  measurements  of  female  specimens  from  Southern  United  States.  Length,  15-00;  stretch,  35'00;  wing,  11-50; 
tail,  6'50;  bill,  TOO;  tarsus,  1'85.  Longest  specimen,  15  50;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  36'75;  longest  wing,  11-60;  tail,  7'0<); 
bill,  1-10;  tarsus,  1'95.  Shortest  specimen,  14'50;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  35'50;  shortest  wing,  11'40;  tail,  6'00;  bill,  '95; 
tarsus,  T80. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  trees.  They  are  composed  of  sticks,  carelessly  arranged,  intermingled  with  bunches  of  Spanish  moss 
and  lined  with  strips  of  bark  and  leaves. 

/£/</',  two  or  thres  in  number,  rather  spherical  in  form,  greenish-white  in  color,  thickly  spotted  and  blotched  with  deep 
chocolate-brown  and  black.  Dimensions  from  1-30  x  1'50  to  1-32x1-52. 


PL  ATE  XXV. 


ELANVS  LEUCURUS.  293 


HABITS. 

The  Mississippi  Kites  arc,  with  the  exception  of  one  other  species,  the  only  members 
of  the  present  order,  which  I  have  not  seen  living.  This  is,  perhaps,  partly  due  to  acci- 
dent but  is  probably  attributable  to  the  fact  that  the  birds  are  quite  rare  and  only  inhabit 
a  limited  urea  of  the  section  over  which  I  have  collected.  Which  ever  way  it  is,  however, 
J  have  never  seen,  as  before  stated,  a  living  specimen  and  therefore,  the  remarks  which  I 
now  make  upon  their  habits,  must  be  brief. 

Mr.  Ridgway  informs  me  that  he  found  these  Kites  not  uncommon  on  the  prairies  of 
Southern  Illinois;  indeed,  this  bird  appears  to  be  restricted  to  the  more  open  sections  of 
the  country,  avoiding  the  heavily  wooded  districts.  As  intimated,  the  Mississippi  Kites 
are  rare  east  of  the  valley  from  which  they  take  their  name  but  Mr.  Charles  Nauman  writes 
me  that  he  lias  seen  the  species  once  in  Florida,  while  Audubon  and  more  recent  authors 
state  that  they  occur  in  the  Carolinas.  According  to  Audubon,  these  birds  make  their  ap- 
pearance in  Louisiana  about  the  middle  of  April,  breed  early  in  May,  the  young  leave  the 
nest  in  July,  and,  accompanied  by  their  parents,  depart  for  the  Tropics  by  the  fifteenth  of 
A.ugust. 


GENUS  V.    ELANDS.    THE  WHITE-TAILED  KITES. 

(I;.v.  Cn.  Bill,  short,  writ  curved,  with  the  cutting  edye  of  the  upper  mandibli  sliyhlly  lobed.  Tail,  rounded  and  sHylit- 
Jy  r»niri;inate,  not  exceeding  in  knyth  one  half  the  Itnyth  of  the  winys  which  are  quite  lony.  There  is  no  ruff  whatever  on 
tin  J 

Members  of  this  genus  usually  have  the  colors  very  light  with  the  tail  white.  The  tarsus  is  short  and  naked  to  the 
ad,  1'iit  N  feathered  in  front  for  half  its  length.  The  toes  arc  short  and  thick  but  the  claws  are  well  curved  and 
pointed.  Only  two  outer  quills  are  incised  on  the  inner  webs.  Sexes  similar  in  color.  There  is  but  one  species  within 
our  limits. 


ELANUS  LETTCTJRUS. 

Black-shouldered  Kite. 

Elanus  leucurus  VIKILL.,  Nouv.  Diet.,  XX;  1818,  563. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.    Form,  rather  robust.    Size,  medium.    Bill,  short.    Feet,  comparatively  stout,  with  short  claws.    Tail,  not 
very  i 

:it.    Adult.    Head  and  neck  all  around,  under  portions,  including  under  wing  coverts,  under  tail  covert",  nnd  tib- 
ia, v.  Tul,  white,  with  the  two  central  feathers  ashy-gray.     Remainder  i  f 

n4,  inclu  ling  wings  an  1  upper  tail  e  >verts,  ashy-gray. 
Youny.    Simil  rwas!ied  with  brownish  above.    The  wing  coverts  are  tipped  with  white  and  the 

.-iderably  duller. 

inys.    Are  at  lir-t  roverul  with  a  yellowish  down,  then  gradually  assume  the  plumage  last  described.     Bill,  blue!;, 
cere  and  feet,  yellow,  iris  bright  ruby,  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

There  appears  to  be  but  little  variation  in  specimen*  of  the  same  age.     Known  from  all  other  species  which  occur  with- 
in our  limit*  by  the  white  tail,  black  shoulders,  and  general  light  tints.     Distributed,  as  a  summer  resident,  up  the  Miss- 
>i  Valley  as  iUr  ns  Southern  Illinois.     A  rare  resident  in  Florida  and  other  Eastern  Southern  States,  north  as  iUr  in 
Carolina. 


294  BLACK-SHOULDERED  KITE. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  mnle  specimens  from  Southern  United  States.  Length,  I5'50; stretch,  39-50;  wing,  1-2-50:  tail, 
7-50;  hill,  '95;  tarsus,  1-25.  Longest  specimen,  16-00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  40'00;  longest  wing,  13-00;  tail,  7  75,  bill, 
1  CO;  tarsus,  1'30.  Shortest  specimen,  IS'OO;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  39'00;  shortest  wing,  ld'00;  tail,  7'00,  bill,  '90;  tar- 
sus, 1-20. 

Average  measurements  of  fsmale  specimens  from  Southern  United  States.  Length,  10-00;  stretch,  41'00;  wing,  13-00; 
tail,  7'75;  bill,  1-05;  tarsus,  1-35.  Longest  specimen,  IG'50;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  41'SO;  longest  wing,  13  50;  tail,  8'00; 
bill,  1;10;  tarsus,  1-40.  Shortest  specimen,  15'50;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  30-00;  shortest  wing,  12-50;  tail,  7-50;  bill,  I'OO; 
tarsus,  1-30. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  low  trees.  They  are  not  very  bulky  structures  and  are  composed  of  sticks  and  twigs,  lined  with  weeds, 
grass,  etc. 

Eyys,  four  to  six  in  number,  rather  spherical  in  firm,  white  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  irregularly  with  brown  and 
umber  of  varying  shades.  Dimensions  from  T62x  T44  to  l'G4x  T48. 

HABITS. 

The  White-tailed  Kite  is  probably  one  cf  the  rarest  of  the  order  in  the  section  of  which 
I  write  and  I  never  had  the  goon  fortune  to  meet  with  one.  The  first  specimen  that  was 
ever  noticed  by  ornithologists  in  North  America,  was  obtained  by  Mr.  Titian  Peale,  in  East 
Florida,  many  years  ago.  Yet  few,  if  any,  have  been  taken  there  since;  indeed,  only  one 
instance  has  come  to  my  knowledge  of  it  having  been  observed  there,  and  in  this  instance, 
a  specimen  was  seen  on  or  near  the  upper  St.  John's  River  by  my  correspondent,  Mr. 
Charles  Nauman.  Audubon  makes  record  of  it  having  been  occasionally  seen  in  the  East- 
ern portion  of  South  Carolina  but  no  one  appears  to  have  found  it  at  all  common  cast  of  the 
Mississippi  River,  although  it  is  not  uncommon  in  Texas,  where  it  may,  perhaps,  spend 
the  winter. 

The  White-tailed  Kites  did  breed  in  South  Carolina,  for  Audubon  says  that  some  nests 
were  taken  early  in  March,  from  low  trees  which  grew  on  the  banks  cf  the  Santce  River. 
Very  few  eggs,  however,  have  been  obtained  and  consequently  they  are  very  rare  in  col- 
lections. This  early  time  of  nesting  would  indicate  that  this  bird  is  constantly  resident 
in  the  more  southern  sections  but  is,  without  doubt,  migratory  when  it  occurs  much  fur- 
ther north. 


FAMLY  II.  FALCONID^.  THE  FALCONS. 

The  sternum  does  not  equal  in  width  the  length  cf  the  coracoids  but  the  scapular  process 
of  the  latter  meets  thefurcula.  Marginal  indentations,  two,  inclosed. 

This  family,  in  our  section,  is  represented  by  a  single  genus,  as  I  restrict  it.  The 
manubrium  is  moderately  well  developed  but  is  not  forked.  The  furcula  is  stout,  much 
flattened  by  lateral  expansion,  wide  and  thick  near  the  base  which  is  rounded  but  not  pro- 
duced into  a  point.  The  terminal  expansion  is  small  but  the  furcula  near  it  is  not  con- 
tracted nor  furrowed  and  is  only  bent  downward  to  a  point  at  about  two  thirds  the  height 
of  the  keel.  The  marginal  indentations,  although  varying  in  size  with  age,  are  always 
inclosed. 


FALCO  SPAKVERWS.  295 


GENUS  I.    FALCO.    THE  TRUE  FALCONS. 

CKN.  CM.  Bill,  short,  broad,  well  run--'//,  with  the  ruttiny  rtlt/c  of  upper  mandible,  distinctly  toothed,  and  the,  lower, 
notshal.  Tarsus,  not  /tint/  tint/  m-arly  naktd.  Tail,  sliyhtly  roundrd,  not  txcecdinyin  lenylh  one  half  the  lenijlh  of  the  winys 
v/iiiti  fin  fon.iiiti  raltly  elonyalrd  and  pointed.  Nostril,  irith  central  lulu  n/r. 

Members  c  I  this  genus  have  tin1  leg  -hort,  anil  the  tarsus  is  usually  naked  to  the  heel  behind,  but  is  slightly  feathered 
in  front.  Tin-  ten's  are  long  and  the  claws  are  quite  short  but  pointed.  Only  oneortwo  outer  quills  are  noticeably  incised 
on  the  inner  web. 

The  traehra  is  n  little  flattened  throughout.  The  sterno-traehealis  i«  -.hurt  nnd  stout,  having  it*!  origin  quite  near  the 
larynx,  and  there  is  a  slender  bronehialis  extending  over  all  the  half  rings,  but  there  are  no  other  laryngeal  muscles.  The 
tympaniform  membrane  i<  present  anil  although  there  is  a  thin  os  transversale,  it  does  not  support  a  scmilunar  membrane. 
The  walls  ()f  [he  esophagus  are  thin:  this  is  at  first  nearly  straight,  then  is  dilated  into  a  crop,  nnd  is  again  straight  and 
opens  into  :\  rather  large  proventrieulus  with  numerous  small,  simple,  oval  glands  arranged  in  azonular  band  which  meas- 
ures -70  in  colvmbarwt,  from  which  this  nnd  the  following  dimensions  were  taken.  The  stomach  is  of  a  rather  small  size, 

"v!:at  globular  in  form,  with  thin  but  soft  walls,  and  is  lined  with  a  soft  membrane.  The  fold  of  the  duodenum  is  long, 
measuring  3 '00,  inclosing  an  irregularly  formed  pancreas  which  only  extends  about  one  half  its  entire  length.  The  coeca, 
when  pre-ent,  are  very  small.  The  spleen  is  an  elliptieal  body  lying  on  or  near  the  proventriculus.  Both  lobes  of  the  liv- 
er arc  short,  thick,  and  nearly  equal  in  size.  The  heart  is  large  and  not  very  pointed.  There  are  four  species  within  our 
limits. 


FALCO  SPARVERIUS. 

Sparrow  Hawk. 
Falco  sparverius  Lix.v.,  Syst.  Nat.,  I;  176«,  128. 

DESC1U1T10N. 

Sp.  CH.  Form,  rather  slender.  Size,  small.  Sternum,  stout,  with  the  marginal  indentations  quite  large.  Tongue, 
short,  not  very  fleshy,  and  about  the  same  width  for  nearly  its  entire  length,  then  rounded,  bifid,  and  grooved  beneath.  Tail, 
considerably  rounded.  Wings,  with  two  outer  quills  incised.  Tarsus,  slightly  feathered  in  front.  There  are  no  traces  of 
any  diva. 

OR.  Adult  male.  Top  of  head,  upper  wing  coverts,  and  secondaries,  bluish-ash,  with  the  two  latter  more  or  less 
spotted  and  barred  with  black,  which  usually  extends  over  the  middle  of  the  secondaries.  Back,  rump,  upper  tail  coverts, 
and  basal  portion  <  f  tail,  excepting  outer  welts  of  outer  feathers,  bright  cinnamon.  Tip  of  tail,  outer  web  of  outer  feather, 
and  sometimes  the  entire  feather,  white,  with  a  subterminal  band  of  varying  width,  extending  across  the  entire  tad,  and 
bandings  on  outer  feather,  black.  Primaries,  dark-brown,  barred  on  the  inner  webs  with  white.  Throat  and  sides  of 

i.  white,  the  latter  having  two  black  spots,  one  in  front  of  the  ear  coverts,  nearly  reaching  the  eye, and  the  other  back 

of  them.     There  is  a  narrow  line  of  black  crossing  the  occiput,  and  the  back  is  more  or  less  banded  with  it.     Under  wing 

ts,  white,  barred  and  spotted  with  black.     Remainder  of  under  parts,  including  under  tail  coverts  and  tibia,  white, 

ovenva-hed.  to  a  greater  or  less  extent,  with  cinnam  >n,  -j">ned  on  the  sides,  and  flanks  with  black.     The  top  of  the  head 

is  marked  with  a  spot  of  cinnamon. 

At/u/l  female.  Similar  to  the  male  in  general  coloration  but  lack  the  bluish-ash  of  the  upper  wing  coverts  and  sec- 
ond: :  are  pale  einnamon,  barred  with  black,  and  these  markings  extend  over  the  back  and  tail.  The  tints  below 
are  paler,  a  iked,  excepting  on  the  throat,  under  tail  coverts,  and  tibia,  with  reddish-brown. 

Youny.  Quito  similar  to  the  feiualo  but  are  more  finely  barred  above  and  these  markings  extend  over  the  rump  nnd 
npper  tail  coverts. 

Xi-fllinys.  Are  at  first  covered  with  a  yellowish  down,  then  gradually  assume  the  plumage  last  described.  Bill, black, 
blue  at  base,  cere  and  feet,  orange,  iris  brown,  in  all  si; 

OBSERVATIONS. 

There  are,  perhaps,  few  birds  which  show  a  greater  amount  of  variation  in  markings  than  the  present  species.  This 
Me  in  the  males.  Two  specimens,  shot  in  Southern  Florida,  present  the  extremes;  one  being  nearly 
white  on  t  he  under  portions,  and  the  other,  deep-cirnnmi  n  even  en  the  under  fail  coverts  and  tibia.  Thedarkonc  has  but 
little  einnamon  on  the  head  yet  the  whiter  specimen  lias  this  color  extending  overa  greater  part  of  the  crown.  > 
the  bluish-ash  of  the  win:;-  is  extended  on  to  the  back  and  in  a  skin  from  Miami,  this  tint  crops  out  in  patches  on  the  upper 
tail  covens  and  tail.  Notwithstanding  these  variations,  this  species  may  lie  at  once  known  by  the  cinnamon-red  and  < 

lied.     Di-tril'uud,  as  a  ran  It  nt,  throughout  North  America.     A  constant  resident  south  '  i'M;>- 

achusftts,  w  here  they  are  not  as  large  as  those  from  further  north. 


296  SPARRO  W  HA  WK. 


DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  male  specimens  from  Eastern  United  States.  Length,  S'70;  stretch,  20-75;  wing,tf'75;  tail, 
4-00;  bill,  -50;  tarsus,  1'25.  Longest  specimen,  10'25;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  22'00;  longest  wing,  7'25;  tail.  4  75,  bill, 
•fiO;  tarsus,  1'30.  Shortest  specimen,  9' 10;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  l'J'50;  shortest  wing,  6'25;  tail,  3'25;  bill,  '40;  tarsus, 
1-15. 

Average  measurements  of  female  specimens  frum  Eisturn  United  States.  Length,  10'15;  stretch,  2T85;  wing,  7'00; 
tail,  4  50;  bill, '50;  tarsus,  T27.  Longest  specimen,  11  25;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  22'75;  Icngest  wing,  7'50:  tail,  5'00; 
bill,  -60;  tarsus,  1'4D.  Shortest  specimen,  9' 10;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  2TOO;  shortest  wing,  6'50;  tail,  4'00;  bill,  '40; 
tarsus,  I1 15. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  holes  of  trees,  either  natural  cavities  or  the  deserted  holes  of  Woodpeckers;  but  little  or  no  material  is 
used  in  constructing  the  nest. 

.&/</«,  four  to  six  in  number,  rather  spherical  or  broadly  oval  in  form,  nshy-white  or  reddish  in  color,  spotted,  dotted, 
and  blotched,  with  reddish-brown,  dark-chocolate,  and  occasionally  with  lilac,  frequently  so  thickly  as  to  obscure  the 
ground  color.  Dimensions  from  1'OOx  T25  to  l'05x  T35. 

HABITS. 

Although  the  little  Sparrow  Hawks  are  quite  common  almost  anywhere  in  Pennsyl- 
vania and  southward,  I  never  found  a  locality  where  they  were  so  abundant  as  about  Mia- 
mi in  Southern  Florida.  They  perfectly  swarm  here;  in  fact,  it  is  not  uncommon  to  see 
twenty  pairs  in  an  hour's  walk.  In  the  North,  they  are  very  shy;  indeed  it  was  difficult  to 
procure  spacimens  at  Jacksonville;  but  at  Miami,  I  was  quite  surprised  to  find  them  as  un- 
suspicious as  any  of  the  small  birds,  for  they  would  permit  me  to  walk  directly  under  them 
as  they  sat  on  the  low  limb  of  a  pine,  not  more  than  twenty  feet  above  my  head.  This 
tameness  is,  probably,  largely  due  to  the  fact  that,  previous  to  my  visit,  they  had  never 
been  hunted  but  I  could  not  help  thinking  that  they  were  affected  the  by  enervating  climate 
in  which  they  lived.  It  is  true,  they  had  the  same  abrupt,  rattling  cry,  so  characteristic 
of  this  species  every-where,  but  this  was  given  with  less  vim,  the  birds  exhibiting  but  little 
excitement  when  uttering  it,  as  they  usually  sat  on  a  branch,  only  occasionally  jerking  their 
tails.  Even  this  latter  named  movement,  so  noticeable  in  members  of  this  species,  was 
seldom  made;  in  fact,  much  of  the  almost  startling  energy  usually  displayed  by  the  Spar- 
row Hawks  in  the  North,  appears  to  have  nearly  deserted  these  inhabitants  of  the  Sunny 
South. 

After  all,  the  change  in  the  birds  is  but  comparative  and  the  difference  is  not  striok- 
ing,  for  everything,  in  the  almost  perfect  climate  about  Miami,  is  in  keeping  with  quie- 
tude and  repose.  Then,  too,  the  Sparrow  Hawks  of  Southern  Florida,  gain  a  livelihood 
quite  easily,  for  grasshoppers  which  form  the  greater  part  of  their  food,  are  very  abundant 
thoughout  the  year;  so  numerous,  in  short,  that  a  Hawk  may  live,  and  live  well,  all  its  life 
in  an  area  of  a  few  square  rods,  and  it  is  extremely  probable  that  many  individuals  pass 
their  entire  lives  within  sight  of  the  tree  in  which  they  were  hatched. 

Thus  the  history  of  a  particular  pair  of  Sparrow  Hawks  of  Miami,  is  easily  written. 
When  the  first  rays  of  the  morning  sun  touches  the  tops  of  the  huge,  weather-beaten  pine 
that  has  greeted  his  appearance  many  thousand  times,  the  happy  pair  awake,  stretch  them- 
selves, give  a  cry  or  two,  and  take  their  breakfast  of  grasshoppers;  they  lunch  lightly  on 
the  same  insects,  arrange  their  feathers  at  their  leisure,  then  watch  the  flocks  of  Warblers, 


FALCO  COLUMBARWS.  297 

Nuthatches,  etc.  that  go  trooping  past;  not  with  evil  eye,  however,  for  what  do  they  want 
with  feathered  bipeds? — grasshoppers  are  more  to  their  liking;  so  they  dine  heartily  upon 
thrin.  After  the  noon-time  siesta,  it'  it  chances  to  he  in  the  spring,  they  take  a  look  at 
the  hole  where,  they  have  deposited  their  eggs  for  years  past;  then  taking  a  short  flight  to 
some  neighboring  stub,  they  sup  upon  grasshoppers  and  return  to  roost  in  the  old  tree. 
This,  without  variation,  is  their  lives:  this,  without  variation,  is  their  diet:  a  blue  sky  over- 
head; gentle,  refreshing  bree/.es  blowing  across  the  green  woodland;  nothing  to  do  but  to 
pick  uii  grasshoppers  of  which  they  appear  never  to  tire.  It  is  true  that  they  can  find 
green  grasshoppers  and  brown  grasshoppers,  grasshoppers  with  wings  and  wingless  grass- 
hoppers, bui  still,  as- far  as  any  distinctive  taste  is  concerned,  there  must  be  but  little  vari- 
ation; yet  to  all  appearances,  the  Hawks  are  satisfied,  for  I  never  saw  one  take  any  other 
kind  of  food. 

With  the  Sparrow  Hawks  in  the  bleak  North,  all  this  is  quite  dilferent;  here  they  are 
obliged  to  work  for  a  living  and,  although  insects  form  a  part  of  their  food,  they  do  not, 
in  fact,  cannot,  subsist  on  this  kind  of  diet  alone;  mice  and  other  small  mammals,  little 
birds,  and  even  reptiles  are  obliged  to  contribute  to  their  larder.  Nor  are  these  always 
easily  gained;  thus  it  is  not  infrequent  to  see  a  Sparrow  Hawk  hovering  over  a  field,  sus- 
pending himself  on  rapidly  vibrating  wings,  and  darting  downward  many  times  before  his 
hunger  i.s  fully  appeased. 

The  Sparrow  Hawks  of  Florida  breed  in  the  natural  cavities  of  trees  or  in  the  desert- 
ed holes  of  Woodpeckers,  often  in  trees  which  are  inhabited  by  these  latter  named  birds, 
and  all  live  together  upon  good  terms.  The  eggs  are  deposited  by  the  middle  of  April,  in 
this  section,  ami  a  little  later  further  north.  The  young  leave  the  nest  early  in  July  and 
ompany  their  parents  for  some  time,  then  separate  into  pairs.  These  Hawks  are  rather 
uncommon  in  Massachusetts,  even  in  summer,  and  are  quite  rare  in  winter,  for  the  great- 
er part  migrate  south  of  us. 

These  little  Hawks  are  quite  gentle  in  confinement,  when  used  well,  making  pretty  as 
well  as  interesting  pets  and  several  that  I  had,  became  so  familiar  as  to  perch  on  my  fin- 
ger in  order  to  take  food  from  my  hand. 


TALCO  COLUMBARIUS. 

Pigeon  Hawk. 
Falco  columtarius  LINN.,  Syst.  Nat.,  I;  1766,  128. 

DESCRIPTION. 

8n.Cn.     Form,  rather  robust.     Size,  medium.    Sternum,  stout,  with  the  marginal  indentations  quite  large.     Tunnue. 
short,  tl.iek,  quite  lle-hy,  about  the  same  width  for  nearly  its  entire  length,  horny  at  tip,  where  it  is  rounded,  bifid,  and 
i.     Tail,  moderately  rounded.     Wings,  witli  two  outer  quills  incised.     Tarsus,  slightly  feathered  in  front. 
There  HIT  usually  no  traces,  of  any  ceeca. 

\dultmale.  Above,  including  upper  wing  coverts,  secondaries,  and  upper  tail  coverts,  dark  bluish-slate, 
every  feather  having  a  narrow,  central,  longitudinal  line  of  black.  Primaries,  black,  tipped  with  ashy-white.  Tail,  light 
Mui-  i  ly  white  on  the  inner  web-;  it  is  tipped  with  ashy-white  and  cro-sed  l,y  a  wide  subterininsd  hand 

of  black,  and  a  '-al  other  narrower  bands  ,,(  the-  i  and  th'.-oat,  w  hite.     Hemainder  of  under 

parls,  including  under  wing  coverts,  under  tail  coverts,  and  tibia,  pale  buff,  streaked  with  dark-brown. 

38 


298  PIGEON  HA  WK. 

Adult  female.  Quite  similar  to  the  male  in  general  coloration  but  overwashed  above,  to  a  greater  or  less  extent,  with 
brown,  iind  the  markings  below  are  broader  and  the  tints  darker. 

Young.  Differs  from  the  adult  female  in  having  but  little  ashy  ahove.  The  wings  are  barred  on  the  inner  webs  with 
reddish-white  and  there  is  a  line  of  the  same  color  extending  over  the  eye.  The  tail  is  dark-brown,  tipped  with  white,  and 
barred  with  reddish. 

Youny  of  the  year.  Show  no  traces  of  ashy  above,  and  the  top  of  the  head  is  overwashed  with  reddish,  especially  on 
the  forehead  and  occiput.  The  inner  webs  of  the  wings  are  barred  with  deep  red  and  spotted  on  the  outer  with  it,  while 
the  markings  below  are  a  little  broader. 

Ncstlinys.  Are  at  first  covered  with  a  yellowish  down,  then  gradually  assume  the  plumage  last  described.  Bill,  black, 
blue  at  base,  cere  and  feet,  yellow,  iris  brown,  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

There  is  some  variation  in  specimens  of  the  same  age,  especially  below,  where  the  brown  markings  occasionally  broad- 
en out  into  transverse  bands  on  the  sides.  The  under  tail  coverts  are  sometimes  itmnaculnte. '  Known  from  sparverius  by 
the  superior  size  and  absence  of  any  cinnamon-red,  and  from  communis  by  the  inferior  size,  absence  of  any  dark  markings 
on  the  sides  of  the  head,  and  in  having  the  two  outer  quills  incised  on  the  inner  webs.  Distributed,  as  a  summer  resident, 
throughout  North  America,  north  of  latitude  42°,  and  in  winter,  south  of  this  point,  into  South  America  and  the  We~t 
Indies. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  male  specimens  from  Eastern  United  States.  Length,  ll'SO;  stretch,  23-75;  wing, 7-75;  tail, 
5'15:  bill,  '55;  tarsus,  T40.  Longest  specimen,  12-00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  2J-00;  longest  wing,  800;  tail,  5'25;  bill, 
•HO;  tarsus,  1'50.  Shortest  specimen,  ll'OO;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  23-25;  shortest  wing,  7'50;  tail,  5' 10;  bill,  '50;  tarsus, 
1-30. 

Average  measurements  of  female  specimens  from  Eastern  LTnited  States.  Length,  12-00;  stretch,  25'25;  wing,  8-25; 
tail,  5'50;  bill, '70;  tarsus,  1'45.  Longest  specimen,  12'50;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  26-50;  longest  wing,  8-50;  tail,  5'70; 
bill,  '80;  tarsus,  T55.  Shortest  specimen,  lt'25;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  24-00;  shortest  wing,  8-00;  tail,  5'10;  bill,  '00; 
tarsus,  1-35. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nesls,  placed  on  rocky  cliffs,  on  the  branches,  or  in  holes,  of  trees.  They  are  composed  of  sticks  and  grass,  lined  with 
feathers. 

Eggs,  four  to  six  in  number,  rather  oval  or  spherical  in  form,  vary  ing  from  whitish  to  deep  reddish-brown  in  color, 
spotted,  dotted,  and  blotched,  irregularly,  and  usually  very  thickly,  with  reddish-brown  of  varying  shades.  Dimensions 
from  1-25x1-75  to  1-30x1-80. 

HABITS. 

The  Pigeon  Hawks  may  be  met  with  almost  anywhere  in  New  England  during  the  au- 
tumnal migrations  which  occur  in  September  and  October.  Not  that  they  are  particularly 
abundant  then  but  their  appearance  is  not  uncommon,  and  they  may  often  be  seen  dashing 
through  the  woodlands,  coursing  over  the  meadows,  or  hunting  along  the  shore.  When  on 
the  wing  in  search  of  prey,  they  are  full  of  energy,  but  Falcon  like,  when  satiated,  will 
sit  for  hours  silent  and  apathetic,  regardless  of  the  multitudinous  avian  life  that  is  con- 
stantly sweeping  by  them  within  easy  reach.  What  a  lesson  is  here  presented  to  the 
sportsman  who  destroys  until  he  is  weary,  often  leaving  his  victims  to  decay  where  they 
fall! 

As  the  Pigeon  Hawks  usually  spend  the  greater  portion  of  their  time  in  sections  re- 
mote from  man,  or  rather,  in  sections  where  every  urchin  is  not  armed  with  a  cheap  breech- 
loader, they  are  not  very  shy  when  passing  us  and,  in  the  unsettled  portions  of  the  South, 
they  are  very  tame;  thus  I  found  two  or  three  pairs  on  the  northen  end  of  Key  West,  where 
there  are  no  houses,  that  were  so  unsuspicous  that  I  walked  within  twenty-five  feet  of  them 
before  they  attempted  to  fly. 


FALCO  COMMUN1S.  299 

These  handsome  birds  do  not  usually  hover,  like  the  Sparrow  Hawk,  when  hunting  but 
course  rapidly  along  and  pounce  upon  their  victim  without  giving  it  an  instance's  warning 
of  their  presence;  tints  they  appear  to  capture  their  prey  with  great  certainty.  Their  cry, 
when  moving,  is  shrill  and  loud  but  different  from  the  well-known  rattle  of  the  Sparrow 
Hawk. 

Although  these  Hawks  usually  breed  considerably  north  of  Massachusetts,  I  am  con- 
fident that  the  eggs  will  yet  be  taken  in  the  state,  for  I  once  had  a  female  which  was  shot 
(luring  the  breeding  season,  early  in  June,  and  which  exhibited  every  mark  of  incubation, 
while  other  instances  of  a  similar  nature  have  come  to  my  knowledge.  As  remarked, 
however,  the  Pigeon  Hawks  occur  with  us,  more  abundantly  during  the  autumnal  migra- 
tion than  at.  any  other  season,  although  they  are  tolerably  common  in  spring. 


FALCO  COMMUNIS. 

Peregrine  Falcon. 
Falco  armmunis  Gx.,  Syst.  Nat..  I;  1788,  270. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sp.  CH.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  Sternum,  stout,  rather  narrow,  with  the  marginal  indentations  quite  large. 
Tongue  Unhurt,  thick,  quite  fleshy,  about  the  same  width  for  nearly  its  entire  length,  horny  ftt  tip,  where  it  is  round- 
ed, bifid,  and  grooved  beneath.  Tail,  slightly  rounded,  with  the  feathers  somewhat  acuminate.  Wings,  with  only  ono 
uut.-r  .j'.iiil  inched.  Tarsus,  slightly  feathered  in  front.  Caeca,  present  hut  very  small . 

IR,     Adult  male.    Above,  including  upper  wing  covert-*,  secondaries,  ond  upper  tail  coverts,  dark  bluish-slate, 
transversely  banded  with  dark-brown  which  becomes  lighter  on  the  rump.   .Primaries  and  tail,  dark-brown,  the  Conner  hand- 
ed on  wttoa  with  >vll.iwish-wliite;  the  latter  tipped  and  banded  with  ashy-yellow.     Under  parts,  including  ^ides  of 
under  wing  coverts,  under  tail  covert8,  nnd  tibia,  yellowish-white,  spotted  on  the  breast  and  abdomen,  nnd  tran<- 

•nded  on  the  remaining  portions  with  black.     There    is  also  a  black  patch  on  the  cheeks.     Forehead,  white. 
Advil  f email,     t^uite  similar  to  the  male  in  general  coloration  but  darker  above,  and  tinted  below  with  buff.     In  the 
adult  «tui.'es,  the  feet  arc  yellow  and  the  cere,  green. 

Ynitiii/.     Much   1  TO wner  above  than  in  the  adult  female.     The  under  parts  are  tinged  with  reddish  and  longitudinal- 

ikc.l  with  dark-brown.     The  cheek  patches  are  broader  and  the  wing  feathers  are  tipped  with  yellowish-white. 
lav  nr.     Show  no  trace*  of  ashy  above,  and  the  top  of  the  head  is  overwashcd  with  yellowish-rufoii 

pccialiy  on  the  forehead  and  occiput.     There  is  a  line  of  reddish  extending  over  the  eye,  while  every  feather  above  is  cdgei 
i!  is  tipped  with  white,  barred  on  inner  webs  with  deep  rufous  and  the  same  color  pervades  below.     The 
under  tail  ••  nerts  arc  barred. 

Nestlingg.  Are  at  first  covered  with  white  down,  then  gradually  assume  the  plumage  last  described.  In  this  and  the 
last  two  ~t:iges,  the  cere  is  dark-green  and  the  feet,  blue.  Bill,  black,  blue  at  base,  and  iris  brown,  in  all  stages.  . 

OBSERVATIONS. 

men*  of  the  same  age  exhibit  the  usual  amount  of  variation  regarding  intensity  of  color,  size  of  spots,  width  of 
band-,  etc.,  but  the  specie*  may  be  known  at  once  by  the  large  size,  dark  cheek  patch,  and  other  colors  a*  dc-cn'."d.      l)i-- 
tri!  in.  1.  as  a  -mum.-!-  resident,  among  the  mountains  or  along  rocky  sea-boards,  throughout  Eastern  North  America,  above 
Winters  in  the  more  Southern  portions. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Avc:  irements  of  male  specimens  from   Eastern  United  States.     Length,  17-50;  stretch,  38-50;  wing,  1 t'25; 

tail.  7  -J.~>:  bill.  •?,';  tar-u*,  I  •?•.>.      Longe  t   specimen,    IH'OO;   greatest  extent  of  wing,  3!»'00;  longest  wing,  1  1-50;  tail,  7  5(1; 
7.');  tar-us  1  75.     Shortcut  specimen,  17'00;  smallest   extent  of  wing,  38-00;  shortest  wing,  IMMJ;  tail,  7'00;  bill,  '70; 
tarsus,  1-7O. 

iicaMirement*  of  female  specimen-;  from  Eastern  United  States.  Length,  1!HIO;  stretch,  41-00;  wing,  15-00; 
tail,  7  75:  bill,  -7*;  tarsus  1'7S.  Longest  specimen,  20'00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,J:J-(K);  longest  wing,  15-50;  tail,  s-Oft; 
bill,  -ist;  tav-ii*,  1-80.  'Shorte-t  specimen,  IS'OO;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  40'00,  shortest  wing,  14 '50;  tail,  7'50;  bill ,  '75 
tarsu<,  1  'JO- 


300  PEREGRINE  FAJCON. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  on  rocky  cliffs.  Although  the  eggs  are  occasionally  placed  on  the  naked  rock,  there  is  usually  a,  rudely 
constructed  nest  composed  of  sticks  and  moss. 

Eyys,  two  to  four  in  number,  rather  oval  or  spherical  in  form,  varying  from  creamy-white  to  reddish-brown  in  color, 
spottfd,  dotted,  and  blotched,  with  reddish-brown  and  chocolate  of  varying  shade*,  usually  so  thickly  as  to  nearly,  or  even 
completely,  obscure  the  ground  color.  Dimensions  from  I'BOxS'OO  to  I'85x2'32. 

HABITS. 

The  Peregrine  Falcons  are  among  the  most  noted  of  the  order,  for  they  arc  the  swift- 
est fliers  of  them  all,  not  only  surpassing  all  others  in  speed  but  also  excelling  thorn  in  the 
ease  with  which  they  perform  rapid,  aerial  evolutions.  It  is  a  well-attested  fact,  that  Ducks 
move  at  the  astonishing  rate  of  upward  of  a  hundred  miles  an  hour,  yet  I  have  repeatedly 
seen  this  fine  Falcon  pursue  and  capture  them  when  on  the  wing.  While  camping  near 
the  Haulover  Canal  in  Eastern  Florida,  some  years  ago,  my  attention  was  attracted  by  the 
movements  of  a  Peregrine  Falcon  which  was  accustomed  to  perch  on  the  top  of  a  dead  tree, 
not  far  away,  in  order  to  watch  for  Ducks  that  were  constantly  flying  past  this  point,  on 
their  way  in  from  sea  to  rest  on  the  quiet  waters  of  Indian  River.  A  flock  of  Scaups 
would  come  booming  along  before  a  ntifF,  easterly  breeze,  crossing  directly  in  front  of  the 
Falcon  and  perhaps  fifty  yards  from  him,  but  at  a  considerable  elevation.  He  would  wait 
until  the  Ducks  were  nearly  opposite  him,  then  launching  into  air,  would  meet  them  at 
nearly  right  angles.  When  the  bird  left  the  branch,  lie  was  plainly  visible  but  in  his  pas- 
sage over  the  intervening  space  between  his  perch  and  the  track  of  his  prey,  he  was  abso- 
lutely invisible,  as  he  moved  so  quickly  that  the  eye  was  unable  to  follow  him,  and  when  he 
struck  the  Duck  at  which  he  aimed,  I  could  fairly  hear  its  bones  crack,  so  great  was  the 
shock;  while  it  was  apparently  killed  as  instantaneously  as  if  it  had  been  shot.  In  spite 
of  hi?  skill  in  capturing  Ducks,  this  Falcon  would  tamely  allow  a  Marsh  Hawk  to  rob  him, 
as  I  have  related  in  the  previous  pages.  I  have  also  seen  the  Peregrine  Falcon  pursue 
the  swiftly  flying  Shore  Birds  and  capture  them  when  on  the  wing. 

The  Peregrine  Falcons  breed  early  in  the  season,  in  March  in  the  more  southern  sec- 
tions, about  the  middle  of  April  in  Western  Massachusetts,  and  in  May  on  Grand  Menan 
and  northward.  The  nests  are,  according  to  my  experience,  always  placed  on  the  rocky 
shelf  of  a  perpendicular  cliff,  in  a  situation  nearly  or  quite  inaccessible  and  often  in  ex- 
posed places.  There  is  a  pair  which  nest  every  year  at  Grand  Menan  in  a  niche  on  the 
face  of  a  peculiar  precipice,  known  as  the  Seven  Days'  Work,  that  rises  some  three  hun- 
dred feet  above  the  water.  The  eyrie  is  situated  about  midway  between  the  top  and  bot- 
tom of  the  steep  wall  and  doubtless  many  ornithologists  have  watched  the  birds,  as  1  have 
done,  with  longing  eyes  as  they  circled  quietly  about  their  well-chosen  home.  Watching, 
however,  is  the  only  feat  that  ;iny  one  has  yet  accomplished,  and  if  the  stories  regarding 
the  longevity  of  the  Peregrine  Falcons  be  true,  collectors  of  a  coming  generation  will  have 
the  same  opportunity  afforded  them,  without  being  able  to  place  their  hands  on  the  covet- 
ed eggs. 

These  Hawks  are  rarely  found  far  from  their  breeding  grounds  in  summer  but,  dur- 
ing the  migrations,  disperse  over  the  country,  at  which  time  they  are  particularly  common 


FALCO  CAXD1CANS.  301 

near  the  sea  shore.     I  do  not,  however,  think  that  they  occur  much  north  of  New  Jersey 
during  winter. 

FALCO  CANDICANS. 

Jor  Falcon. 

Falco  candicans  GM.,  Syst.  Nat.,  I;  1788,  275. 
DESCRIPTION. 

Sr.  Cu.  Form,  robust.  Size,  very  large.  Sternum,  stout,  with  tlie  marginal  indentations  quite  large.  Tongue,  long, 
not  very  fleshy,  and  about  ihc  same  width  for  nearly  its  entire  length,  then  is  rounded,  slightly  bifid,  and  grooved  beneath. 
Tai-su-.  feathered  in  front  for  more  than  half  its  length.  AYings,  with  two  outer  quills  incised.  Cocca,  present  and  com- 
paratively well  developed.  Soxes,  similar  in  color. 

LIGHT  STAGE. 

Coi.oi;.  Adult.  "White  throughout  with  regular  an.  1  irregular  confluent  bands  and  spots  of  dark-brown  above,  and 
spar-  I  l)elo\v  with  the  same  color.  Primaries  and  tail,  transversely  banded  with  brownish  and  the  former  is  tip- 

ped with  it. 

Vouny.  Quite  similar  to  the  adult  in  general  coloration  but  tinted  with  bluish  above  and  below.  T-he  bandings  are 
r  and  the  spots  larger. 

Youny  of  l/i>-  i/mr.  Are  o\erwashnd  with  brown  above,  and  every  feather  is  spotted  and  edge!  with  reddish.  The 
under  part*  arc  ting.-d  with  \v!L>\vis!i-wliite  an  1  longitudinally  streaked  with  dusky. 

_\<  .•;//<«•/.?.  Are  at  llrst  covered  with  white  down,  then  gradually  assume  the  plumage  last  described,  which  they  keep 
for  n  year. 

DARK  STAGE. 

u.    Adult.  •  Sooty  black,  throughout,  becoming  lighter  below,  but  not  conspicuously  barred  or  spotted  anywhere. 
Bill  and  cere,  pale  blue,  iris,  dark-brown,  feet,  slaty-blue,  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

This  species  is  subject  t  >  van  .us  change-:  of  plumage  \v!ii<-!i  are  merely  due  to  a  predominance  of  the  lighter  or  darker 
tints.  The  different  plumages  have  been  described  by  authors  under  several  names,  either  as  species  or  races;  thus  thelight 

•is,  or  saccr  and  the  dark  types.LoArarfora.     To  be  consistent  with  my  views  already 
i-ider  them  all  one  species.     Readily  known  from  all  other  speeies  by  the  large  size,  prepon- 
white  in  the   IL'ht -tage  and  peeuliar  Fa  leonine   form,   as  well  as  uniform  tints  when  dark.     Distributed  as  a 
constant  resident,  throughout  North  America,  above  latitude  50'.     Rare  in  New  England  during  winter. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  male  specimens  from  Kastern  North  America.  Length,  21-75;  stretch,  48'50;  wing,  15'75; 
tail.  !)-7/>;  bill,  L'30;  towai,  1".)").  Longest  specimen,  2-J-50;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  4!)'00;  longest  wing,  Ki'OO;  tail, 
1000.  bill,  1-30;  tarsus,  2-00.  Shortest  spe.-imen,  21'00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  48'00;  shortest  wing,  lo"50;  tail,  950; 
bill,  1-00;  tarsus,  TSO. 

..ts  of  female  specimens  from  Eastern  North  America.     Length,  23'50;  stretch,  50'00;  wing,  10' .10; 

toil,  10-5:);  bill,  r:;>.  tarsus, 2-05.     I  isoitnen,  -'KM;  g;eate<t  extent  of  wing,  51-00;  longest  wing,  17-00;  tail, 

11  •<>,>;  bill,  i-M;  tarsu-,  'J' 10.     Shortest  spacimen,  23'00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  4'J'OO,  shortest   wing,  16-00;  tail,  lO'OO; 
bill,  1-10;  tarsus,  l'-'j.j. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

!»,  placed  on  rocky  cliffs.     Although  the  eggs  are  occasionally  placed  on  the  naked  rock,  there  is  usually  a  rudely 

of  sticks,  moss,  and  sea  weeds. 

ur  in  mi'ii'  oval  or  spherical  in  form,  varying  from  creamy-white  to  yellow-brown  in  color, 

profusely  sprinkled  with  reddNh-brown  of  varying  shades,  usually  so  thickly  as  to  nearly,  or  even  completely,  obscure  the 
ground  color.     Dimensions  from  l'71x-J  1-  to  1 '00x345. 

BABTT8. 

The  Jer  Falcon  are,  to  my  taste,  the  haudsomcst  of  the  order.     Perhaps,  however, 

this  i'aucy  of  mine  may  be  due  to  the  fact  that,  as  these  birds  are  very  rare  in  the  sections 


302  A  CC1P1  TRIDjE.    HA  WKS. 

where  I  have  chanced  to  have  been,  I  have  never  shot  one;  indeed  I  have  seen  it  but  once. 
On  the  fourth  of  November,  1808,  I  was  crossing  one  of  the  mountain  passes  of  Northern 
New  Hampshire,  in  the  teeth  of  a  biting  wind,  for  the  weather  was  unusually  cold,  when 
glancing  upward,  I  saw  one  of  these  noble  Falcons,  flying  high  over  the  mountain  tops, 
steering  northward  over  the  unbroken  forests  which  were,  even  thus  early  in  the  season, 
covered  deeply  with  snow  and  almost  a  solitude,  being  deserted  by  nearly  all  the  feathered 
tribes. 

The  Jer  Falcons  breed  much  like  the  Peregrine  Falcons,  on  inaccessible  cliffs  in  the 
far  North  and  they  spend  the  greater  portion  of  their  time  in  these  inhospitable  regions, 
even  remaining  there  through  the  severe  winter  weather,  only  occasionally  visiting  us;  so 
rarely,  that  their  occurence  may  be  regarded  as  merely  accidental.  Those  in  the  dark 
plumage,  described  by  Audubon  as  the  Labrador  Falcon  but  now  regarded  by  nearly  every 
one  as  only  a  melanistic  stage  of  the  lighter  species,  appear  to  favor  us  with  their  presence 
rather  more  frequently  than  their  lighter  colored  brethren.  The  Jer  Falcons  have  been 
taken  as  far  south  as  Connecticut  but  their  normal  range  is  north  of  Canada. 


FAMILY  III.     ACCIPITRID^.     THE  SHORT-WINGED  HAWKS. 

The  sternum  does  not  nearly  equal  in  width  the  length  of  the  coracoids,  nor  does  the  scap- 
ular process  of  the  latter  meet  the  furcula.  Marginal  indentations,  two,  inclosed. 

This  family,  in  our  section,  is  represented  by  a  single  genus,  as  I  restrict  it.  The 
manubrium  is  moderately  well  developed  but  is  not  forked  and  is  either  pointed  or  ;ib- 
ruptly  truncated.  The  furcula  is  stout,  much  flattened  by  lateral  expansion,  wide  and 
thick  near  the  base  which  is  rounded  and  not  produced  into  a  point.  The  terminal  expan- 
sion is  small  and  the  furcula  near  it  is  only  slightly  contracted  and  furrowed  above,  and  is 
toent  downward  to  a  point  at  about  two  thirds  the  height  of  the  keel.  The  marginal  inden- 
tations, although  varying  in  size  with  age,  are  always  inclosed. 

GENUS  I.    ACCIPITER.    THE  TRUE  HAWKS. 

GEN.  On.  Bill,  short,  broad,  well  curved,  with  the  cutting  edye  of  upper  mandible  distinctly  lobed,  but  the  lower  is  not 
notched.  Tarsus,  long  and  nearly  naked.  Tail,  well  rounded,  considerably  exceeding  in  lenylh  one  half  the  length  of  the 
wmys  which  are  short  and  not  pointed.  Nostril,  without  central  tubercle. 

Members  of  this  genus  have  the  leg  long  and  the  tarsus  is  usually  naked  to  the  heel  behind,  but  is  slightly  feathered 
in  front.  The  toes  are  long  and  the  claws  are  quite  long  and  pointed.  Five  outer  quills  are  noticeably  incised  on  the  in- 
ner webs. 

The  trachea  is  a  little  flattened  throughout.  The  sterno-trachealis  is  short  and  stout,  having  its  origin  quite  near  the 
larynx,  and  there  is  a  slender  bronchialis  extending  over  all  the  half  rings,  but  there  are  no  other  laryngeal  muscles.  The 
tympaniform  membrane  is  present  and  although  there  is  a  thin  os  transversale,  it  does  not  support  a  semilunar  membrane. 
The  walls  of  the  oasophagus  are  thin;  this  is  at  first  nearly  straight,  then  is  dilated  into  a  crop,  and  is  again  straight  nnd 
opens  into  a  medium  sized  proventriculus  with  numerous  small,  simple,  oval  glands  arranged  in  a  zonular  band  which  meas- 
ures TOO  in  Cooperi,  from  which  this  and  the  following  dimensions  were  taken.  The  stomach  is  of  a  rather  small  size, 
somewhat  globular  in  form,  with  thin  but  soft  walls,  and  is  lined  with  a  soft  membrane.  The  fold  of  theduodenum  is  lung, 
measuring  3  00,  inclosing  an  irregularly  formed  pancreas  which  only  extends  about  one  half  its  entire  length.  The  coeca, 
when  present,  are  very  small.  The  spleen  is  an  elliptical  body  lying  on  or  near  the  proventriculus.  Both  lobes  of  the  liv- 
er are  short,  thick,  and  nearly  equal  in  size.  The  heart  is  large,  triangular  in  form,  and  not  very  pointed.  There  are  two 
species  within  our  limits. 


ACCiPlTER  FUXCUS.  303 

ACCIPITER  FUSCUS. 

Sharp-shinned  Hawk. 

Falcofuscus  GM.,  Syst.  Nat.,  I;  1788,  280. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sp.  Cn.  Form,  slender.  Size,  not  large.  Sternum,  not  very  stout,  rather  narrow,  with  the  marginal  indentations 
quite  large.  Tongue,  lontr.  n:irni\v,  unite  tleshy,  rounded  iit  tlie  tip  imd  somewhat  bifid.  Tarsus  and  toes,  long  and  slen- 
der, with  the  middle  toe  considerably  exceeding  in  length  the  outer  toe  and  claw.  Coei-a,  present  but  very  small. 

( '.  •MIR.  Adult  male.  Above,  including  secondaries  and  upper  wing  coverts,  slaty-blue,  darkest  on  the  head,  with  ter- 
tiaries  sjxitted  on  both  webs,  secondaries  barred  on  inner  webs,  and  ba<e  nf  feathers  on  occiput,  white.  Primaries,  dark- 
hrown  handed  on  inner  webs  with  ashy-brown  and  white.  Tail,  a*hy-brown,  tipped  with  white  and  barred  with  dark- 
brown.  Pieneath,  including  under  wing  coverts,  tibia,  and  under  tail  coverts,  white,  the  former,  spotted  witli  dark-brown 
and  the  latter,  immaculate,  but  all  the  remaining  feathers  below  have  a  narrow,  central  line  of  dark-brown  and  are  trans- 
versely banded,  excepting  on  throat,  with  reddish-brown.  Sides  of  head,  yellowish-rufous,  streaked  with  dusky. 

Adult  female.  Quite  similar  to  the  male  in  general  coloration  but  lighterabove,  where  the  feathers  show  central  lines 
of  darker,  and  the  tints  below  are  much  lighter. 

Yowiy.  Browner  above  than  in  the  adult  and  there  are  some  traces  of  rufous  on  the  head.  Longitudinally  and  broad- 
ly streaked  below  with  pale  reddish-brown. 

Youny  of  the  year.  Brown  above,  with  every  feather  edged  with  reddish.  The  markings  below  are  also  narrower  and 
darker.  There  is  a  whitish  line  over  the  eye.  Otherwise  similar  to  the  above. 

Ncstlinys.  Are  at  first  covered  with  a  yellowish  down,  then  gradually  assume  the  plumage  last  described  which  they 
keep  for  a  year.  Bill,  dark-brown,  bluish  at  base,  cere,  greenish,  feet,  yellow,  iris,  reddish,  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Specimens  of  the  same  age  are  quite  uniform  in  pattern  of  coloration  but  vary  a  little  in  intensity  of  tintings;  thus  the 
white  i,f  the  throat  is  occasionally  overwashed  with  reddish  and  the  under  tail  coverts  are  tinged  with  it.     Known  from  the 
v  allied  Cooperi  by  the  small  size,  more  slender  t.vrsus  an  1  comparatively  long  middle  toe  which  considerably  exceeds 
in  length  the  hind  toe  and  claw,  and  from  all  others  by  the  long  tail,  short  wings,  and  colors  as  described.     Distributed  as  • 
a  summer  resident,  throughout  North  America.     Winters  in  the  portions  south  of  latitude  42°. 

DIMENSIONS. 

.\xera  ire  measurements  of  male  specimens  from  Eastern  North  America.  Length,  11-35;  stretch,  21-25;  wing,  fr75; 
tail,  5-40;  bill,  "40;  tarsus,  1'70.  Longest  specimen,  11-75;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  21-75,  longest  wing,  7'00;  tail,  5'W); 
bill.  !.">:  tarsu*,  1'DO.  Shortest  specimen,  lO'OO;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  20'00;  shortest  wing,  6'50;  tail,  5-30;  bill,  '35; 
tarsus,  1-80. 

n_'e  measurements  of  female  specimens  from  Eastern  North  America.     Length,  13-00;  stretch,  24'50;  wing,  7'50; 
tail,  (i  10;  l,ill,  -\:>.  ttr-u-,  -MO.     L  >:i :  nea,  13-53;  greatest  estaat  of  wing,  25-00:  longest  wing,  7-H5;  tail  ,6'25; 

bill,  '5(1;  tarsus,  -J-^5.     Shortest  specimen,   12- JO;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  24-00,  shortest  wing,  7'25;  tail,  O'OO;  bill,  '40; 
tarsus,  2-00. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

X'.*t.i,  placed  in  trees.    They  are  not  very  bulky  structures,  composed  of  sticks,  lined  with  strips  of  bark,  leaves,  \v 
and  IT 

Eyys,  three  or  four  in  number,  rather  spherical  in  form,  bluish-white  in  color,  coarsely  spotted  and  blotched  with 
brown  and  umber  of  varying  shades.  Dimensions  from  l'17x  1'45  to  I'-JOx  TOO. 

HABITS. 

The  little  Sharp-shinned  Iliiwks  are  easily  recognized  when  on  the  wing,  by  the  pecu- 
liar flight  which  differs  somewhat  from  other  birds  of  this  order  already  described,  for  they 
fly  with  a  quick,  flapping  motion  of  the  wings,  alternated  with  short  intervals,  when  they 
move  with  extended  pinions.  In  spite  of  this  singular  mode  of  progression,  they  manage 
to  travel  very  rapidly  and  will  dart  through  a  thicket  or  around  it  with  almost  the  speed 
of  thought,  causing  a  great  panic  among  the  little  birds  for  they  are  well  aware  of  the  fact, 


304  ACC1PITER  COOPERI. 

that  these  Hawks  seldom  enter  their  favorite  retreats  in  this  headlong  manner  without 
meaning  mischief;  and  they  generally  accomplish  their  object.  A  few  quick  turns,  a  tum- 
ble or  two,  during  which  the  wings,  tail,  and  long  legs  of  the  Hawk  appear  to  be  tangled 
together  in  an  inextricable  manner;  he  knows  what  he  is  about,  however,  for  he  quickly 
rights  himself,  emerges  from  the  thicket,  and  the  next  moment,  the  feathers  of  the  plucked 
Sparrow  are  floating  in  the  wind.  When  we  consider  that  scenes,  such  as  I  have  described, 
are  being  repeated  every  day  many  thousand  times,  throughout  the  length  and  breadth  of 
our  continent,  we  can  understand  how  destructive  the  Sharp-shinned  Hawks  must  be  to 
bird  life. 

These  small  Hawks  are  very  bold  and  will  not  hesitate  to  attack  birds  which  arc  larg- 
er than  themselves,  and  I  once  saw  one  strike  down  a  fully  grown  Night  Heron  that  chanced 
to  be  abroad  by  day.  The  Heron  was  flying  from  one  island  to  another  across  some  marsh- 
es, when  the  Hawk  darted  out  of  a  neighboring  wood  and  pounced  upon  him.  The  force 
of  the  shock  was  so  great  that  the  slowly  moving  Heron  fell  to  the  ground  at  once  but,  for- 
tunately for  him,  in  falling,  he  gave  vent  to  one  of  those  discordant  squarks  which  only  a 
bird  of  this  species  is  capable  of  uttering,  and  which  so  astonished  and  frightened  the 
Hawk,  that  it  completely  forgot  to  take  advantage  of  its  prostrate  prey,  but  darted  away; 
while  the  Heron  regained  its  feet,  shook  itself,  and  mounting  in  air,  flew  wildly  into  the 
nearest  thicket. 

The  Hawks 'and  Kites  of  which  I  have  been  writing,  are  about  neutral  as  regards  the 
interests  of  man  but  the  Sharp-shins  are  most  decidedly  a  nuisance,  not  only  en  account 
of  their  propensity  to  destroy  small  birds  but  they  are-also  extremely  fond  of  young  Chicle- 
ens,  Turkeys,  etc.,  and  will  not  hesitate  to  capture  them  whenever  a  suitable  opportunity 
occurs.  These  destructive  qualities  are  greatly  augmented  by  the  fact,  that  when  they  have 
once  discovered  a  brood  of  Chickens,  they  will  constantly  forage  upon  them  until  the  last 
one  is  gone,  unless  the  farmer  interferes  with  his  gun. 

The  Sharp-shrnned  Hawks  breed  rather  late,  usually  about  the  first  week  in  May  in 
Massachusetts,  placing  the  nest  in  the  fork  of  a  tree,  often  not  twenty  feet  from  the  ground. 
The  parents  are  not  particularly  solicitous  for  the  safety  of  their  eggs,  merely  alighting  on 
some  neighboring  tree,  where  they  silently  watch  the  collector  as  he  robs  their  nest.  The 
young  appear  in  due  course  and,  after  accompanying  their  parents  a  short  time,  disperse 
about  the  country.  These  Hawks  usually  migrate  southward  in  winter  but  I  have  occa- 
sionally seen  them  as  far  north  as  Massachusetts  during  this  season. 

ACCIPITER  COOPERI. 

Cooper's  Hawk. 
Falco  Cooperi  BOXN.,  Am.  Orn.,  II;  1828,  1. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  Sternum,  stout  but  rather  narrow,  with  the  marginal  indentations  not  large. 
Tongue,  quite  fleshy,  rounded  and  bifid  at  the  tip.  Tarsus  and  toes,  short  and  stout,  with  the  middle  toe  about  equal  in 
length  to  the  hind  toe  and  claw.  Cocoa,  present  but  very  small. 


COOP£R'S  HA  WK.  305 

COI.OH.  Adult  male.  Above,  including  secondaries  and  upper  wing  coverts,  slaty-blue,  darkest  on  the  head,  with  ter- 
tiaries  spotted  on  both  webs,  and  primaries  an  1  secondaries  barred  mi  inner  webs,  with  white,  also  the  base  of  feathers  on 
occiput,  white.  Primaries,  brown,  and,  with  the  secondaries,  a  re  barred  on  both  webs  with  dark- brown.  Tail,  ashy-brown, 
tipped  with  white  and  barred  with  dark-brown.  Beneath,  including  under  wing  coverts,  tibia,  and  under  tail  coverts, 
w  hi  tc,  the-  former,  spotted  with  dark-brown  and  the  latter,  immaculate,  but  all  the  remaining  feathers  below  have  a  narrow, 
central  line  of  d-irk-brown  and  are  trunsversuly  banded,  excepting  on  throat,  with  reddish-brown. 

Adult  female.  Quite  similar  to  the  male  in  genera  [coloration  but  lighterabove,  where  the  feathers  show  central  lines 
of  darker,  and  the  tints  below  are  much  lighter. 

Ytnint/.  Browner  a' .,  ,\  a  than  in  the  female  and  there  are  some  traces  of  yellowish-rufous  on  the  head  and  neck.  Lon- 
gitudinally streaked  below  with  dark  yellowish-brown. 

Youny  of  the  year.  Dark-brown  above,  with  every  feather  edged  with  reddish.  The  markings  below  are  also  broader 
and  darker.  Otherwise  similar  to  the  above. 

Nattlinys.  Are  at  first  covered  with  a  pale  reddish  down,  then  gradually  assume  the  plumage  last  described  which 
they  keep  fjr  a  year.  Bill,  dark-brown,  bluish  at  base,  cere,  greenish,  feet,  yellow,  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Although  specimens  of  the  same  age  are  quite  uniform  in  pattern  of  coloration,  they  vary  somewhat  in  tintings,  espe- 
cially below.  Known  from  the  closely  allied  fuscus,  by  the  larger  size,  shorter  tarsus,  and  comparatively  short  middle  toe 
which  i  r.ly  iilmut  equals  in  length  the  hind  toe  and  claw,  and  from  all  others,  by  the  short  wings,  long  tail,  and  colors  as 
de-rrihed.  Distributed  as  a  summer  resident,  throughout  temperate  North  America.  Winters  in  the  portions  south  of 

latitude   I'.'    . 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  male  specimens  from  Eastern  North  America.  Length,  17-00;  stretch,  28'00;  wing,  9'50; 
tail,  8"3'>:  bill,  •«*>;  tarsus,  2'55.  Longest  specimen,  18-00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  29-00,  longest  wing,  10-00;  tail,  8-50; 
bill,  -70;  tarsus,  2'60.  Shortest  specimen,  16-00:  smallest  extent  of  wing,  27'00;  shortest  wing,  9-00;  tail,  8  00;  bill,  -60; 
tarsus,  -J-'iO. 

A\  erage  measurements  of  female  specimens  from  Eastern  North  America.  Length,  19-00;  stretch,  SO'OO;  wing,  10' 50; 
tail,  M •!!.">;  bill,  "70;  tarsus,  2'65.  Longest  specimen,  20/00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  31-00;  longest  wing,  11  00;  tail,  9'75; 
bill,  -71;  tarsus,  2'70.  Shortest  specimen,  IS'OO;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  29-00;  shortest  wing,  lO'OO;  tail,  8'10;  bill,  '68; 
tarsus,  2-50. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EOGS. 

Nests,  usually  placed  in  high  trees.  They  are  somewhat  bulky  structures,  composed  of  sticks,  lined  with  strips  of  bark, 
leave",  weeds,  and  irmss. 

Riys,  from  two  to  four  in  number,  rather  spherical  in  form,  pale  bluish-white  in  color,  usually  spotted  with  pale  reddish- 
brown.  Dimensions  from  l'90x  1'50  to  2- 10  x  1'fiO. 

HABITS. 

Cooper's  Hawks  are  not  only  similar  to  the  Sharp-shins  in  color  and  general  form,  but 
also  closely  resemble  them  in  flight;  so  closely,  in  fact,  that  it  is  often  quite  difficult  to 
decide  to  which  species  a  particular  specimen  belongs  when  seen  upon  the  wing  at  a  dis- 
tance. This  similarity,  however,  is  not  as  noticeable  in  the  habits  of  the  two  species;  it 
is  true,  that  both  exhibit  the  same  rapidity  of  movement  and  both  are  equally  bold  in  their 
forays  upon  the  poultry-yard,  but  in  this  respect,  the  species  now  under  consideration, 
must  licar  away  the  palm,  for  their  larger  size  and  comparatively  greater  strength  enable 
them  to  not  only  capture  the  young  fowls  and  hens  but  the  lord  of  the  seraglio,  Chanti- 
cleer, himself,  is  not  safe  from  their  attacks,  for  his  attempts  to  punish  the  bold  intruders, 
are  too  often  met  with  defeat  and  his  lifeless  body  is  bom  away  to  the  nearest  thicket  to 
be  devoured  by  the  conquering  Hawk. 

When  hunting  for  prey,  Cooper's  Hawks  fly,  as  a  rule,  rather  higher  than  the  Sharp- 
shins  but  when  they  perceive  their  booty,  they  dart  down  upon  it  with  almost  incredible 
speed,  generally  striking  with  a  certain  aim.  Thus  they  scour  woodland,  plain,  and  river 

39 


306  ASTUR  ATRICAPLLLUS. 

valley,  and  when  they  are  hungry,  nothing  of  a  suitable  size,  which  has  life,  is  safe  from 
their  attacks.  They  not  only  catch  Grouse,  squirrels,  and  rabbits  but  will  also  capture 
Ducks  upon  the  water,  and  I  have  frequently  seen  them  searching  for  Snipe  along  the 
marshy  edges  of  the  rivers  in  Florida. 

These  Hawks,  according  to  my  experience,  usually  place  their  nests  in  the  tops  of 
high  pines,  breeding  about  the  middle  of  May  in  New  England  and  a  little  earlier  in  Penn- 
sylvania. The  parents  are  quite  solicitous  for  the  safety  of  their  young,  even  after  they 
have  left  the  nest  and  I  once  witnessed  an  instance  where  this  trait  was  displayed  in  a 
somewhat  peculiar  manner.  A  young  Hawk  in  endeavoring  to  cross  from  a  piece  of  wood- 
land, where  it  had  evidently  spent  its  short  life,  to  a  grove  not  far  distant,  had  miscalcu- 
lated its  ability  to  fly  so  far  and  its  strength  giving  out,  it  fell  against  a  building,  when  it 
was  captured  by  a  boy  who,  after  examining  it  for  a  time,  concluded  to  liberate  it  and 
carrying  it  to  a  neighboring  field,  set  it  free.  The  little  fellow  rose  promptly  in  air  but, 
exhausted  by  its  struggles  when  in  captivity,  was  only  able  to  fly  a  short  distance,  when 
it  fell  toward  the  ground.  Just  at  this  moment,  however,  the  adult  female  which,  without 
doubt,  had  watched  the  whole  proceeding,  emerged  from  the  adjacent  woods,  flew  rapidly 
to  her  offspring,  and,  as  near  as  I  could  make  out,  passed  beneath  it  and  supported  it  up- 
on her  back  until  she  reached  the  shelter  of  some  pines,  where  I  lost  sight  of  her. 

As  these  Hawks  are  partly  migratory,  they  are  much  more  abundant  in  New  England 
in  spring  and  autumn  than  at  any  other  season,  yet  they  are  far  from  being  uncommon 
during  summer  but  are  quite  rare  in  winter  as  the  majority  then  pass  south  of  us. 

GENUS  II.    ASTUR.    THE  BLUE  HAWKS. 

GEN.  CH.  Bill,  short,  broad,  well  curved,  with  the  cutting  edge  of  upper  mandible  sliy  fitly  lobed,  but  the  lower  is  not 
notched.  Tarsus,  moderately  long  and  well  feathered  in  front.  Tail,  not  rounded,  considerably  exceeding  in  length  one 
half  the  length  of  the  wings  which  are  short  and  not  pointed.  Nostril,  without  central  tubercle. 

Members  of  this  genus  do  not  have  the  leg  strikingly  long  and  although  the  tarsus  is  usually  naked  to  the  heel  behind 
it  is  feathered  in  front  for  half  its  length.  The  toes  are  long  and  the  claws  are  quite  long  and  pointed.  Five  outer  quills 
are  noticeably  incised  on  the  inner  webs. 

The  trachea  is  a  little  flattened  throughout.  The  sterno-trachealis  is  short  and  stout,  having  its  origin  quite  near  the 
larynx,  and  there  is  a  slender  bronchialis  extending  over  all  the  half  rings,  but  there  are  no  other  laryngeal  muscles.  The 
tympanifurm  membrane  is  present  and  although  there  is  a  thin  os  trnnsversale,  it  does  not  support  a  semilunar  membrane. 
The  walls  of  the  oesophagus  are  thin:  this  is  at  first  nearly  straight,  then  is  dilated  into  a  crop,  and  is  again  straight  and 
opens  into  a  large  sized  proventriculus  with  numerous  small,  simple,  closely  packed,  oval  glands  arranged  in  a  zonular  band 
which  measures  1'15  in  a/ricapillus ,  from  which  this  nnd  the  following  dimensions  were  taken.  The  stomach  is  of  a  small 
size,  somewhat  globular  in  form,  with  thin  but  soft  walls,  and  is  lined  with  a  soft  membrane  which  lies  in  longitudinal 
ridges.  The  fold  of  the  duodenum  is  long,  measuring  3's!5,  inclosing  a  small,  irregularly  firmed  pancreas  which  only  occu- 
pies a  small  portion  of  its  length.  The  coeca,  when  present,  are  very  small.  The  spleen  is  a  spherical  body  lying  on  the 
proventriculus  or  near  it.  Both  lobes  of  the  liver  are  short,  thick,  and  nearly  equal  in  size.  The  heart  is  large  and  trian- 
gular in  form.  There  is  but  one  species  within  our  limits.  N.  B.  In  19th  line,  page  302,  for  a  single  genus  read  two  genera. 

ASTUR  ATRICAPILLTJS. 
Goshawk. 

Astur  atricapillus  JARD.  &  SELBY,  Illus.;  1825,  pi.  121. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  Sternum,  stout  but  rather  narrow,  with  the  marginal  indentations  quite  large. 
Tongue,  quite  horny,  rounded  but  not  bifid  at  tip.  Cceca,  present  but  small.  Sexes,  similar  ID  color. 


GOSHAWK.  307 

Adult.  Above,  including  upper  winjr  and  tail  coverts,  bluish-ash,  with  the  (outliers  lined  next  the  shaft  and  edged 
with  s<«>ty-brown.  \Vini:-,  very  dark  sooty-brown,  with  tlie  outer  webs  (.f  the  secondaries,  bluish-ash,  while  the  outer 
edg.si.f  the  cuter  vobs  ,  ft  he  priaiari.s  show  nun  s  <  f  it.  The  inner  webs  of  primn  ries  and  a  portion  (f  secondaries  are 
iiniadly  barred  with  whitish.  The  upper  tail  coverts  are  bluish-ash,  slightly  tipped  with  white.  Tail,  bluish-ash,  burred 
with  spots  of  dark-brown  nnd  tipped  with  white.  IVneat'i,  everywhere,  uniform  bluish-white,  every  feather  streaked 
in  the  center  :tnd  barred  irrr.nularly  with  slaty.  Top  of  head  and  lino  on  side  of  it  back  of  eye, black.  Lores,  bluish  and 
dusky.  Superciliary  line,  white,  streaked  with  black.  Nearly  concealed  patch  on  occiput,  white.  Iris,  bright  reddish- 
orange. 

Yuuny.  Entire  upprr  surface,  dark-brown,  becoming  reddish  on  the  wings  which  are  barred  with  dusky  and  white, 
ashy  "ii  the  tail  which  is  barred  with  s.»>ty  black,  and  darker  on  the  shoulders,  neck,  and  head,  the  two  latter,  streaked 
witli  dark-brown. 

Youny  of  the  year.  Quite  similar  to  the  above  but  decidedly  rufous  on  both  surfaces.  In  the  last  two  stages,  the  cere 
and  feet  arc  greenish,  the  iris  is  yellow,  and  the  bill,  dark-brown 

OBSERVATIONS 

There  is  considerable  variation  in  specimens  in  the  adult  plumage,  particularly  in  regard  to  the  width  of  the  markings 
below,  thus  i:i  sum-  they  are  much  hn.adcr  and  darker  than  in  others,  but  the  species  may  be  at  once  recognized,  in  the 
adult  -tan,',  by  tin-  irenenil  ashy -blue  color,  and  in  younger  stages,  by  the  peculiar  form,  large  size,  and  colors  as  described. 
Distributed,  as  a  suiniBer  resident,  throughout  North  America,  north  of  Canada,  migrating  in  winter  south,  at  least,  to 
Pennsylvania 

DIMENSIONS 

Average  measurements  of  femalespecimens  from  Eastern  North  America.  Length,  23'CO;  stretch,  45'CO;  wing,  13'CO; 
tail,  10-50;  bill,  72;  tarsus,  2  90.  Longest  specimen,  24'00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  4G'00;  bugest  wing,  1400;  toil,  ll'OO; 
bill,  -75;  tarsus,  3'00.  Shortest  specimen,  22'00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  44'GO;  shortest  wing,  13  00;  tail,  10  00  bill,  -70;  tar- 
sus, 2-80. 

Average  measurements  of  male  specimens  from  Eastern  North  America.  Length,  2l"00;  stretch,  41'00;  wing,  12'50; 
tail,  9'50;  bill,  '70;  tarsus,  2'75.  Longest  specimen,  22  00:  greatest  extent  of  wing,  43'CO;  longest  wing,  13-00;  tail,  10-00 
bill,  -72;  tarsus,  2'80.  Shortest  specimen,  20'00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  40'00;  shortest  wing,  IS'OO;  tail,  9'0<);  bill,  -68) 
tarsus,  2  70. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  trees,  they  are  very  bulky  structures  composed  of  sticks,  twigs,  nnd  weeds,  lined  with  strips  of  bark 
and  jrrass. 

K;/!ls,  three  or  four  in  number,  rather  spherical  in  form,  bluish-white  in  color,  cither  immaculate  or  finely  mottled 
with  pale  reddish-brown.  Dimensions  from  r82x2'30  to  1-92x2  32. 

HABITS. 

In  flight  and  general  h.abits,  the  Goshawks  are  not  unlike  Cooper's  Hawk  but  I  think 
that  they  are  rather  more  inclined  to  hunt  in  the  woods  than  tlie  latter  named  species,  be- 
ing, in  fact,  very  nearly  as  arboreal  in  this  respect  as  the  Broad-wing.  On  account  of 
frequenting  wooded  districts,  the  Goshawks  become  very  expert  in  flying  through  the  trees 
and  I  have  seen  them  dashing  along  at  full  speed,  avoiding  the  numerous  limbs  and  obsta- 
cles which  hang  in  their  path,  with  the  greatest  ease.  This  facility  for  passing  through 
the  trees,  together  with  the  power  of  turning  almost  instantly,  enables  them  to  capture 
squirrels,  rabbits,  etc.,  and  I  have  even  seen  them  take  Ruffed  Grouse;  in  short,  in  some 
sections  of  New  England,  they  hunt  this  latter  named  bird  so  persistently  that  they  are 
called  Partridge  Hawks. 

During  the  summer  of  1808,  a  pair  of.  these  fine  Hawks  remained  throughout  the  sea- 
son in  the  town  of  Weston,  Massachusetts,  and  I  frequently  saw  them  sailing  over  the 
meadows  but  was  unable  to  discover  the  nest  although  I  searched  for  it  carefully  in  the 
adjacent  woods.  If  this  pair  had  a  nest  in  the  vicinity,  which  was  quite  probable,  such 


308  BUTEO  BOREALIS. 

an  event  was  quite  uncommon  as  these  birds  usually  breed  much  further  north,  only  visit- 
ing New  England  late  in  autumn  and  departing  early  in  spring. 


FAMILY  IV.     BUTEONID^l.     THE  BUZZARD  HAWKS 

The  sternum  is  short,  wide,  and  nearly  equal  in  width  to  the  length  cf  the  coracoids,  but 
the  scapular  process  of  the  latter  does  not  meet  the  furcula.  Marginal  indentations,  two,  in- 
closed. 

This  family,  in  our  section,  is  represented  by  two  genera.  The  manubrium  is  mod- 
erately well  developed,  abruptly  truncated,  and  not  forked.  The  furcula  is  stout,  much 
flattened  by  lateral  expansion,  wide  and  thick  near  the  base  which  is  rounded  and  not  pro- 
duced into  a  point.  The  terminal  expansion  is  rather  small  and  the  furcula  near  it  is  only 
slightly  contracted  and  furrowed  above,  and  is  bent  downward  to  a  point,  closely  approxi- 
mating the  top  of  the  manubrium.  The  marginal  indentations,  although  varying  in  size 
with  age,  are  always  inclosed.  Bill,  strong,  well-curved,  with  the  cutting  edge  of  upper 
mandible  slightly  lobed.  The  tarsus  is  short,  stout,  and  naked  to  the  heel  behind,  but 
more  or  less  feathered  in  front.  The  toes  are  stout,  with  strong,  well-curved  claws.  The 
wings  and  tail  are  moderately  long,  the  former  are  not  pointed  and  the  latter  is  usually 
slightly  rounded. 

• 

GENUS  I.    BUTEO.    THE  NAKED-LEGGED  HAWKS. 

GEN.  CH.  Sternum,  rather  narrow  and  lony,  only  bciny  about  as  wide  as  it  is  hiyh,  including  the  keel.  Tarsus,  not 
feathered  to  the  toes  in  front. 

There  i-s  quite  a  thick  sterno-trachealis,  a  stout  bronchialis,  but  no  other  laiyngeal  muscles.  The  trachea  is  a  little  flat- 
tened throughout.  The  oesophagus  is  dilated  near  the  middle  into  quite  a  large  crop,  and  the  walls  are  very  thin.  The  pro- 
ventriculus  is  rather  large,  with  quite  small,  simple,  oval  glands,  arranged  in  a  zonular  band  which  measures  from  '75  to 
I'Oli  in  width.  The  stomach  is  somewhat  globular  in  form,  with  quite  thin  walls,  lined  with  a  soft  membrane.  The  f>ld 
of  the  duodenum  is  long,  inclosing  a  small,  irregularly  formed  pancreas  which  only  occupies  a  short  portion  of  its  entire 
length.  The  coeca  are  very  small.  Both  lobes  of  the  liver  are  about  equal  in  size,  and  the  heart  is  large  and  pointed.  The 
spleen  is  an  oval  shaped  body  situated  on  the  proventriculus.  There  are  six  species  within  our  limits. 

BUTEO  BOREALIS. 

Red-tailed  Havrk. 
Buteo  borealis  VIEILL.  Nouv.  Diet,  d'  Hist.  Nat.,  IV;  1816,  478. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sp.  CH;  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  Sternum,  stout,  but  rather  narrow;  marginal  indentations  quite  large.  Tongue, 
quite  fleshy,  rounded  at  the  tip  and  slightly  bifid.  Tarsus,  feathered  in  front  for  more  than  half  its  length.  Four  outer 
quills  are  incised  on  the  inner  webs.  Sexes,  similar  in  color. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Sides  of  head  and  entire  upper  surface,  excepting  tail  and  outer  portion  of  tail  coverts,  dark-brown, 
with  the  feathers  edged  with  whitish  and  yellowish-rufous;  barred  on  scapularies  with  whitish  and  on  the  remainder  of 
wings  with  dusky.  Tail,  cinnamon-red,  white  at  extreme  base  and  tip,  and  provided  with  a  subterminal  band  of  black. 
Outer  portion  of  upper  tail  coverts,  white,  barred  with  cinnamon-red  and  dusky.  Beneath,  yellowish-white  everywhere, 
deepest  on  the  tibia,  heavily  streaked  on  throat  with  dusky,  across  breast  with  reddish-brown,  where  the  spots  frequent- 
ly become  so  broad  as  to  form  a  band;  there  are  also  broad  streakings  of  dusky-brown  in  a  band  across  the  middle  of  the 
body,  and  the  remainder  of  under  portions,  excepting  under  tail  coverts,  are  finely  streaked  with  reddish-brown.  There  is 
a  broad  line  of  dusky-brown  on  the  cheek. 


R  ED-  TA 1LED  HA  VVX  309 

Yoiim/.  Quite  similar  to  the  adult  all  >ve,  but  the  tail  Inoks  the  cinnamon,  being  light  red,  marked  with  twelve,  or 
c.  Kin.!-  .  f.'ark-l.n  wn.  ]'--ni-ath.  nearly  white,  witha  alight  tinge  <  t'y;-ll  wish;  nnst-enkingson  the  throat  or  briM-t, 
li..t  buii'lc  1  ;is  in  the  udult.  The  til)!;!  is  nut  streaked  bat  is  baudud  in  spots  WK!I  i'.ark-brown.  In  these  two  stages,  the 
iris  is  i!ar!;-hruwii  and  feet  arc  jvlluw. 

Y i miii/ 1'/'  /In  i/'iir.  N-.t  unlike  the  young;  darker  above,  especially  on  the  tail,  nnd  shewing  more  reddish  on  the  top 
if  the  lu-ad.  There  isul-u  a  iMinr.l  Boffiosion  (-1  buil'lK-low,  particularly  i  n  the  breast. 

A"« .«///;«/.«.  -\i  \>-ri-d  with  a  pule  reddish  down,  then  gradually  assume  the  plumage  last  described  which  is 

n-tai-  ed  for  a  year.  In  the  last  two  stages,  the  iris  is  pale  brownish-yellow  and  the  feet  are  paloyelbw.  In  all  stages, 
tl.e  biil  is  Mark  and  the  cere,  greenish. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

AHiou^h  this  si«vi<-<  varies  greatly  in  the  We-t,  often  as  timing  very  dark  colors,  it  is  quite  constant  in  this  respect 
in  our  pec  i  n.  Tin;  pun-  ei:mamnn-red  tail  is  usually  charaeturi-tic  of  t'-e  adult  plumage  but  it  is  frequently  barred  with 
Mark  i;i  >pi '( •inii-iis  w'/ic'i  a.r  fully  adult.  On  the  other  hand,  I  am  informed  by  Sir.  William  Perlmm  of  Tyngsb jrough , 
who  1  a  .  1>.  \..::nd  doubt  1  andled  mure  Hawks  of  fiis  species  than  any  one  else,  that  lie  has,  on  several  occasions,  taken  the 
y  r.ti^  Ir.im  thi-m-st  v,  i  h  ] .eriivtly  red  tails.  Adult  birds  sometimes  have  the  tibia  unspotted.  Tliis  species  may  lx>  rec- 
u^iii/  il  i.i  all  stages  1  y  th,- 1  ir^c  size,  li^ht  tints  boneath,  and  other  colors  as  described,  tngetser  with  the  half  feathered 
tai •-.;-.  Dis;ril)jted,  during  summer,  throughout  Nurth  America;  wintering  south  of  latitude  42^. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurement:  of  fomals  specimens  from  Eastern  North  America.  Length,  23'00,  stretch,  47-00;  wing,  IG'OO; 
tail,  rt  7">;  bill,  'J">;  tai-su-,  3  '25.  Longest  specimen,  24'00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  50'(X);  longest  wing,  IT'OO;  tail,  9'50; 
Mil.  r>";  tursus,  a  0!).  S!'.ort-.-'-t  specimen,  22  '00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  4900;  shortest  wing,  15'00;  tail,  8  00;  bill,  "90; 
tar-u-.  3  .".II. 

A\  i-raire  measurements  of  male  specimens  from  Eastern  North  America.  Length,  20'50;  stretch,  47'00;  wing,  14'50; 
tail.  T'.Vi;  Kill.  '0~>.  tarsu<,  d  95.  Longest  specimen,  21  00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  48'00;  longest  wing,  15  00;  tail,  8W; 
bill,  l-m;  tarsus,  2''J.».  Shortest  specimen,  19  00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  46  00;  shortest  wing,  14'00;  tail,  7'00;  bill,  '90; 
tarsus,  3'05. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  trees.  They  are  bulky  structures,  composed  of  sticks  and  twigs,  lined  with  leaves,  weeds,  and  strips 
of  bark. 

Eyijs,  three  or  four  in  number,  varying  from  elliptical  to  oval  ia  form,  bluis!:-w!iite  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  with 
bruvtu  and  urnber  of  varying  s'.udes.  Dimensions,  fix-in  1  '65x2'  10  to  I'80x2'25. 

HABITS. 

Many  years  ago,  when  Florida  was  a  wilderness  and  but  sparsely  inhabited  by  the 
whites,  the  Indians  were  accustomed  to  bum  over  large  tracts  of  the  piney  woods  in  order 
to  form  pasture  grounds  for  the  deer.  Later,  the  settlers  followed  their  example  and  in 
the  wilder  portions,  this  is  practiced  at  the  present,  time.  The  fire  not  only  spreads  over 
the  woodland  but  also  encroaches  upon  the  drier  portions  of  the  savannas  and,  as  the  grass 
in  these  latter  named  sections  form  the  refuge  of  many  small  mammals  as  well  as  reptiles, 
there  is  a  general  stampede  when  the  flames  approach.  Vultures  and  Hawks  speedily  be- 
come aware  of  the  fact,  that  their  prey  is  much  more  easily  obtained  when  the  fires  are 
raginir,  and  consequently  flock  to  the  vicinity  in  numbers.  The  Red-tailed  Hawks  are 
nearly  always  present  upon  such  occasions;  indeed,  I  do  not  remember  of  ever  having  seen 
a  fire  of  any  extent  in  Middle  and  Northern  Florida,  when  there  were  not  one  or  more  pairs 
of  these  birds,  circling  around  a  short  distance  above  the  ground  or  plunging  downward 
through  the  smoke  lo  secure  some  animal  which  was  endeavoring  to  save  its  life  by  flight. 

The  Red-tailed  Hawks  spend  only  the  winter  in  Florida  for  I  do  not  think  that  any 
remain  to  breed  but,  as  spring  approaches,  they  migrate  northward,  passing  through  Mass- 
achusetts about  the  first  week  in  April.  In  migrating,  the  Red-tailed  Hawks  move  in 


310  BUTEO  HARLANI. 

large,  straggling  flocks  at  such  an  elevation  as  to  be  nearly  invisible.  They  appear  to  fol- 
low river  valleys  in  their  course,  avoiding  the  more  elevated  districts.  Mr.  Will  Perham, 
to  whom  I  am  indebted  for  valuable  facts  relative  to  the  movements  of  Hawks,  captures 
many  of  these  birds  during  the  spring,  often  securing  in  a  single  season,  more  Red-tailed 
Hawks  than  a  casual  observer  would  suppose  were  to  be  found  in  the  whole  state;  thus 
during  two  weeks  in  April,  1878,  he  took  about  three  hundred  of  these  fine  birds  and  a 
number  of  other  species. 

About  the  first  week  in  May,  the  Red-tailed  Hawks  having  become  dispersed  through- 
out the  country,  begin  to  breed.  The  nest  is  placed  on  a  high  pine  or  other  tree,  in  some 
secluded  locality,  often  in  a  thick  swamp.  The  young  leave  the  nest  by  the  first  of  July 
and  soon  after  learn  to  forage  for  themselves.  In  hunting,  these  Hawks  keep  at  a  con- 
siderable height,  sailing  in  circles  with  broadly  extended  wings;  then,  upon  perceiving 
their  prey,  they  will  plunge  obliquely  downward  and  seize  it.  They  capture  rabbits, 
squirrels,  Grouse,  Uucks,  and  other  wild  game  but  are  particularly  fond  of  domestic  fowls, 
visiting  the  fanner's  poultry-yard  with  such  presistent  regularity  that  they  have  received 
the  name  of  Hen  Hawk.  When  pressing  onward  in  a  straight  line,  the  flight  of  the  Red- 
tails  is  steady,  the  wings  being  moved  regularly,  but  rather  quickly.  They  remain  north 
until  late  in  October  when  they  pass  southward  much  as  they  come,  but  the  flocks  are 
not  as  large  for  the  birds  are  more  generally  distributed  and  thus  occupy  a  greater  extent 
of  country. 

BUTEO  HARLANI. 

Harlan's  Hawk. 
Buleo  Harlani  AUD.,  Sjn.  Birds  N.  A.;  1839,  6. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  Tarsus,  feathered  in  front  for  more  than  half  its  length.  Four  outer  quill?  are 
incised  on  the  inner  webs. 

COLOR.  Adult.  General  colors  throughout,  dark  sooty-bre,  wn ,  with  the  wings,  excepting  tips  of  primaries,  finely,  but 
irregulaily  barred  with  ashy-brown  and  whitish.  Tie  tail  is  mottled  with  Baby-brown  which  becomes  decidedly  rufous 
next  the  shaft  of  the  sublerminal  portions  of  the  feathers.  Bel<.w,  the  featheis  of  the  flanks  and  under  tail  coveit«  are  ob- 
scurely br.nded  with  ashy-brown.  The  basal  two  thirds  of  the  feathers  on  head,  neck  all  arcund,  acd  breast  to  middle  of 
body,  are  pure  white. 

Young.  Much  browner  than  the  above  described,  with  the  feathers  edged  with  ashy;  in  fact,  the  whole  bird  is  occa- 
sionally spotted  with  this  latter  named  color.  Iris,  brown.  Cere  and  feet,  greenish.  Bill,  black. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

The  description  of  the  adult  of  this  rare  Hawk,  is  taken  from  a  fine  specimen,  now  in  my  possession,  which  was  shot 
at  Watsonr/.wn,  Pennsylvania,  on  the  thirtieth  <f  March,  1875.  The  young  stage  is  from  a  skin  which  I  hare  seen  in  the 
collection  of  Mr.  William  Brewster,  which  came,  I  think,  from  Texas.  Readily  known  from  all  stages  of  borealis,  by  the 
pure  white  on  the  ba«e  of  the  feathers  of  the  anterior  portions,  and  from  other  Hawks  in  the  melnnistic  condition,  by  the 
feathering  of  the  tnrsus  and  incision  of  the  quills.  I  had  long  suspecied  that  the  white  of  the  bnsal  portion  of  the  feathers 
of  the  anterior  parts,  would,  in  some  specimens,  become  extended  so  as  to  occupy  nearly  the  whole  of  the  feathers;  thus  I 
was  not  surprised  when  I  learned  from  the  Bulletin  of  the  Nuttall  Ornithological  Club  for  January,  1880.  page  51,  that 
Mr.  Ridgway  actually  had  a  specimen  in  hand  where  the  lower  anterior  portions  were  nearly  white;  but  the  white  tail 
of  this  specimen,  as  described,  was  certainly  unexpected.  Distributed  throughout  Southern  United  States,  north  to  Penn- 
sylvania, but  is  more  common  in  Texas. 


JBUTEO  L1NEATUS.  311 


DIMENSIONS. 

.\\i-rage  measurements  of  f 'i:ul  -sji  eimcns  from  Eastern  North  America.  Length,  22'74;  stretch,  51'98;  wing,  15-26; 
till,!)  !.">;  Kill,  1-12;  tiuv.is.  J-S">.  1,  >n^'-t  specimen,  23'5'2;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  53'  16;  longest  wing,  15-75;  tail,  10'12; 
I  ill,  1-0;  firsas,  3  15.  Shortest  spi'riuimi,  ii'00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  51'06;  shortest  wing,  15'12;  tail,8'95;  bill,  TOO; 
tarsia,  'J'7'i. 

AveraLV  measurements  of  male  specimens  from  Eastern  North  America.  Length,  20'55;  stretch,  46'15;  wing,  14'50; 
tail,  8  50;  bill,  T0.5;  tarsu<.  •->•(;").  I,  in^.'-t  specimen,  21"  12;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  48-15;  longest  wing,  1500;  tail,  8'95; 
bill,  1-15;  tar-us,  J  75.  Shortest  specimen,  20'00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  45  00;  shortest  wing,  14'85;  tail,  8'00;  bill,  '98; 
tarsas,  2'50. 

HABITS. 

Audubon  discovered  the  fine  Hawk  which  we  now  have  under  consideration,  fifty 
years  ago  in  Louisiana  and  named  it  in  honor  of  his  friend,  Dr.  Richard  Harlan  of  Phila- 
delphia. Two  specimens  were  secured  by  the  great  ornithologist  at  that  time,  both  of 
which  were  presented  to  the  British  Museum,  but  one  was  subsequently  lost.  The  remain- 
ing specimen  was,  for  a  long  time,  the  only  one  in  existence  and  the  validity  of  the  species 
was  doubted  by  many  of  the  more  recent  writers  upon  ornithology,  but  was  fully  re-estab- 
lished by  Mr.  Ridgway  in  North  American  Birds,  in  1874,  and  I  fully  endorse  this  latter 
named  gentleman  when- he  says  that  it  is  "a  most  excellent  species".  There  is  a  speci- 
men in  the  Philadelphia  Academy  of  Sciences,  obtained  some  years  ago,  if  I  remember 
rightly,  in  Pennsylvania.  An  adult  male  was  taken  in  Kansas  about  1872  and  two  have 
been  secured  in  Texas  since  that  time,  one  of  which  is  now  in  the  possession  of  Mr.  Will- 
iam Brewster.  I  have  a  fine  adult  female  which  was  shot  by  Mr.  Walter  Van  Fleet  in 
Watsontown,  Pennsylvania,  on  the  thirtieth  of  March,  1875.  This  bird  was  sitting  on  the 
top  of  a  high  tree  at  long  gun-shot  distance  from  a  road',  along  which  its  captor  was  walk- 
ing, when  he  observed  it;  but,  thinking  it  was  a  common  Red-tail,  he  fired  a  careless  shot 
at  it,  which  by  good  fortune,  brought  it  down.  Mr.  Van  Fleet  afterward  saw  the  mate  in 
the  vicinity  but  was  unable  to  secure  it.  Mr.  Greene  Smith  of  Peterborough,  New  York, 
also  has  a  fine  specimen  of  the  dark  type  in  his  collection.  This  specimen,  as  seen  by  the 
above,  makes  the  seventh  which  has  been  captured  to  my  knowledge  and  one  of  these,  Au- 
dubon's,  has  been  lost.  I  have,  however,  heard  of  others  but  will  venture  to  state  that,  at 
the  present  time,  January,  1880,  there  are  not  a  dozen  birds  of  this  species  in  existence 
in  collections.  As  may  readily  be  inferred,  but  little  is  known  of  the  habits  of  Harlan's 
Hawk  but  they  doubtless  closely  resemble  the  Red-tail  in  this  respect.  The  nest  and  eggs 
are  also  unknown. 


BUTEO  LINEATUS. 

Red-shouldered  Hawk. 

Butco  lincatus  AUD.  Syn.  Birds,  N.  A.;  1830,  7. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sr.  Cn.     Form,  robu-t.     Sine,  medium.    Sternum,  stout,  not  very  narrow,  with  themnrginal  indentations  quite  small. 
e,  quite  fleshy,  rounded  and  slightly  bifid  at  tip.     Coeca,  present  but  small.     Tarsus,  feathered  in  front  for  less  than 
half  its  length.     Four  outer  quills  are  incised  on  the  inner  webs.     Sexes,  similar  in  color. 


312  RED-SHOULDERED  HA  WK. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Above,  dark-brown  everywhere,  lightest  on  the  bead  and  ablest  on  the  wing?  and  tail,  witii  the 
feathers  on  top  <:f  head,  neck,  back,  and  shoulders,  edge!  with  yellowish-rufous  which  becomes  (Julie  reddish  on  the  hitter. 
The  wings  are  barred  with  white  and  the  tail  is  crossed  with  five  bars  of  it  and  is  tipped  with  thesame  color.  Sides  of  head 
and  throat,  dusky,  streaked  with  yellowish-rufous.  Remaining  under  portions,  yellowish,  barred  with  deeper  rufous  and 
more  or  less  streaked  on  the  breast  and  middle  of  body  with  dusky. 

Vaunt).  Quite  similar  to  the  adult  but  with  the  outer  webs  of  primaries  edged  with  yellowish-rufous  and  the  wings 
are  barred  with.  it.  The  tail  is  also  rufous  finely  banded  with  dusky.  There  are  no  rufous  bandings  below  but  there  are 
broad  drop-shaped  marks  of  brown  distributed  over  the  entire  surface. 

Yountj  of  the  year.  Similar  to  the  young  but  there  is  much  more  rnfous  above,  excepting  on  the  outer  edges  of  prima- 
ries, where  there  is  less,  and  there  is  a  stronger  tinging  of  rufous  beneatli. 

Nestlings.  Are,  at  first,  covered  with  a  pale  yellowish  down,  then  gradually  assume  the  plumage  last  described.  Bill 
and  iris,  brown,  cere,  greenish,  and  feet,  yellow,  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

There  is  considerable  variation  in  plumage  in  specimens  of  the  same  age,  some  being  much  darker  than  others.  There  is 
also  a  pale  form  with  unmarked  tibia.  Florida  birds  are  smaller  and  darker  than  those  from  the  North.  Readily  known 
by  the  four  incised  quills,  feathering  of  the  tarsus,  and  tints  as  described.  Distributed,  as  a  summer  resident,  from  Canada 
to  Florida.  Winters  in  Massachusetts  and  southward. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  female  specimens  from  Eastern  North  America.  Length,  21'94;  stretch,  41'55;  wing,  13'82; 
tail,  8'50;  bill,  "95;  tarsus,  2'75.  Longe-t  specimen,  24'00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  43'12;  longest  wing,  14'75;  tail,  9'£0; 
bill,  '89;  tarsus,  2'95.  Shortest  specimen,  19  05;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  39' 12;  shortest  wing,  13'05:  tail,  7'50;  bill,  ''J2; 
tarsus,  2'45. 

Average  measurements  of  male  specimens  from  Eastern  North  America.  Length,  20-0!>;  stretch,  35" 15;  wing,  12'CO: 
tail,  8'42;  bill,  '80;  tarsus,  2'65.  Longest  specimen,  23'CO;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  38  00;  longe-t  wing,  12-50;  tail,  9  75; 
bill,  '90;  tarsus,  2'90.  Shortest  specimen,  liVOO;  smallest  extent  cf  wing,  32'50;  shortest  wing,  ll'OO;  tail,  8'00;  bill,  '75; 
tarsus,  2-23. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  trees;  they  are  very  bulky  structures  composed  of  sticks,  twigs,  and  weeds,  lined  with  strips  of  baik 
and  grass. 

Eggs,  three  or  four  in  number,  vaiying  from  spherical  to  elliptical  in  form,  bluish-white  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched 
irregularly  with  brown  and  umber  of  vaiying  shades.  Dimensions  from  I'70x2'20  to  I'80x2  30. 

HABITS. 

That  civilization  has  an  influence  upon  various  members  of  the  feathered  tribes,  has 
been  frequently  shown  in  the  preceding  pages  and  the  influence  has,  as  a  rule,  been  bene- 
ficial, not  only  to  the  birds  but  also  to  man;  but  in  the  species  now  under  consideration, 
this  is  quite  different.  In  former  days,  when  the  country  was  a  wilderness,  these  Hawks 
were  contented  to  feed  upon  mice,  frogs,  lizards,  snakes,  and  other  vermin,  seldom  mo- 
lesting birds  for  they  are  too  slow  in  movement  to  capture  them  readily;  but  with  the  set- 
tlement of  the  country,  poultry-yards  were  introduced,  and  Red-shouldered  Hawks  were  not 
long  in  learning  that  the  occupants  could  be  as  easily  captured  as  the  animals  which  had 
hitherto  formed  their  food.  This»lesson,  once  learned,  has  never  been  forgotten  and  today, 
there  is  not  a  more  troublesome  Hawk  than  the  Red-shouldered. 

In  the  wilder  sections,  however,  these  Hawks  still  retain  the  primitive  habits  of  their 
ancestors;  thus  in  Florida,  I  found  them  feeding  upon  small  mammals,  reptiles,  crabs,  and 
other  crustaceans.  These  birds  were  constantly  resident  in  Florida  and  were  of  the  .small 
race,  characteristic  of  the  South,  but  in  the  vicinity  of  Jacksonville,  during  winter,  I  found 
the  larger  northern  form  which  were  evidently  migrants  and  which  were  as  troublesome  to 
the  planters  as  they  are  to  the  farmers,  for  they  would  steal  chickens  whenever  a  suitable 


PL.  M'FIXXVI. 


.       .      v 

\\    \\  A 


BUTEO  SWA1NSON1. 


313 


opportunity  occurred.  These  winter  sojourners  were  also  very  wild,  while  on  the  other 
hand,  thv  small  southerners  were  very  tame,  allowing  one  to  approach  within  a  few  yards 
of  them;  in  fact,  upon  a  certain  occasion,  one  alighted  on  a  low  tree  within  a  few  feet  of 
me  and  irn/.cd  at  inc  fearlessly  while  I  walked  slowly  past. 

Like  the  Red -tailed,  these  Hawks  are  accustomed  to  circle  about,  high  in  air,  watch- 
ing for  their  prey;  at  such  times,  both  species  resemble  each  other  somewhat,  as  they  both 
have  the  same  general  movements,  but  the  Red-shouldered  may  be  distinguished,  even 
when  at  a  long  distance,  by  the  form,  for  they  are  shorter  in  proportion  to  the  spread  of 
wing,  than  the  allied  species.  To  make  it  clearer,  an  imaginary  circle  drawn  around  the 
bird,  touching  the  tips  of  the  wings,  would  pass  outside  the  tip  of  the  tail,  while  with  the 
Red-tailed,  this  line  would  pass  through  the  terminal  portion  of  the  tail. 

When  moving  about  as  described,  the  Red -shouldered  Hawks  occasionally  give  vent 
to  shrill  screams  which  become  louder  and  harsher  when  their  nesting  places  are  approached. 
When  the  male  is  paying  court  to  the  female,  he  utters  a  peculiar  chucking  sound  and  is 
very  assiduous  in  his  attentions  to  her,  offering  her  food  and  seldom  leaving  her.  Even 
when  she  is  sitting,  he  not  only  provides  her  with  all  she  wants  to  eat  but,  like  nearly  all 
other  Hawks,  shares  the  duties  of  incubation  with  her.  When  not  otherwise  engaged,  he 
guards  the  vicinity  of  the  nest  vigilantly  and,  upon  the  approach  of  an  intruder,  gives  no- 
tice to  his  mate,  and  she  silently  leaves  the  nest.  I  observed  the  Red-shouldered  Hawks 
nesting  in  Florida  early  in  February  and  obtained  three  young  from  a  nest,  built  in  a  cy- 
press tree  which  stood  in  a  small  pond  in  the  piney  woods  in  the  vicinity  of  Salt  Lake. 
This  was  on  the  tenth  of  April  and  then  the  young  were  two  or  three  weeks  old,  for  the 
leathers  were  just  starting.  Judging  from  this  instance,  the  eggs  must  be  deposited  about 
the  first  of  March  in  the  South.  Further  north,  however,  they  breed  a  little  later,  from 
the  first  of  April  until  May,  the  time  of  nesting  being  regulated,  apparently,  by  the  sea- 
son. According  to  my  experience,  these  Hawks  prefer  deciduous  trees  which  grow  in 
swampy  land,  in  which  to  build,  but  I  have  occasionally  taken  the  nest  from  pines.  They 
do  not  select  particularly  large  trees;  in  fact,  I  have  more  than  once  taken  the  eggs  from 
nests,  not  over  twenty  feet  from  the  ground;  that,  too,  in  woods  where  there  was  an  abun- 
dance of  trees  of  a  much  larger  size. 

The  Red-shouldered  Hawks  are  only  partly  migratory,  at  least  in  Massachusetts  and 
southward,  for  they  remain  with  us  all  winter,  frequenting  the  vicinity  of  meadows  in 
which  there  are  open  springs,  in  order  to  feed  upon  the  frogs  which  resort  to  such  places 
during  the  cold  season. 


BUTEO  SWAINSONI. 

Swainson's  Hawk. 
Butio  Swatnsoni  Bo.v.,  List;  1838,  3. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Si».  Cn.     Form,  not  tery  robust.    Size,  medium.    Tarsus,  feathered  in  front  for  less  than  half  its  length.     Only  three 
outer  qui!l«  are  incited  on  the  inner  webs.    Sexes,  not  similar  in  color  in  the  adult  stage. 


314  SWAINSOWS  HAWK. 

LIGHT  STAGE. 

COLOR.  Adult  male.  Above,  dark-brown  everywhere,  lightest  on  the  head,  becoming  darker  on  the  wings  and  ashy 
on  the  tail,  with  the  feathers  more  or  less  edged  with  rufous,  especially  on  the  neck.  The  wings  are  obscurely  barred  wiih 
dusky  and  the  tail  is  tipped  with  whitish  andiscrcssed  with  about  twelve  wavy  lines  of  dusky.  Concealed  patch  on  <>  •- 
ciput,  white.  Sides  and  base  of  upper  tail  coverts,  white,  barred  with  rufous  and  sooty-brown.  L«neat'i,  every  where, 
white,  pure  on  the  throat  but  tinged  on  the  remaining  under  portions  with  yellowish-rufous,  while  the  hreasD  is  banded 
with  reddish-brown,  which  has  an  ashy  overwashing,  but  every  feather  of  this  portion  is  streaked  in  the  centre  with  dark- 
brown.  Tlie  sides,  flanks,  and  under  tail  coverts,  are  barred  with  rufous.  There  is  a  spot  of  black  on  the  tips  of  the  un- 
der wing  coverts. 

Adult  female.  Much  darker  above  than  the  above  described  and  the  lower  portions  are  strongly  tinged  with  ruf  ms, 
barred  with,  a  deeper  shade  of  the  same  color.  The  flanks  are  barred  and  streaked  with  dark-brown.  Otherwise  ;is  in 
the  male. 

Young.  Quite  similar  to  the  adult  above  but  much  more  decidedly  rufous,  find  the  outer  webs  of  primarifs  and  tail 
are  edged  with  ashy.  Bel.iw,  yellowish-rufous,  tinged  with  ashy,  thickly  marked  with  drop-shaped  spots  of  brown  which 
crowd  together  on  the  breast  so  as  to  form  a  band.  The  flanks  are  also  barred  with  dusky. 

DARK  STAGE. 

COLOR.  Adult.  The  throat,  under  wing  and  under  tail  coverts  are  as  in  the  light  stage  but  the  remaining  portions 
are  very  dark-brown,  or  nearly  black,  but  the  bandings  on  the  wings  and  tail  are  as  described.  There  are  occasionally 
rufous  markings  below,  especially  in  the  female. 

young.  Very  dark,  but  showing  strong  traces  of  rufous  on  both  surfaces.  Bill  and  iris,  brown,  cere,  greenish,  and 
feet,  yellow,  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

The  young  is  the  "Bairdi"  of  authors,  while  the  dark  type  is  "insiynatus".  There  is  considerable  variation  in  plum- 
age, for  specimens  occur  in  all  gradations  between  the  light  and  dark  stages;  but  this  species  may  be  recognized  by  the 
white  throat,  incision  of  but  three  outer  quills,  combined  with  the  size  and  colors  as  described.  Distributed  throughout 
Western  North  America.  Rare  in  Illinois  and  accidental  in  Canada  and  Massachusetts. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  male  specimens  from  Western  North  America.  Length,  19'55;  stretch,  47'P5;  wing,  lo'25; 
tail,  7'00;  bill,  '82;  tarsus,  2'52.  Longest  specimen,  20'63;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  48  50;  longest  wing,  15  50;  tail,  8'50; 
bill,  '85;  tarsus,  2'CO.  Shortest  specimen,  18  75;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  47'25;  shortest  wing,  15'OC;  tail,  7  50;  bill,  '80; 
tarsus,  2'45. 

Average  measurements  of  female  specimens  from  Western  North  America.  Length,  20'25;  stretch,  49'25;  wing,  IG'OO; 
tail,  8'50;  bill,  '95;  tarsus,  2'60.  Longest  specimen,  21'50;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  51'00;  longest  wing,  lti'50;  tail,  9'32; 
bill,  1-00;  tarsus,  2'70.  Shortest  specimen,  18'86;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  47'00;  shortest  wing,  15'50;  tail,  8-25;  bill,  "85; 
tarsus,  2'50. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  trees  or  bushes;  they  are  quite  bulky  structures,  composed  of  sticks  and  twigs,  arranged  in  a  com 
pact  manner. 

Eyys,  four  to  six  in  number,  varying  from  spherical  to  oval  in  form,  yellowish-white  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  irreg- 
ularly and  rather  faintly  with  reddish-brown,  with  occasional  markings  of  purplish.  Dimensions  from  T75x2'30  to  1  82 
x232. 

HABITS. 

The  first  record  of  the  occurrence  of  this  species  east  of  the  Mississippi,  was  made  from 
a  specimen  taken  in  the  vicinity  of  Montreal,  Canada,  about  the  year,  1854,  nothing  more 
being  heard  of  it  in  this  section  until  one  was  obtained  in  Salem,  Massachusetts,  in  1873. 
Then  Mr.  E.  W.  Nelson  found  them  breeding  on  Fox  Prairie,  Illinois,  in  1875  and  obtained 
four  specimens,  and  Mr.  William  Brewster  makes  record  of  a  specimen  which  was  taken 
at  Wayland,  Massachusetts,  in  September,  1876.  Thus  we  are  obliged  to  give  Swainson's 
Hawk  a  permanent  place  in  our  fauna,  although  it  is  yet  very  rare  east  of  the  Mississippi. 


BUTEO  PENNSYLVAN1CUS.  315 

The  Canadian  specimen  and  the  one  taken  at  Salem  were  in  the  melanistic  condition  as 
given  in  the  dark  stage  of  the  description,  and  the  one  obtained  at  Wayland,  was  in  a  tran- 
sit i.mal  or  intermediate  stage.  According  to  descriptions,  Swainson's  Hawk  does  not  dif- 
fer strikingly  in  habit  from  other  allied  species,  excepting  that  they  occasionally  build  their 
nests  in  shrubbery. 


BUTEO  PENNSYLVANICUS. 

Broad-winged  Hawk. 
Bu/eo  Pennsylvanicus  BON.  Syn.;  1828,  29. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  rather  slender.  Size,  small.  Tarsus,  feathered  in  front  for  much  le«s  than  half  its  length.  Sternum, 
stout,  not  very  niirrow,  with  the  marginal  indentations  quite  large.  Tongue,  rather  thick  and  fleshy,  not  very  horny  at  tip 
ir  is  rounded  lv.it  not  bifid.  Only  three  outer  quills  are  incised  on  the  inner  webs.  Coeca,  present  but  short  and 
thick.  Sexes,  similar  in  color. 

COI.OK.  Ailult.  Alxivo,  dark-brown  everywhere,  lighter  on  the  head  and  darker  no  the  wings  and  tail,  with  the  feath- 
jed  with  rufous.  Wings,  white  on  the  edges  of  inner  webs  and  very  obscurely  barred  with  black.  Tail,  white  at 

and  tip  and  rrossc  1  with  four  bars  of  ashy-brown ,  which  become  lighter  on  the  inner  webs.  Sides  of  head,  rufous, 
l  with  black.  Beneath,  everywhere  pale  yellowish-rufous,  streaked  on  the  throat  with  dark-brown  and  heavily 
marked  on  the  breast  with  broad  streaking^  of  reddish-brown,  while  the  remaining  under  portions  are  spotted  with  arrow- 
shaped  mark"  of  the  same  color.  Concealed  spot  on  occiput,  white. 

Youny.  Similar  to  the  adult  above,  but  lighter  on  the  head,  and  the  tail  i*  crossed  with  numerous  obscure  bands  of 
dvk-brown.  Beneath,  also  similar  but  the  spots  are  rounder,  notas large,  nor  as  numerous,  only  occuring  on  the  breast, 
flanks,  and  tibia. 

Youny  ofjhc  year.  Not  unlike  the  young  but  more  rufous  below  where  the  spots  are  rounder  and  darker,  being,  in 
fact,  nearly  drop-shaped. 

Nestlinys.  Are,  at  first,  covered  with  a  yellowish  down,  then  gradually  assume  the  plumage  last  described  which  is 
retained  for  a  year.  Iris  and  bill,  brown,  cere,  greenish,  and  feet  yellow,  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

There  isalitile  variation  in  plumage,  some  specimens  being  darker  than  the  type,  but  this  species  may  be  at  once  rec- 
ogni/.'-d  by  tl  e  small  size,  incision  of  only  three  quills,  nearly  naked  tarsus,  and  colors  as  described.  Distributed,  during 
summer,  throughout  Eastern  United  States,  wintering  in  the  more  southern  portions. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurement*  of  female  specimens  from  Eastern  North  America.  Length,  I6'50;  stretch,  34'75;  wing,  10'25; 
tail,  (i'55;  bill,  "68;  tarsus,  2-25.  Longest  specimen,  I8'(i0;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  36'00;  longest  wing,  11-65;  tail,  7'12; 
hill,  '71;  tarsus.  2'45.  Shortest  specimen,  15'OOr  smallest  extent  of  wing,  33'45;  shortest  wing,  1014;  tail,  6- 15;  hill,  '62; 
tarsu<,  'J- 1"). 

measurements  of  male  specimens  from  Eastern  North  America.  Length,  15'35;  stretch,  34'75;  wing,  10' 15; 
tail,  0-25;  bill,  '63;  tarsus,  2' 15.  Longest  specimen,  16'50;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  35-00;  longest  wing,  10  55;  tail,  6'50; 
bill,  -Ci5;  tarsus,  2'40.  Shortest  specimen,  14'20;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  32'45;  shortest  wing,  9'75;  tail,  6'00;  bill,  '58; 
tarsus,  2'05. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nfits,  placed  in  trees.  They  are  bulky  structures,  composed  of  sticks  and  twigs,  lined  with  leaves,  weeds,  and  strips 
of bark. 

/.////.',  three  or  four  in  number,  varying  from  elliptical  to  spherical  inform,  dirty-white  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched 
with  brown  and  umber  of  varying  shades.  Dimensions,  from  r68x2'15  to  1'70  x2'20. 

HABITS. 

The  first  time  that  I  ever  saw  a  living  Broad-winged  Hawk  to  recognize  it,  was  many 
years  ago.     I  was  driving  along  a  street  in  Newtpn,  when  I  saw  a  small  Ilawk  perched  on 


318  ROUGH-LEGGED  HAWK. 

* 

pleasantest  season  of  our  New  England  climate  has  past;  when  the  brown,  frost-bitten  land 
and  darkening  sea  looks  dreary  and  cold  in  the  early  light  of  morning,  it  is  not  uncommon 
to  see  a  large  Hawk  perched  on  the  topmost  limb  of  some  solitary  tree  that  overlooks  a 
wide  extent  of  country.  The  bird  looks  sluggish  and  half-frozen  but  if  one  attempts  to 
approach  too  near,  it  launches  downward  and  flies  heavily  to  some  distant  tree,  disclosing 
as  it  goes,  the  white  on  the  under  portion  of  the  wings,  by  which  even  the  amateur  will 
not  fail  to  recognize  the  Rough-legged  Hawk.  These  birds  frequent  the  shores  almost  con- 
stantly during  autumn  and  winter,  feeding  upon  fish  and  other  dead  animals  which  are  cast 
up  by  the  sea,  or  they  will  occasionally  catch  a  mouse,  suspending  themselves  over  it,  after 
the  manner  of  the  Sparrow  Hawk,  before  pouncing  upon  it.  The  flight  of  these  Hawks  is 
quite  heavy  and  they  seldom  circle  about  high  in  air,  but  when  hunting,  fly  along  about 
twenty  feet  above  the  ground. 

As  intimated,  the  Rough-legged  Hawks  are  quite  sluggish  in  habit  and  may  oftener 
be  seen  sitting  than  flying,  yet  they  appear  to  fare  well  in  spite  of  their  indolence,  for  I  do 
not  remember  handling  one  that  was  not  in  good  condition;  in  fact,  they  are  usually  very 
fat.  Although  quite  powerful  birds,  they  are  very  gentle  in  captivity  when  treated  well. 
Almost  all  Hawks  become  tame  if  captured  when  young,  though  they  are  seldom  gentle 
when  taken  after  they  become  fully  grown,  but  the  Rough-legged  readily  become  familiar 
and  make  excellent  pets. 

As  related,  these  Hawks  prefer  the  sea-shore  to  the  interior  and  are  found  along  the 
entire  New  England  coast  during  winter,  but  they  are  particularly  abundant  in  New  Jer- 
sey and  I  have  seen  several  in  sight  at  one  time.  Like  most  migrants,  they  make  their 
appearance  quite  suddenly,  remain  through  the  cold  weather,  then  depart  as  they  come, 
without  warning.  According  to  authors,  they  breed  in  the  far  north,  placing  their  nests 
in  trees  or  on  rocky  cliffs. 


FAMILY  V.  AQUILID^.  THE  TRUE  EAGLES. 

The  sternum  is  long,  exceeding  its  width,  wide,  about  equaling  the  length  of  the  coracoids, 
but  the  scapular  process  of  the  latter  does  not  meet  thefurcula.  Marginal  indentations,  two, 
inclosed. 

This  family,  in  our  section,  is  represented  by  a  single  genus.  The  manubrium  is 
quite  well  developed,  abruptly  truncated,  and  not  forked.  The  furcula  is  stout,  much 
flattened  by  lateral  expansion,  wide  and  thick  near  the  base  which  is  not  rounded  but  pro- 
duced into  a  point.  The  terminal  expansion  is  quite  prominent  and-the  furcula  near  it  is 
contracted  and  deeply  furrowed  above,  and  is  bent  downward  to  a  point,  closely  approxi- 
mating the  top  of  the  manubrium.  The  marginal  indentations,  although  varying  in  size 
with  age,  are  always  inclosed.  Bill,  strong,  well-curved,  with  the  cutting  edge  of  upper 
mandible  nearly  straight.  The  tarsus  is  short,  stout,  and  thickly  feathered  to  the  toes, 
which  are  stout,  with  strong,  well-curved  claws.  The  wings  are  long  and  pointed.  The 
tail  is  moderately  long,  and  considerably  rounded. 


AQU1LA  CHRYSAETUS.  319 

CKXUSI.    AQUILA.    THE  EAGLES. 

(IKN-.  Cn.     Pastrrior  margin  of  sternum,  indented  with  a  wide,  shallow  scallop.     Bill,  strong  and  curved,  with  thecut- 

tin<j  <  (/'/«•  <;/'  ii/i/itr  mandible  sli;/hllij  lulu-it.     Tail,  runsitli  ralily  rounded. 

Members  of  tin-;  genu<  are  very  large  and  strung  and  the  colors  on  both  surfaces  are  generally  dark  with  few  or  nocon- 
spicuous  markings.  There  is  but  one  species  found  within  our  limits. 

AQUILA  CHEYSAETUS. 

• 

Golden  Eagle. 
Agvila  chrysaetus  LINN.,  Syst.  Nat.,  I;  1766,  125. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cu.  Form,  very  robust.  Size,  large.  Tarsus,  feathered  to  the  toes.  Sternum,  stout,  with  the  tip  of  keel  round- 
ed, liili,  strmij;  and  well-curved.  Sexes,  similar  in  color. 

Count.  Ailult.  General  color  throughout,  dark-brown,  with  a  purplish  tinge,  lightest  on  the  head,  neck,  shoulders, 
tibia,  and  tarsus;  darkest  on  the  wings,  tail,  and  under  portions.  Feathers  of  head,  neck,  tibia,  and  tarsus,  tipped  and 
edged  with  de.-]i  yellowish-rufous  1'nsc  of  tnil,  white. 

Youny.  .Similar  to  the  adult,  but  lighter  everywhere  and  the  basal  two  thirds  of  the  tail  is  white.  Iris  and  bill, 
brown,  cere  and  fec-t,  yellow,  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

There  is  a  little  variation  in  plumage,  some  specimens  being  darker  or  lighter  than  the  type.  In  the  transitional  dress 
between  the  ad  11  It  and  young,  the  tail  is  occasionally  mottled  with  white.  The  young  with  the  wide  band  of  white  on  the 
tail  is  tin'  Ring-tailed  Eagle  of  the  older  authors.  This  species  may  be  recognized  by  the  large  size,  wholly  feathered  tar- 
sus, and  colors  as  described.  Distributed,  as  a  constant  resident,  throughout  the  mountainous  portions  of  North  America. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  female  specimens  from  Eastern  North  America.  Length,  37'45;  stretch,  85'00;  wing,  24'00; 
tail,  1")  (Hi;  bill,  1  •(;,">;  tarsus,  4'52.  Longe-t  specimen,  38'GO;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  86'50;  longest  wing,  25-00;  tail,  Ki'OO; 
bill,  1-75;  tarsus,  4'GO.  Shortest  specimen,  3G'2~>;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  84'25;  shortest  wing,  23'00:  tail,  U'OO;  bill,  1-50; 
tarsus,  4-00. 

A',  eragc  measurements  of  male  specimens  from  Eastern  North  America.  Length,  32'50;  stretch,  83'00;  wing,  21-75; 
tail,  13-00;  bill,  1  ;V>;  tarsus,  3'75.  Longest  specimen,  35'00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  84'00;  longe-twing,23'50;  tail,  14'00; 
bill,  1-G5;  tarsus,  4-00.  Shortest  specimen,  30'UO;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  82'CO;  shortest  wing,  20'50;  tail,  1200;  bill, 
1--10;  tarsus,  3'50. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  on  rocky  shelves  of  steep  cliffs.  They  are  bulky  structures,  composed  of  sticks  and  twigs,  arranged  in  a 
compact  manner. 

!,  one,  two,  or  three,  in  number,  varying  from  elliptical  to  spherical  in  form,  dirty-white  or  creamy  in  color,  oc- 
casionally immaculate,  but  usually  spotted  and  blotched  with  pale  reddish-brown  to  which  is  sometimes  added  a  faint  tinge 
of  purpIMi.  Dimensions,  from  2'18x2'65  to  2'52x3'30. 

HABITS. 

There  are  few  birds  of  a  large  size  upon  which  the  settlement  of  the  country  has  had 
so  little  effect  as  upon  the  Golden  Eagles.  As  a  rule,  the  inroads  of  civilization  cause  a 
perceptible  decrease  in  the  numbers  of  rapacious  birds  but  this  is  true  only  to  a  very  limited 
extent  with  the  species  now  under  consideration;  indeed,  it  may  be  questioned  if  there  are 
l«-ss  Golden  Eagles  today  in  Eastern  North  America  than  there  were  when  the  Pilgrims 
landed  at  Plymouth.  Nor  has  their  distribution  changed  much,  if  any,  for  they  have  ever 
inhabited  almost  inaccessible  mountain  cliffs.  They  seldom  leave  their  rocky  fastnesses 
and  when  they  do  move  from  point  to  point,  it  is  at  a  great  elevation;  and  in  addition  to 
this,  when  we  consider  that  there  are  few  birds  in  the  world,  which  are  more  wary,  we  can 


320  HALIAET1DAE. 

readily  understand  why  these  noble  Eagles  have  so  long  held  their  own;  neither  are  they 
in  any  present  danger  of  being  exterminated,  for  the  sections  which  they  inhabit,  will  long 
remain  unoccupied  by  man.  I  have,  on  several  occasions,  seen  these  fine  birds  circling 
high  in  air  over  the  mountains  of  Northern  New  England  and  Pennsylvania  but  I  never 
yet  obtained  a  shot  at  one.  Even  the  Indians  considered  it  a  notable  feat  to  kill  one  of 
this  species  and,  as  these  birds  are  certainly  no  less  wary  today,  he  who  shoots  a  Golden 
Eagle  may  mark  the  date  as  an  extra  red-letter  day  in  his  calendar,  resting  assured  that 
he  will  not  have  occasion  to  repeat  it  many  times,  at  least  in  our  section. 

The  Golden  Eagles  hunt  along  the  mountain  sides,  catching  Grouse,  rabbits,  etc.  and 
perching  upon  trees  or  high  cliffs  in  order  to  devour  their  prey.  Their  nests  are  'placed  on 
the  rocky  shelves  of  steep  precipices,  where  it  is  almost  impossible  to  reach  them.  Mr. 
William  Brewster  in  making  some  notes  forme,  some  years  ago,  of  the  birds  that  occurred 
on  the  White  Mountains,  says  of  this  species,  "A  pair  have  bred  for  years  on  a  cliff,  di- 
rectly over  the  Profile  House.  They  could  be  seen  at  almost  any  hour  in  the  day,  scaling 
abo.it  ttnir  eyrie,  uttering  loud  screams,  but  were  especially  noisy  and  active  from  sunset 
to  dark". 

FAMILY  VI.     HALIAETIDAE.     THE  FISH  EAGLES. 

The  sternum  considerably  exceeds  twice  its  width  in  length,  but  there  are  no  marginal  in- 
dentations. 

The  manubrium  is  quite  well  developed,  abruptly  truncated,  and  not  forked.  The 
furcula  is  stout,  much  flattened  by  lateral  expansion,  wide  and  thick  near  the  base  which 
is  rounded  and  not  produced  into  a  point.  The  terminal  expansion  is  not  present,  as  in 
the  last  family,  nor  is  it  produced  as  far  forward,  but  extends  backward  beneath  the  bone; 
the  furcula  near  it  is  contracted  but  only  slightly  furrowed  above  and  is  bent  downward  to 
a  point  quite  near  the  manubrium.  The  posterior  border  is  entire  and  produced  backward 
somewhat.  The  bill  is  stong,  well-curved,  with  the  cutting  edge  of  upper  mandible  slight- 
ly lobed.  The  tarsus  is  short,  stout,  and  naked  to  the  heel  behind  but  is  feathered  in  front 
for  about  half  its  length.  The  toes  are  stout,  with  strong,  Avell-curved  claws,  but  differ 
from  those  of  the  True  Eagles  in  having  but  two  bones  in  the  inner  toe,  instead  of  three. 
The  wings  are  very  long  and  pointed.  The  tail  is  quite  long  and  considerably  rounded. 

GENUS  I.    HALIAETUS.    THE  SEA  EAGLES. 

GEN.  Cn.  Sternum,  about  as  wide  as  it  is  high,  including  the  keel.  Keel,  not  reaching  the  posterior  border  which  is  con- 
siderably rounded. 

The  sterno-trachealis  is  thick  and  there  is  a  small  bronchialis,  but  no  other  laryngeal  mu«cles.  The  trachea  is  a  little 
flattened  throughout.  The  oesophagus  is  dilated  near  the  middle  into  quite  a  large  crop,  and  the  walls  are  very  thin.  The 
proventricuhis  is  very  large,  with  quite  small,  simple,  oval  glands,  arranged  in  a  zonular  band  which  measures  from  2'CO 
to  2'25  in  width,  but  in  four  pyramid-shaped  ridges.  The  stomach  is  small,  somewhat  globular  in  form,  with  very  thin 
walls,  lined  with  a  soft  membrane.  The  fold  of  the  duodenum  is  very  long,  measuring  7'00.  much  twisted,  and  incloses  a 
small,  irregularly  formed  pancreas  which  only  occupies  a  short  portion  of  its  entire  length.  Cosca,  very  small.  Both  lobes 
of  the  liver  are  about  equal  in  size,  and  the  heart  is  large  but  not  pointed.  The  spleen  is  an  oval  shaped  body  situated  on 
the  proventriculus. 


HAL1AETUS  LEUCOCEPHALUS.  321 

HALIAETUS  LEUCOCEPHALUS. 

White-headed  Eagle. 
Haliaetus  Itucocephalus  SAVIG.— Cuv.,  R.  A.  2d.  ed.;  1838,  326. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sp.  CH.  Form,  very  robust.  Size  large.  Sternum,  stout,  with  the  top  of  the  keel  rounded.  Tongue,  long,  fleshy, 
grinned  f,r  it-  entire  length,  liorny  at  tip,  where  it  is  rounded  but  not  bifid.  Bill,  strong  and  well-curved.  Tarsus  feftth- 
ered  in  front  for  half  its  length.  Sexes,  similar  in  color. 

OR.     Ailull.     Head,  and  neck  all  around,  tail,  with  its  upper  and  lower  coverts,  white.     Remaining  plumage, 
very  dark-brown,  with  the  feathers  more  or  less  edge  1  with  whitish.     Bill,  oer-,  feet,  and  iris,  yellow. 

Yi.iiii;/.  Lacks  the  white  head  and  tnil  nnd  the.  feathers  above  are  edged  with  yellowish-rufous  and  whitish.  The 
tail  and  under  surface  are  streaked  with  white. 

Ytntnu  of  the  year.     Very  dark-brown  everywhere,  with  the  feathers  on  the  top  of  the  head  very  narrowly  edged  with 

:  nr  rn  f  m*: 


fiffllinija.     Are  at  first  covered  with  a  whitish  down  which  becomes  darker  as  the  birds  grow  older,  then  they  gradu- 
umc  the  plumage,  last  described.     lu  the  last  three  stages,  the  iris  and  bill  are  brown,  the  feet  are  yellow,  and  the 

cere  is  irrccuish. 


OBSERVATIONS. 


Specimens  of  the  same  nge  and  sex  exhibit  but  little  variation  in  plumage.  Readily  known  when  adult  by  the  white 
head  and  tail,  and  in  all  stages  liy,  the  partly  feathered  tarsus.  Florida  birds  are  smaller  than  those  from  further  north. 
Distributed  as  a  constant  resident  throughout  North  America. 

DIMENSIONS 

A\cv:i::e  measurements  of  female  specimens  from  EasternNorth  America.  Length.  37'00;  stretch,  82-70;  wing,  24'00; 
tail,  I.'  •_'">;  liill.'J-l-i;  tarsus,  3'40.  Longest  specimen,  40"25;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  85'00;  longest  wing,  25-00;  tail,  14  00; 
bill,  2-00;  tarsus,  3  80.  Shortest  specimen,  31'00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  79-00;  shortest  wing,  23-00;  tail,  11  33;  bill,  1-90; 
tarsus,  3-00. 

AMM-ai;c  iiieasureraents  of  male  specimens  from  Eastern  North  America.  Length,  32-00;  stretch,  76-00;  wing,  21-40; 
tnil.  II  K">L  l)ill,2'25;  tarsus,  3' 12.  Longest  specimen,  31  00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  80'25;  longest  wing,  22-83;  tail,  12'00; 
.'><>:  tarsus,  3'30.  Shortest  specimen,  30-00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  72'00;  shortest  wing,20'00;  tail,  11-60;  bill,  1-75; 
tarsus,  2-90. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  usually  placed  in  trees  or  occasionally  on  rocky  cliffs;  they  are  very  bulky  structures,  composed  of  sticks,  ar- 
ranged in  a  compact  manner. 

•-.  usually  two  in  numlier,  varying  from  spherical  to  oval  in  form,  ashy  or  dirty-white  in  color,  unspotted.     Dimen- 
f'rom  2-75x3-00  to2'82x2'85. 

HABITS. 

Although  the  White-headed  Eagles  constantly  occur  in  the  wilder  portions  of  New 
England,  they  are  rare  in  the  vicinity  of  Boston;  thus  I  do  not  remember  of  having  seen 
more  than  three  or  four,  within  the  past  fifteen  years,  at  Newton,  and  the  last  one  that  I 
observed  \\as  a  fine  adult  which  flew  slowly  by  a  few  days  ago,  early  in  February,  1880. 
I  have  little  doubt  but  that  these  fine  birds  breed  even  in  Massachusetts  but  such  instances 
are  very  rare  and  in  order  to  study  this  species  to  perfection,  one  must  visit  Florida,  where 
there  are  more  nests  in  a  given  area  than  in  any  other  section,  and  I  have  several  times 
found  three  or  four  eyries,  all  occupied,  within  the  radius  of  a  mile. 

These  birds  begin  to  breed  in  Florida  very  early  in  January,  and  the  nest  is  usually 
placed  in  a  huge  pine,  many  feet  from  the  ground.  The  first  nest  that  I  found  was  at 
Lake  llarney,  during  my  earliest  visit  to  the  state  and  as  I  was  desirous  of  seeing  what  it 
contained,  I  determined  to  cut  down  the  tree,  for  all  my  efforts  to  climb  the  huge  bole, 

41 


322  WHITt's-HEADED  EAGLE. 

which  was,  at  least,  four  feet  in  diameter,  proved  fruitless.  Aided  by  an  assistant,  we 
succeeded  in  accomplishing  the  long,  difficult  task  and  the  huge  tree  which  had  defiod'lhe 
gales  of  hundreds  of  years,  fell  with  a  resounding  crash  to  the  earth.  We  hastened  to  the 
nest  which  had  evidently  been  occupied  for  years,  for  it  contained  at  least  a  cart-load  of 
sticks,  many  of  which  were  decayed.  In  falling,  the  material  had  become  somewhat  scat- 
tered and  upon  pulling  it  over,  we  discovered  two  downy  young,  about  the  size  of  a  com- 
mon fowl,  both  of  which  were  dead,  having  been  killed  by  the  shock.  It  may  be  assured 
that  I  was  not  very  much  pleased  with  the  result  of  this  method  of  investigating  the  con- 
tents of  Eagles'  nests  and  I  have  never  since  taken  the  trouble  to  cut  down  a  tree  in  which 
these  birds  had  placed  their  domiciles. 

When  the  nest  is  approached,  the  parent  Eagles  do  not  exhibit  any  great  degree  of  so- 
licitude, merely  flying  about  at  long  rifle  range  and  uttering  a  harsh  cackling  note.  They 
have  a  singular  habit  of  dropping,  at  such  times,  when  shot  at  and  uninjured,  just  as  if 
they  had  been  hit,  and  I  have  seen  a  female  turn  over  several  times,  almost  exactly  like  a 
Tumbler  Pigeon.  The  male  is  particularly  shy;  in  fact,  he  will  often  leave  the  vicinity 
when  he  perceives  an  intruder. 

On  the  eighth  of  March,  I  obtained  young  partly  fledged  at  South  Lake  and  on  the 
nineteenth  of  the  same  month,  saw  the  young  sitting  outside  the  nest;  although  they  were 
fully  fledged  and  as  large  as  their  parents,  they  were  unable  to  fly  but  made  frequent  ef- 
forts to  rise  in  air,  balancing  themselves  on  one  foot,  while  they  flapped  their  wings  vio- 
lently, but  they  could  not  evidently  muster  sufficient  courage  to  launch  out. 

I  have  intimated  that  the  White-headed  Eagles  occupy  the  same  nest  for  years,  and 
that  they  also  guard  it  throughout  the  year,  may  be  seen  by  the  following  instance.  On 
the  twentieth  of  April,  I  discovered  a  nest  built  in  a  solitary  pine  which  stood  on  the  north 
end  of  Merritt's  Island  and,  as  the  Eagles  were  flying  about  it,  uttering  the  cackling  note 
of  alarm,  I  concluded  that  they  had  eggs,  so  I  laboriously  ascended  to  the  nest  which  was 
at  least  fifty  feet  in  air  with  but  few  intervening  branches.  When  under  the  nest,  however, 
I  found  that  I  could  not  get  into  it,  as  it  was,  at  least,  six  feet  in  diameter  and  projected 
out  over  my  head  like  a  shelf.  So  I  descended,  but  as  the  Eagles  still  continued  to  fly  about 
and  exhibit  every  mark  of  anxiety,  I  once  more  went  up  to  their  domicile  and,  after  great 
exertions,  succeeded  in  tearing  away  a  portion  of  the  nest  so  that  I  could  look  into  it, 
when  I  found,  much  to  ray  disgust,  that  it  contained  nothing  but  fish  bones,  the  young 
having  evidently  left  some  time  previous;  in  short,  when  I  once  more  reached  the  ground, 
I  saw  them,  in  company  with  their  parents,  circling  around  the  place  and  since  that  time, 
I  have  observed  Eagles  behaving  in  a  similar  manner  late  in  the  season. 

As  will  be  seen  by  the  foregoing  account,  the  nests  are  not  very  easy  to  get  into,  even 
when  one  succeeds  in  reaching  them.  I  once  ascended  to  a  nest  placed  in  a  dead  tree  on 
one  of  those  small  keys  which  lie  on  the  extreme  south  coast  of  Florida,  and  after  making 
considerable  effort,  succeeded,  by  the  aid  of  a  limb,  in  getting  into,  or  rather,  on  to  the 
top.  I  found  a  perfectly  flat  platform,  about  six  feet  in  diameter,  solid  in  structure,  where 
I  could  stand  upright  or  even  move  about.  It  was  empty,  and  after  spending  some  time 
in  examining  the  adjacent  country,  of  which  my  elevated  situation  afforded  an  excellent 


WHITE-HEADED  EAGLE.  323 

prospect,  I  attempted  to  descend  but,  to  my  astonishment,  this  was  not  an  easy  task  as  I 
coujd  not  see  the  limb  by  which  I  had  ascended,  for  it  was  a  mere  stub  and  did  not  pro- 
ject above  the  edge  of  the  nest  which  was,  at  least,  four  feet  thick.  I  was  alone,  my  men 
having  gone  to  the  yacht  which  was  riding  at  anchor  some  two  miles  away,  and  I  began 
to  think  that  I  was  effectually  caged  and  that  I  should  be  obliged  to  throw  down  a  greater 
part  of  the  nest  in  order  to  reach  the  limb,  and  indeed,  had  began  to  do  this,  when  I  unex- 
pectedly came  across  it,  swung  myself  over  the  edge,  and  was  soon  on  the  solid  ground. 
This  last  nest  which  I  have  described,  was  not  over  thirty  feet  in  air  and  I  have  seen  them 
built  even  lower  on  the  isolated  keys  of  which  I  have  been  speaking. 

These  Eagles  teed  largely  upon  fish  which  they  sometimes  procure  by  robbing  the 
Osprey  but  they  often  capture  it  for  themselves  by  diving  into  the  water.  They  will  take 
wounded  Ducks,  and  I  once  saw  one  swoop  down  and  carry  away  a  Buffle  Head  which  I 
had  just  shot  and  which  was  lying  on  the  water  only  a  few  yards  distant. 

While  encamped  on  a  small  island  in  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  near  the  mouth  of  the  Su- 
wannee  River,  I  heard,  one  morning,  aloud  squealing  among  the  half-wild  hogs,  of  which 
there  was  an  abundance  in  the  place  and,  taking  my  rifle,  went  out  to  ascertain  the  cause 
of  the  commotion.  I  found  that  three  Eagles  were  attacking  the  newly  born  progeny  of 
an  old  sow  and  she  was  endeavoring  to  defend  them.  The  little  grunters,  of  which  there 
were  several,  had  taken  refuge  under  the  top  of  a  fallen  tree  which,  however,  only  afforded 
them  partial  protection;  thus  the  Eagles  could  see  them  and,  tempted  by  the  dainty  titbits, 
would  swoop  downward  and  endeavor  to  grasp  the  little  black  and  white  pigs  in  their  tal- 
ons but  were  constantly  repulsed  by  the  anxious  mother  who  bravely  defended  her  offspring, 
at  the  same  time  giving  vent  to  some  of  the  most  ear-splitting  squeals  that  ever  a  distressed 
hog  uttered.  I  do  not  know  how  the  strife  would  have  ended,  had  I  not  interfered  with 
my  ritle  so  effectually  that  two  Eagles  lay  dead  upon  the  ground  and  the  third  flew  away 
badly  frightened.  The  Bald-headed  Eagles,  as  they  are  sometimes  called,  breed  in  the 
North  late  in  February  and  on  Grand  Menan,  where  they  sometimes  nest  on  rocky  cliffs, 
during  the  first  two  weeks  in  March. 

FAMILY  VII.     PANDIONID^;.     THE  OSPREYS. 

Sternum,  about  twice  as  long  as  wide,  but  not  exceeding  in  width  the  length  of  the  coracoids, 
and  the  scapular  process  of  the  latter  does  not  meet  the  furcula.  Marginal  indentations,  two, 
not  inclosed. 

This  family,  in  our  section,  is  represented  by  a  single  genus.  The  lower  anterior  sur- 
face is  densely  covered  with  feathers.  The  nianubrium  is  small,  abruptly  truncated,  and 
not  forked.  The  furcula  is  stout,  much  flattened  by  lateral  expansion  near  the  base  which 
is  moderately  wide  and  produced  downward  into  a  very  long  point,  but  toward  the  middle, 
the  bone  becomes  rounded  and  the  terminal  expansion  is  quite  prominent;  while  the  fur- 
cula near  it  is  slightly  contracted  but  not  furrowed  above  and  is  bent  downward  until  it 
closely  approximates  the  manubrium.  The  bill  is  stong,  well-curved,  with  the  cutting 
edge  of  upper  mandible  nearly  straight.  The  tarsus  is  short,  thick,  only  slightly  feathered 


324  PAND10N  HALIAETUS. 

in  front,  and  is  covered  with  small,  circular  scales.     The  toes  are  stout,  with  strong,  well- 
curved  claws.     The  wings  and  tail  are  long  and  pointed 

• 

GENUS  I.    PANDION.    THE  FISH  HAWKS. 

GEN.  Cn.  Posterior  margin  of  sternum,  between  indentations,  not  rounded  but  cut  away  as  far  as  the  keel.  Ceracoids, 
short.  Scapula,  slender  and  considerably  rounded  at  base. 

The  sterno-trachealis  is  thick  and  there  is  a  small  brouchialis,  but  no  other  laryngeal  muscles.  The  tympanifonn  mem- 
brane is  present  and  although  there  is  a  thin  os  trnnsversale,  it  does  not  support  a  semilunar  membrane.  The  trachea  i-  a 
little  flattened  throughout.  The  oesophagus  is  dilated  near  the  middle  into  quite  »  large  crop,  and  the  walls  are  usually 
very  thin.  The  proventriculus  is  very  large,  with  the  walls  quite  thick,  and  composed  of  small,  simple,  cylindrical  glands, 
arranged  in  a  zonular  band  which  measures  from  1'50  to  1'GO  in  width,  but  in  four  pyramid-shaped  ridges.  The  stomach 
is  small,  somewhat  globular  in  form,  with  very  thin  walls,  lined  with  a  soft  membrane  which  emits  anoily  fluid.  The  f  >1<1 
of  the  duodenum  is  long,  measuring  3'00.  and  incloses  a  small,  irregularly  formed  pancreas  which  only  occupies  a  short  por- 
tion of  its  entire  length,  near  stomach.  The  intestines  are  very  .'-mall,  only  measuring  •  15  in  diameter,  but  are  very  1  >ng, 
measuring  117'00  in  length.  Cocca,  very  short  but  thick.  Koth  lobes  of  the  liver  are  short,  thick,  and  nearly  equal  in 
size.  The  heart  is  large  and  triangular  in  form.  The  spleen  is  an  oval-shaped  body  situated  on  the  proventriculus.  There 
is  but  one  species  within  our  limits. 

PANDION  HALIAETUS. 

Osprey.    Fish  Hawk. 
Pandion  hatiaelus  Cuv,  R.  A.,  I;  1817,  316. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  Sternum,  stout,  with  the  tip  of  keel  rounded.  Tongue,  thick,  fleshy,  horny  at 
tip  which  is  rounded  but  not  bifid,  bluish  in  color. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Sides  of  head  and  entire  under  parts,  white,  with  numerous,  circular  spots  of  yeUowish-brjwn  in  a 
band  across  the  breast.  Line  through  eye.  top  of  head,  and  the  remaining  upper  portions,  very  dark-brown,  with  the  tail 
barred  with  dusky. 

Young.  Quite  similar  to  the  adult,  but  with  every  feather  edged  with  whitish,  and  the  under  portions  are  slightly 
tinged  with  yellowish. 

Young  of  the  year.  Not  unlike  the  young  but  showing  a  strong  overwashing  of  deep  buff  on  the  occiput  and  many  of 
the  feathers  above  are  tinged  with  it. 

Nestlings.  Are,  at  first,  covered  with  a  whitish  down,  then  gradually  assume  the  dress  last  described.  Iris,  reddish- 
brown,  cere  and  feet,  bluish,  and  bill,  brown,  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

There  is  a  little  variation  in  plumage,  some  specimens  being  darker  or  lighter  than  the  type.  This  species  may  be  rec- 
ognized by  the  peculiar  scaling  of  the  ta-su~,  form  and  colors  as  described.  Distributed,  as  a  summer  resident,  through- 
out North  America,  wintering  in  the  more  southern  portions. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  female  specimens  from  Eastern  North  America.  Length,  23'25;  stretch,  C7'75;  wimr,20'PO; 
tail,  7' 50;  bill,  T50;  tarsus,  2-15.  Longest  specimen,  24'50;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  70'50;  longest  wing,  21'CO;  tail,  9'50; 
bill,  1-00;  t.irsus,  2'30.  Shortest  specimen,  22  00;  smallest  extentof  wing,  C5'50;  shortest  wing,  19'0(>:  tail,  8  50;  bill,  1  40; 
tarsus,  2-00. 

Average  measurements  of  male  specimens  from  Eastern  North  America.  Length,  2T25;  stretch,  65'00;  wing.  IS'OO; 
tail,  8-30:  bill,  T41;  tarsus,  2' 12.  Longest  specimen,  2d'50;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  GG'OO;  longest  wing.20'00;  tail,  8'GO; 
bill,  1-50;  tarsus,  2'25.  Shortest  specimen,  21'00;  smallest extentof  wing,  G4'00; shortest  wing,  19'00;  tail,8'00;  bill,  1'33; 
tarsus,  2 '00. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  trees  and  bushes,  or  occasionally  on  the  ground.  They  are  bulky  structures,  composed  of  sticks  and 
weeds,  arranged  in  a  compact  manner. 

EI/IJS,  three  or  four  in  number,  varying  from  elliptical  to  oval  in  form,  yellowish-white  or  creamy  in  color,  spotted 
and  blotched  with  reddish-brown  and  umber,  so  thickly  on  the  larger  end  as  to  completely  obscure  the  ground  color,  and 
sometimes  the  entire  egg  is  thus  covered.  Dimensions,  from  I'69x2'21  to  r85x2'58. 


OSPREV.    FISH  HAWK.  325 

II A  HITS 

There  are  none  among  the  rapacious  birds,  that  are  better  known  throughout  the  coun- 
try than  the  Fish  Hawks,  not  only  because  they  are  very  common  but  also  because  the 
birds  have  become  famous  through  Wilson's  history  of  their  habits,  especially  his  inimita- 
ble description  of  the  manner  in  which  the  Ospreys  are  robbed  by  the  Bald  Eagles.  In  re- 
gard to  this,  I  think,  however,  that  the  Ospreys  are  not  great  sufferers,  for  according  to 
my  experience  which  has  been  somewhat  extended,  for  I  have  long  been  familiar  with  both 
of  these  birds,  it  is  a  rare  sight  to  see  an  Eagle  in  pursuit  of  an  Osprey.  This  is  especi- 
ally noticeable  in  Florida,  where  both  species  are  remarkably  abundant.  There  is  a  reach 
of  Mosquito  Lagoon,  near  the  inlet  on  the  west  side,  which  is  shut  off  from  the  main  por- 
tion by  a  series  of  islands,  and  which  is  very  shallow,  especially  at  low  tide;  in  fact,  at 
such  times,  there  is  but  a  few  inches  of  water  remaining  in  it.  Thus  fishes,  in  attempting 
to  go  through  the  pass,  are  obliged  to  make  their  way  very  slowly,  or  to  wait  the  rise  of 
the  tide;  consequently  they  accumulate  in  large  numbers  in  the  deepest  pools.  The  Os- 
pivys  appear  to  have  learned  this  fact  for  they  flock  to  the  place  in  order  to  catch  their 
comparatively  helpless  prey,  and  I  have  counted  fifty  in  the  air  at  one  time,  besides  others 
sitting  on  trees  near  the  water;  yet  I  never  saw  an  Eagle  attempt  to  rob  one  more  than 
twice  and  in  both  instances,  the  Osprey  got  off  with  its  booty  by  actually  outstripping 
the  Kairle  in  flight. 

Usually  tho  Ospreys  are  certain  of  their  prey  when  it  is  once  grasped  in  their  strong, 
well-curved  talons  but  I  once  saw  one  completely  puzzled.  I  was  standing  on  the  beach 
in  front  of  my  camp,  near  the  Ilaulover  Canal,  on  Indian  River,  one  morning,  when  I  ob- 
served an  Osprey  drop  down  in  front  of  me,  some  two  hundred  yards  distant,  catch  a  fish, 
and  rise  slowly  with  it  in  air.  I  watched  him  as  he  paused  to  give  the  peculiar  shiver, 
which  is  characteristic  of  this  species,  in  order  to  shake  off  the  water  from  his  plumage, 
then  he  adjusted  the  fish  to  his  liking,  carrying  it,  as  is  usual,  longitudinal  with  his  own 
body,  the  head  first.  All  this  occupied  but  a  few  seconds  and  the  bird  was  all  the  time 
moving  forward  toward  me,  when  all  at  once,  I  observed  that  he  was  getting  uneasy  about 
something,  for  he  bent  his  head,  moved  slowly,  and  was  evidently  trying  to  get  a  firm  hold 
of  the  fish  that  appeared  to  be  slipping  from  his  grasp.  All  these  efforts  were  in  vain, 
however,  for  just  as  the  Osprey  reached  a  point  nearly  ovejKtny  head,  the  fish  freed  itself 
and  fdl,  striking  the  ground  almost  at  my  feet,  while  ffifc  Fish  Hawk  giving  vent  to  his 
disappointment  by  loud,  whistling  screams,  returned  to  try  his  fortune  again.  I  stepped 
forward  and  picked  up  the  fish,  when  the  mystery  was  explained.  It  was  a  globe  fish,  a 
peculiar  species  which  inhabits  the.  waters  of  Florida,  and  which  is  not  only  provided  with 
a  tough,  loose  skin  but  is  also  endowed  with  the  power  of  pumping  air  into  the  space  be- 
tween the  skin  and  body  until  it  becomes  swelled  like  a  ball  or  globe;  whence  the  name. 
The  Osprey  had,  perhaps  by  mistake,  caught  one  of  these  fishes  which,  as  soon  as  it  had 
felt  the  talons  of  its  captor,  began  to  pump  air  into  its  receptacle,  thus  spreading  apart  the 
strong  claws  of  the  bird  until  it  fell  from  his  grasp.  The  moment  of  deliverance  came  just 
an  instant  too  late,  however,  as  it  only  escaped  one.  danger  to  meet  its  death,  for  it  was 
completely  dead  when  I  picked  it  up,  it  being  killed  by  the  fall. 


326  POLYBORUS  THARUS. 

The  Ospreys  breed  early  in  February  on  the  St.  John's  River,  placing  the  nest  in 
high  cypress  trees,  and  I  also  found- fresh  eggs  about  the  middle  of  March  at  Clear  Water 
Harbor  on  the  west  coast.  The  birds  in  these  sections,  were  very  unsuspicious,  allowing 
one  to  pass  directly  under  the  nest  without  flying,  and  in  one  instance,  my  assistant  was 
half-way  up  a  tree  in  which  a  bird  had  her  domicile,  before  she  started.  On  the  Keys, 
where  the  nests  are  frequently  placed  in  low  mangroves  but  a  few  feet  from  the  ground, 
the  birds  breed  earlier.  Further  north,  where  the  Ospreys  are  migratory,  they  do  not 
breed  until  the  middle  of  April. 

FAMILY  VIII.     POLYBORID^.     THE  VULTURE  EAGLES. 

'Sternum,  more  than  twice  as  long  as  wide  and  the  scapular  process  of  the  coracoids  meets 
thefurcula.  Marginal  indentations,  two,  inclosed. 

This  family,  in  our  section,  is  represented  by  a  single  genus.  The  bill  is  strong,  well- 
curved,  with  the  cutting  edge  of  upper  mandible  nearly  straight.  Lores  and  space  around 
eye,  naked.  The  tarsus  is  long  and  only  slightly  feathered  in  front.  The  toes  are  weak 
and  the  claws  are  small. 

GENUS  I.    POLYBORUS.    THE  CARACARAS. 

GEN.  Cn.  Bill,  rather  lony,  strong,  and  well-curved,  with  the  cutting  edge  of  upper  mandible  slightly  lobed.  Tail  and 
wings,  long,  the  former  is  rounded  and  the  latter  are  pointed. 

The  trachea  is  a  little  flattened  throughout.  The  sterno-trachealis  is  short  and  stout,  having  its  origin  quite  near  the 
larynx,  and  there  is  a  slender  bronchialis  extending  over  all  the  half  rings,  but  there  are  no  other  laryngeal  muscles.  The 
•walls  of  the  oesophagus  are  thin;  this  is  at  first  nearly  straight,  then  is  dilated  into  a  crop,  and  is  again  straight  and  opens 
into  a  large  sized  proventriculus  with  numeroas  small,  simple,  closely  packed,  oval  glands  arranged  in  a  zonular  band  which 
measures  T15.  The  stomach  is  of  a  medium  size,  somewhat  globular  in  form,  with  thin  but  soft  walls,  and  is  lined  with  a 
soft  membrane.  The  fold  of  the  duodenum  is  long,  and  is  beet  upon  itself  several  times.  The  coeca,  when  present,  are 
very  small.  The  spleen  is  a  spherical  body  lying  on  the  proventriculus.  The  left  lobe  of  the  liver  is  slightly  larger  that 
the  right.  There  is  but  one  species  found  within  our  limits. 

POLYBORUS  THARTJS. 

Caracara  Eagle. 
Polyborus  lharus  CASS.,  Ills.  I;  1854,  113. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  not  very  robust.  Size,  medium.  Tongue,  long,  fleshy,  horny  at  tip,  where  it  is  rounded  and  bifid. 
Occipital  feathers,  elongated.  Space  on  breast,  naked.  Sexes,  similar  in  color. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Above,  dark-brown  everywhere,  excepting  upper  tail  coverts  which  are  yellowish-white,  banded  with 
dusky.  Tail,  white  at  base,  black  at  tip,  and  crossed  with  numerous  bands  of  the  same  color.  Concealed  patch  on  hind 
neck,  brownish-yellow.  Wings,  more  or  less  handed  with  white.  Beneath,  everywhere  white,  with  abroad  band  across 
abdomen  and  tibia,  dark-brown,  and  the  breast  is  transversely  banded  with  fine  lines  of  black. 

Young.  Similar  to  the  adult  but  duller  brown  above  which  color  also  extends  over  the  entire  lower  portions.  T!;e 
feathers  above  are  edged  with  whitish  and  those  beneath  are  longitudinally  streaked  with  yellowish-white.  Tail,  ne.irly 
white,  banded  with  ashy-brown  and  tipped  with  dark-brown.  Bill,  bluish,  cere,  red,  feet,  yelluw,  and  iris,  brown,  in  all 
stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Specimens  appear  to  present  some  variation  of  plumage  but  may  be  readily  known  by  the  form  and  colors  as  described. 
Distributed  as  a  constant  resident  in  Mexico  and  northward  into  the  United  State  as  far  as  Arizona  and  eastward  into 

Louisiana  and  Florida. 


CAR  AVAR  A  EAGLE.  327 

« 

t 

DIMENSIONS. 

Avonv.rr  measurements  of  female specimens  from  Eastern  North  America.  Length,  24-50;  stretch,  48-00:  wing,  16'50; 
tail,  !).•><  I;  hill.  1-1-J;  tarsus,  3'25.  Longest  specimen,  25-00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  49'W);  longest  wing,  17'1H);  tail,  10  00; 
liill,  1  25:  tarsus,  3  50.  Shortest  spcvimen,  24'00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  47'25;  shortest  wing,  lO'OO;  tail,  9'00;  bill,  I'OO; 
tarsus,  .TOO. 

AMT:IJ;C  measurement-;  of  male  specimen*  from  Eastern  North  America.  Length,  23'50;  stretch,  47'25;  wing,  15-50; 
tail.  *  50;  hill,  -98;  tarsus,  2'95.  Longest  ^>n-imen,  24'00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  48-00;  longest  wing,  16  00:  tail,  9  00; 
hill,  1  00:  tarsus,  3'00.  Shortest  --|M-< -initn,  23-00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  46'50;  shortest  wing,  15  00;  tail,  8'00;  bill,  '95; 
tarsus,  290. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  E«GS. 

firsts,  placed  in  trees  or  bushes;  they  are  bulky  structures,  composed  of  sticks,  lined  with  roots,  grass,  etc.,  arranged 
in  a  compact  manner. 

KWS,  two  to  four  in  number,  varying  from  spherical  to  oval  in  form,  yellowish-white  or  creamy  in  color,  blotched,  spot- 
ted, and  sprinkled  with  rr.MMi-hrown  of  varying  shades,  frequently  so  thickly  as  to  nearly,  or  quite,  obscure  the  ground 
color.  Dimensions  from  1-80x2-25  to  1 -88x2  50. 

HABITS. 

Although  the  Caracara  Eagles  cannot  be  called  rare  in  Florida,  yet  they  are  restricted 
to  a  comparatively  limited  area,  boing  quite  common  on  the  prairies  near  the  extreme  head- 
waters ol'tlu'  St.  John's,  anil  on  the  broad  Savannas  which  lie  about  Lake  Okeechobee  and 
northward  along  the  Kissimee  River.  They  are  quite  rare  in  other  sections,  being  only 
stragglers,  for  I  do  not  think  that  they  breed  elsewhere  than  in  the  sections  named.  They 
deposit  their  eggs  in  early  spring,  often  placing  their  nests  in  the  tops  of  palmetto  trees 
or  occasionally  on  pines. 

Not  only  in  form  and  odor  are  the  Caracaras  intermediate  between  the  Eagles  and 
Vultures  but  they  also  resemble  both  in  habits.  They  catch  some  of  their  booty  living  but 
will  feed  readily  upon  dead  animals.  They  are  sluggish  nt  times  but  fly  well;  when  on 
the  wing,  moving  in  a  direct  line,  they  resemble  the  Black  Vulture  somewhat,  flapping 
and  sailing  alternately,  but  when  high  in  air,  circle  like  a  Hawk  or  Eagle. 

There  can  be  but  little  doubt  that  this  species  is  the  Sacred  Vulture  of  Bartram  who 
.says  that  the  feathers  were  greatly  esteemed  by  the  Indians  as  ornaments;  a  fact  which 
iniolit  have  been  true  enough  in  his  time,  1791,  but  at  the  present  day,  the  favorite  decora- 
tions of  the  Seminoles,  are  the  plumes  of  the  Ostrich.  Were  it  not  for  the  high  reputation 
for  veracity,  which  one  cannot  avoid  according  to  Mr.  Bartram  after  reading  his  writings, 
I  should  say  that  he  had  been  trying  to  palm  off  a  purely  mythical  species  upon  the  public, 
for  much  of  his  description  does  not  correspond  with  the  plumage  of  any  known  bird;  but 
it  is  highly  probable  that  the  description  of  the  bird  which  he  terms  the  Sacred  Vulture, 
was  made  from  memory,  some  time  after  seeing  the  Caracaras,  and  thus  the  King  Vult- 
ure of  South  America  and  the  true  Caracara  Eagle  which  is  also  known  in  Florida  as  the 
Kiii-  Buzzard,  became  somewhat  confounded  in  his  mind.  This  theory  has,  for  its  sup- 
port, the  fact  that  Bart  ram  does  not  mention  the  true  Caracara  as  an  inhabitant  of  Florida. 

FAMILY  IX.     CATHARTID^S.     THE  AMERICAN  VULTURES. 

Feet,  small  and  weak;  claws,  not  very  stout.  Sternum,  wide;  keel,  not  high.  Marginal 
indentations,  four. 


328  CATHARTES  AURA. 

% 
t 

This  family,  in  our  section,  is  represented  by  two  genera.  The  manubrium  is  small, 
abruptly  truncated,  and  not  forked.  The  furcula  is  stout,  much  flattened  by  lateral  expan- 
sion near  the  base  which  is  moderately  wide  and  produced  downward  into  a  very  long  point, 
but  toward  the  middle,  the  bone  becomes  rounded  and  the  terminal  expansion  is  not  very 
prominent,  while  the  furcula  near  it  is  not  contracted  nor  bent  downward.  The  marginal 
indentations  are  always  four,  either  open  or  inclosed.  The  bill  is  stong,  well-curved,  with 
the  cutting  edge  of  upper  mandible  nearly  straight.  The  tarsus  is  long,  naked  for  its  en- 
tire length,  and  is  covered  with  small,  circular  scales.  The  feet  are  small  and  the  toes, 
weak,  especially  the  posterior,  and  are  without  grasping  power.  The  wings  are  long  and 
pointed,  and  the  tail  is  moderately  long.  There  is  no  nasal  septum. 

GENUS  I.    CATHARTES.     THE  NAKED-BREASTED  VULTURES. 

GEN.  CH.  Bill,  short  and  thick.  Head  and  neck,  destitute  of  feathers,  and  there  is  a  wide  naked  space  on  the  breast. 
Tail,  tony  and  rounded.  Sternum,  short,  not  exceeding  twice  its  width  in  lenyth.  The  two  outer  marginal  indentations  are 
enclosed,  but  the  inner  are  open.  Furcula,  very  wide  at  base. 

The  sterno-trachealis  is  quite  thick,  but  there  are  no  other  laryngeal  muscles.  The  inferior  larynx  is  very  smnll,  and 
there  are  no  ty  in  pan  i  form  or  semilunar  membranes,  while  the  lower  portions  of  bronchials  are  membraneous.  The  trachea 
is  much  flattened  throughout.  The  oesophagus  is  dilated  near  the  middle  into  a  very  large  crop,  and  the  walls  are  usually 
very  thin.  The  proventricuhis  is  very  large,  with  the  walls  quite  thick,  and  composed  of  numerous,  small,  simple,  glands, 
arranged  in  a  zonular  band  which  measures  from  TOO  to  I'25  in  width.  Thestomach  is  small,  somewhat  globular  in  form, 
with  quite  thick  walls,  lined  with  a  hard,  rugose  membrane.  There  is  a  pyloric  lobe,  '50  in  diameter.  The  fold  of  the  du- 
odenum is  long,  measuring  from  3'00  to  5'00,  antl  incloses  a  small,  irregularly  formed  pancreas  which  only  occupies  n  short 
portion  of  its  entire  length,  near  stomach.  Coeca,  wanting.  Both  lobes  of  the  liver  are  short,  thick,  and  nearly  equal  in 
size.  The  heart  is  large  and  triangular  in  form.  The  spleen  is  an  oval-shaped  body  situated  on  the  proven triculus.  There 
is  but  one  species  within  our  limits. 

• 

CATHARTES  AURA. 

Turkey  Buzzard. 
Cathartes  aura  ILL.,  Prod.;  1811,  336. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  Sternum,  stout,  with  the  keel  slightly  arched.  Tongue,  long,  fleshy,  concave 
above,  and  the  edges  are  provided  with  numerous,  hard  papillae  which  point  backward.  The  tip  is  rounded  but  not  bilid. 
Sexes,  similar  in  color. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Uniform  dark-brown  throughout,  with  a  bluish  iridescence  on  both  surfaces,  and  the  feathers  of  the 
wings  are  edged  with  yellowish-brown  and  whitish. 

Youny.  Quite  similar  to  the  adult,  but  with  the  feathers  less  iridescent  and  more  generally  edged  with  whitish,  and 
those  beneath  are  lighter. 

Nestlings.  Are,  at  first,  covered  with  a  dirty-white  down,  then  gradually  assume  the  plumage  last  described.  Head 
and  neck,  flesh  color,  and  covered  with  short,  black  hairs,  iris,  and  bill,  whitish,  feet,  pinkish-brown,  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

There  is  a  little  variation  in  plumage,  some  specimens  being  darker  or  lighter  than  the  type.  This  species  mny  be  rec- 
ognized by  the  red  head  and  colors  as  described.  Distributed,  as  a  constant  resident,  throughout  North  America,  south  of 
latitude  40°;  rare  north  of  this  point  but  straggling  into  New  England  and  even  as  far  north  as  Canada. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  female  specimens  from  Florida.  Length,  27'25;  stretch,  75-00;  wing,  24'00;  tail,  12'25; 
bill,  1'03;  tarsus,  2'50.  Longest  specimen,  28'25;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  73-00;  longest  wing,  27'00;  tail,  I2'50;  bill,  1'  10; 
tarsus,  2-70.  Shortest  specimen,  26'50;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  68'00;  shortest  wing,  2r<X>;  tail,  11  00;  bill,  "95;  tarsus, 
2-30. 


- 


PHONIPARAZENA. 

BlacWieaded  Fincli. 


AJJt.M.U 


TURKEY  BUZZARD.  329 

Avi-niifP  mra^uromrnN  of  nuilr  -;nviir.'ii-  IVnni   Floriiln.      l.rn.utli.  'J(>-7:">;  sMvtr!;,  (TT'CO;  viii^,  STOO;  (nil,  10'R'i;  Ml], 

1-17:  Uirstv,  -J-.T.     Longest  specimen,  27*95;  TS'OO;  lnn-<  -t  «-i;  ill,  i  ]•:'.(>:  liill.'J-iM);  t:\r- 

SIH.  -,!-7">.     Slioi-t<-st   s|ii>'iiiK'H,  -Jl-.'H);  .-  dC:  tail.  10  111;  Mil,   MM);   Livsus, 

•j-ta 

DESCKII'TloX  OF  NF.STS  AND  T 
.\     r,      M'cd  on  the  tup-;  <>f  ^liiiiip~.    -n  I.,--,  on  r,.in,-.l  buildings,  i.i  liullow  trees,  or  on  the  ground;  but  little  orno 

. 

.  ,r  MV,>  in  ii',  ml  XT  vai-yinu'  IV.  -in  ri:ii>ti.  in  form,dirty-whiteor  rnvimy  iii  '  •  !  'Botched 

tore  thickl)  brown  and  amber.    Diinen.-ioii-  IV.  m  isox2'G5 


HABITS. 

"When  one  sees  tlio  Red-headed  Vultures  for  the  first  time  and  observes  their  various 
aerial  evolutions,  now  sailing  high  in  air  on  moHonlesa^winga  or  gliding  rapidly  along  (ho 
surface  of  the  ground,  avoidini:'  (lie  numerous  obstacles  in  their  path,  with  the  greatest 
ease;  rising  and  fall'mii1  with  a  flight  so  smooth  that  it  is  seldom  excelled  by  other  birds; 
iu  short,  performing  all  their  movements  upon  the  wing  with  the  utmost  grace  and  ele- 
gance, 1  repeat,  when  one  sees  all  this  for  the  first  time,  he  cannot  help  exclaiming,' 
"What  magnificent  birds!"  Then,  if  not  ornithologist  enough  to  recognize  the  species, 
he  turns  to  impure  its  name  of  the  nearest  native,  he  will  he  greeted,  especially  if  the  one 
li''  ipiesfions  be  a  descendant  of  Ham,  with  a  look  of  astonishment  followed  by  a  broad 
grin,  at  the  apparent  absurdity  of  the  interrogative,  while  the  immediate  answer  is  given  in 
a  tone  in  which  disgust  is  so  very  apparent  as  to  create  surprise  —  "Dat,  why  doan  yer 
know  what  daf  is?  Dat  yer  is  nothin  but  a  dirty  Buzzard."  Although  this  appears  to  be 
quite  like  slander  without  a  just  cause,  one  soon  learns  to  take  the  same  view  of  the  case 
and',  after  becoming  intimately  acquainted  with  the  birds,  one  cannot  help  regarding  them 
as  "nothing  but  dirty  Buzzards,"  and  no  matter  how  elegant  and  varied  are  their  gyra- 
tions, one  can  never  look  upon  them  with  quite  the  same  admiration  as  he  did  before  wit- 
n<i--ing  their  disgusting  habits.  There  is  no  denying  this  charge,  they  are  most  decidedly 
disgusting  birds,  not  only  being  vile  feeders  on  carrion  but  they  cat  it  to  excess,  frequently 
becoming  so  crammed  that  they  are  unable  to  move,  when  they  are  obliged  to  disgorge  a 
portion  of  their  ill-smelling  provender  before  they  can  take  flight. 

Turkey  Buzzards  are  the  greatest  cowards  that  I  ever  saw  among  birds;  when  one  is 
capture'!,  which  can  be  readily  done  by  employing  steel  traps,  it  never  makes  the  slight- 
est attempt  at  defense,  but  merely  hangs  its  head  in  the  most  abject  manner,  and  if  il  lias 
been  eating  anything  recently,  will  discharge  the  contents  of  ils  stomach  at  its  captor's  feet  , 
not  because  it  wishes  to  get  rid  of  the  food  but  because  it  evidently  intends  to  make  a  kind 
of  peace-offering,  which  too  often,  however,  proves  more  highly  odoriferous  than  accepta- 
ble. This  habit  of  relinquishing  what  they  have  eaten  when  attacked  or  frightened,  is  so 
strong  with  the  Turkey  Buzzards  that  they  will  always  vomit  when  wounded  and  I  have 
seen  them  do  the  same  thing  when  I  have  been  passing  them  as  they  sat  on  the  low  limb 
of  a  tree. 

As  a  redeeming  trait,  however,  of  the  Red-headed  Vultures,  I  must  say  that  Ihey  will 
eat  fresh  meat  when  they  can  get  it  and  I  think  they  prefer  it  to  carrion  for  they  would 

42 


330  CATHARTES  AURA. 

gather  around  our  camps  to  feed  upon  the  bodies  of  birds  that  we  threw  out  to  them.  They 
will  also  gather  around  the  hunter  when  he  shoots  a  deer  in  order  to  devour  the  intestines 
which  he  usually  removes  on  the  spot.  This  brings  me  to  a  point  which  I  wish  to  men- 
tion, regarding  Audubon's  experiments  upon  these  birds.  For  the  benefit  of  those  who 
may  not  chance  to  be  familiar  with  them,  I  will  merely  say  that  this  distinguished  author 
had  an  idea  that  the  Turkey  Buzzards  were  deficient  in  the  sense  of  smell,  or  at  least,  that 
they  were  not  guided  to  their  food  by  this  sense.  To  prove  this,  he  covered  the  carcass  of 
a  hog,  or  other  animal,  with  brush  or  leaves  and  the  Vultures  would  not  trouble  it  although 
they  frequently  passed  over  the  spot,  only  a  short  distance  above  the  ground.  Now  it  is 
a  well-known  fact  with  hunters  in  Florida,  that  whenever  the  body  of  an  annual  is  cov- 
ered ever  so  lightly  with  brush  or  leaves,  it  will  never  be  disturbed  by  the  Buzzards.  I 
have  been  a  frequent  witness  to  this  and  have,  myself,  seen  the  body  of  a  freshly  killed 
deer  left  for  hours  with  a  few  palmetto  loaves  laid  over  it,  which  only  partly  concealed  it, 
without  it  being  troubled  by  the  Vultures,  although  they  gathered  in  such  numbers  as  to 
almost  instantly  devour  the  intestines  which  had  been  removed,  then  sat  around  on  the 
trees  in  the  neighborhood  with  their  hunger  unappeased.  Now  there  is  but  one  way  to 
explain  this  singular  abstinence  on  the  part  of  birds  which  are  usually  so  rapacious  that 
any  meat  left  exposed  is  devoured  very  quickly.  Whenever  the  puma  (Fclis  concolor) 
leaves  a  portion  of  his  food  uneaten,  he  invariably  covers  it  with  a  little  grass,  some  leaves, 
or  other  debris,  that  he  can  scratch  over  it.  He  then  conceals  himself  near  the  spot  and 
watches  the  cache  until  he  feels  hungry.  The  remains  of  the  feast  are,  as  I  have  seen, 
not  entirely  concealed  upon  such  occasions  but  are  only  partly  covered,  just  enough,  how- 
ever, to  taboo  it  for  other  animals,  and  woe  betide  the  helpless  bird  or  beast  who,  impelled 
by  hunger,  dares  to  break  the  puma's  seal;  he  is  so  near  that  a  single  bound  or  two  brings 
him  upon  them,  when  they  are  fortunate  if  they  escape  with  their  lives.  Turkey  Buzzards 
have  some  little  sagacity,  and  instinctive,  or  inherited,  sagacity  is,  as  every  naturalist 
knows,  the  strongest;  thus  meat  covered  by  a  puma  is  not  to  be  lightly  meddled  with,  and 
how  are  Turkey  Buzzards,  with  their  slight  stock  of  wisdom,  going  to  distinguish  between 
booty  covered  by  a  puma  and  that  concealed  no  less  clumsily  by  man?  As  the  olfactory 
nerves  of  these  Vultures  are  as  highly  developed  as  these  of  other  birds,  I  cannot  avoid  the 
conclusion  that  they  enjoy  the  sense  of  smell  to  an  equal  degree  with  other  species,  espe- 
cially as  nothing  in  my  experience  with  them  tends  to  show  that  they  do  not. 

Although  the  Red-headed  Vultures  congregate  in  great  numbers  in  the  vicinity  of 
cities,  towns,  and  other  settlements,  they  are  also  abundant  in  the  wilder  sections,  where 
they  are  generally  much  shyer  than  in  localities  in  which  they  are  protected.  These  Vul- 
tures breed  about  the  first  of  April  in  the  more  southern  sections,  and  a  little  later  further 
north.  The  eggs  are  usually  placed  on  the  ground  but,  Captain  Dummett  informed  me 
that  a  pair  nested  for  years  on  the  top  of  the  old  Spanish  lookout  which  stands  on  a  small 
island  in  the  Mantanzas  River  near  the  inlet.  These  birds  are  generally  distributed  and 
occur  from  Southern  Pennsylvania  to  the  extreme  point  of  Florida  and  also  on  the  Keys 
but  in  this  latter  named  locality  they  are  not  to  be  found  in  such  numbers  as  on  the 
main-land. 


CATHAR1STA  ATRATA.  331 

GENTS  It.     CATIIAKISTA.     TI1K  SoCAKK- TAILED  VULTURES. 

GEX.  Cll.  Bill,  /unif  antlruthir  x/<ni/<r.  II'  ml,  ilfftituir  nffiallu  rs,  but  the  tudt  it  covered  In  hind,  and  there  is  no 
Baited  space  ox  ///•  linaft.  Tail,  short  and  si/uuri .  !<l:Tnum,  lony,  at  least  e<tuuliny  twice  its  width  in  lenytli.  Tin  fintr 
ii.iir<;iiiril  mi!'  illations  an  ofim.  Furcu/a,  not  i-ery  wide  at  base. 

'uali>  i-  quite  lliii'k,  hut  there  are  i tliiT  laryngeal  muscles.  The  inferior  larynx  is  very  small,  nnd 

re  no  tympaniform  or  semilunar  mem  I  mines,  wliile  tlic  lower  portions  of  brunch  iuls  are  Dtembrnneoufl,  The  \ 

i<  in i ii' 1 1  tin i  1,'iie.l  I  liiMiiii'Luiit.  '!'!H'  ic-iphagi|s  is  dilated  near  I  lie  middle  into  a  \ery  large  civp,  ami  tlic  walls  arc  usually 
In.  The  pro\entrieul:i>  is  yen  largo,  wi:'i  tin-  walls  quite  thick,  and  10111)11  scd  uf  numerous,  small.  Dimple,  glands, 

arranged  in  a  znniilar  haml  which  nira<urc<  IVutn  I'tKl  to  T25  in  width.     Thestoinach  is  small,  smicwhat  filnlnilar  in  iorin, 

with  quite  thin  walN,  lined  with  a  s  .ft  membrane.  There  is  n  pyloric  lobe,  '75  in  diameter.  The  fold  of  the  i!iio'!.-n;:m 
.  mi  asnrini;  from  8'00  to  lO'OO,  an  i  incl.ises  a  >mall,  tiTci^ularly  F  rniod  ]>ancrcas  which  only  oi'cupics  a  -iimt 

portion  of  its  entire  length,  near  stomach.  Cicea,  wanting.  Both  l,.lie<  ol  the  liver  are  short,  thick,  and  nearly  equal  in 
Flic  heart  is  la  rue  and  triangular  in  form.  The  spleen  is  nn  oval-shnped  body  situated  on  the  proventriculus.  There 

i»  l>ut  one  species  within  our  limits. 


CATHARISTA  ATRATA. 
Black-headed  Buzzard. 

Cotharisla  atrata  (iiiAV,  Hand  List,  I;  1869. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sr.  Cn.     Form,  robust.    Size,  large.    Sternum,  stunt,  with  the  keel  considerably  arched.    Tongue,  moderately  long, 
'leepl\  eoncare  above,  and  the  flire-are  provided  with  numerous,  fine  soft  papillae  which  point  backward.    The 
tip  i<  rounded  lint  not  bifid.     Sexes,  similar  in  color. 

<u.     Adult,     riiit'.irin  dark  liruwnish-black  throughout,  with  a  greenish  iridescence  on  both  surfaces,  beedining 
on  i  lie  primaries,  especially  on  the  outer  webs  of  two  thirds  of  the  basal  portions,  where  the  colors  are  very  light, 
and  the  -hafi-  are  white. 

Yuan;/,  (tnite  similar  to  the  adult,  but  less  iridescent  and  the  feathers  extend  up  further  on  the  back  of  the  neck, 
reaching  the  occiput. 

Nestlings.  Are,  at  lirst,  covered  with  a  dirty-white  down  then  gradually  assume  the  plumage  last  described.  Head 
and  neck,  black  and  covered  with  short,  black  hairs,  iris,. hi",  and  feet,  dark-brown,  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

There  is  11  little  variation  in  plumage,  some  specimens  lx;ing  darker  or  lighter  than  the  type.     This  species  may  be  at 
."  the  square  tail,  black  head  and  colors  as  described.     Distributed,  as  a  constant  resident,  throughout  the 
Carolina-;  and  southward,  not  very  common  north  of  this  point  but  straggling  into  New  England  as  far  as  Maine. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  female  specimens  from  Florida.  Length,  26-00;  stretch,  SS'OO;  wing,  17-25;  tail,  R  00;  bill, 
1  1.5;  lur-ii-.  :;•_'-.  Longest  specimen,  27-00;  greatest  extent  ofwing,  (V)-(Ki;  longest  win;;,  IS'OO;  tail.i-t-50;  bill,  T30;  tarsus, 
3-3.x  -iieeimen,  25'00:  smallest  i-xtent  i,C  win.u.  :><;•(«);  ubi  iti-t  wini;,  IG-.W;  tail,  7'50;  hill,  1-00;  tarsus,  ^••J.'i. 

ii-eiiii-nts  of  mule  specimens  from  Florida.     Length,  25'00;  stretch,  .17 •  jVI;  wing.  lo-7.">:  tail,  7'45;   hill, 

I'lO;  tai-su-.  3-15.     Longest  specimen,  26'dO;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  59-00;  longest  wing,  17'50;  tail,  7'75:  bill,  rail:  tar- 

JO.     Shortest  specimen,  24'IX);  smallest  extent  of  wing,  56'Otl;  sl.orttst  wing,  lfi'00;  tail,  7-00;  bill,  I'OO;  tarsus,  3'00. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  on  the  ground  or  occasionally  on  prostrate  logs,  in  the  woods;  but  little  or  no  material  is  used  in  con- 
structing them. 

S  one  or  two  in  number,  varying  from  elliptical  to  oval  in  form,  yellowish-white  or  creamy  in  color,  blotched  and 
spotted  with  very  dark-brown  and  umber.    Dimensions  from  2'05 x 3'00  to  2'  10 x  3'  10. 

11AIHTS. 

As  will  be  seen  by  the  description,  the  Black-headed  Vultures  differ  greatly  from  the 
preceding  species  in  form  and  anatomical  structure,  and  they  also  differ  widely  in  habit; 
so  widely,  in  fact,  that  the  two  species  scarcely  have  any  peculiarities  in  common.  It  is 


334  WHITE-HEADED  DOVE. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

There  is  little  or  no  variation  in  plumage  in  specimens  which  I  have  examined.  Readily  known  from  all  allied  species 
by  the  white  head  and  colors  as  described.  Occurs  in  summer  on  the  Florida  Keys;  resident  in  the  Bahamas  and  West 
Indies. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  male  specimens  from  Florida.  Length,  13-12;  stretch,  21P75;  wing,  5'50:  tail,  5-<15;  bill,  71; 
tarsus,  1-05.  Longest  specimen,  14-25;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  23'50;  longest  wing,  7-.W;  tail,  5-50;  bill,  '70;  tarsus,  TIG. 
Shortest  specimen,  12  00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  21VOO;  shortest  wing,  G'50:  tail,  5'4i>;  bill,  '70;  tarsus,  I'OO. 

DESCRIPTION  OP  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  low  trees  or  bushes;  they  are  not  bulky  structures,  being  composed  of  sticks  carelessly  arranged,  and 
are  without  lining. 

Fyys,  one  or  two  in  number,  oval  in  form,  pure  creamy-white  in  color,  with  the  surface  very  smooth.  Dimensions,  from 
1-02x1-40  to  1-05x1-45. 

HABITS. 

During  my  visit  to  the  Florida  Keys  in  1870-71,  I  searched  eagerly  for  the  White- 
headed  Pigeons,  but  I  did  not  find  them  upon  my  arrival,  early  in  November,  although  I 
was  assured  by  the  inhabitants  of  Key  West  that  some  had  been  shot  only  a  few  days  pre- 
vious, nor  was  I  so  fortunate  as  to  meet  with  them  late  in  spring  although  I  remained  un- 
til the  last  of  May.  I  heard  from  them  repeatedly,  however,  for  nearly  every  one  was 
familiar  with  the  wild  Pigeons,  as  they  are  called,  for  these  birds  are  still  quite  common, 
especially  in  autumn.  They  breed  abundantly  on  certain  small  keys  which  lie  between 
the  chain  of  larger  keys  and  the  outer  reef.  Here  they  are  quite  tame  and  I  was  informed 
by  the  wife  of  one  of  the  wreckers,  that  they  bred  in  the  thick  bushes  which  grew  not.  far 
from  her  door.  They  were  never  disturbed  when  nesting  and,  consequently,  became  so 
familiar  that  her  little  boy  was  accustomed  to  play  with  the  young  squabs  as  they  sat  in 
the  nest,  while  the  parent  Doves  would  alight  near  and  unconcernedly  watch  the  proceed- 
ing. Later  in  the  season,  these  birds  are  represented  as  being  very  will. 

In  the  middle  of  June,  1874,  my  assistants,  when  I  was  prevented  from  accompany- 
ing them  through  sickness,  visited  (he  small  keys  mentioned  and  found  the  birds  breeding 
on  them.  At  this  season,  the  heat  so  far  south  is  perfectly  stifling;  add  to  this  the  fact 
that  clouds  oj  mosquitoes  constantly  rise  from  the  rank  vegetation  to  greet  the  intruder 
with  numberless  stings,  and  one  can  readily  understand  that  a  collector  must  be  very  en- 
thusiastic to  prosecute  his  researches  very  far  in  such  a  region.  In  spite  of  these  difficul- 
ties, however,  one  of  the  party  succeeded  in  finding  several  nests  and  in  shooting  about  a 
dozen  birds,  many  of  which  he  was  unable  to  find  in  the  thick  and  thorny  jungle,  especi- 
ally when  tormented  to  such  an  extent  by  his  insect  assailants.  The  nests  were  built 
low  in  the  thickest  part  of  the  scrub,  from  which  it  was  difficult  to  dislodge  the  birds. 

In  flight  and  note,  the  White-headed  Pigeons  resemble  the  Domestic  Dove.  They 
arrive  on  the  Florida  Keys  about  the  first  week  in  June  and  depart  late,  in  October.  Dur- 
ing the  autumn,  their  numbers  are  considerably  augmented  by  migrants  from  the  Baha- 
mas which  are  attracted  to  the  Keys  by  the  abundance  of  the  fruit  of  the  sea  grape,  upon 
which  the  Doves  feed.  They  are  shot  for  food  by  the  wreckers  in  autumn,  but  are  now  lit- 
tle disturbed  when  nesting,  and  although  they  are  far  from  being  as  abundant  as  described 
by  Audubon,  they  are  still  quite  common. 


ECTOP1STES  M1GRATOR1A.  336 

CF.NIS  11.    K(Toi'Kn:s.   TIIF,  \'\c,\ 

GEN.  Cu.  Bill,  rather  tony  anil  ili  ml' r.  Toil,  n  ry  lony  and  jiointed  or yraduat-ii.  Sternum,  rathir  wide.  Cteca, 
tmall. 

Memlx-rs  of  thi<  genus  are  quite  large,  not  very  dull  in  color,  with  conspicuous  white  markings  on  the  long  tail.  There 
is  but  one  species  within  our  limits. 


ECTOPISTES  M1GRATORIA. 

Wild  Pigeon. 
Eclopislei  miyratoria  Sw.vix,  Zool.  Jour.,  Ill;  1827,  355. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Si>.  Cir.     Form,  robust.     Si/o,  large.     Sternum,  stout.    Tongue,  moderately  long,  thin,  narrow  at  tip  which  is  pointed. 

i,  very  small.     Tail,  long  and  irraduatcd. 

(.'oi.oi!.     Ai/u/t  mnli'.     Head  all  around,  neck,  c-hin.  hack ,  upper  wing  cnverts,  upper  tail  coverts,  under  wing  coverls, 
-ides,  anil  flanks,  a-hs-blne,  lightest    .11  r  •, T  name  I  p  .rtioiis.     Wings,  including  seapularies,  brown,  tlie  latter 

•ted  with  large  patches  of  black  and  tin-  tips  of  secondaries  and  miti-r  c  Igcs  of  primaries  arc  nearly  white.  Tail,  hluish- 
a-li.  I  IT,  lining  ilarkcr  toward  the  tips  „[  the  mid'U.'  1'eatln  rs.and  mucli  li^htor,  gradually  lading  int  i  white,  on  I  lie  tips  and 
outer  w,  There  i-  a  <]>•>:  ,f  tinnaiir.in  near  the  lia-al  pnrt  i  ,n  of  tli  •  inner  WC!H  ,:fall  the  feathers  exerpt- 

ing  Central  pair,  wl,i<-!i  is  followed.  ai:er  a  -Imrt   interval,  liy  an  oliiique  hand  (  f  l-.lack.     Sides  and  haek  of  neck,  ^ 
witli  \i,,!et  whieli  ha-  green  and  golden  n-tlections.     JScneuth,  pnr|ilisli-rcd,  darkest  anteriorly  and  fading  into  white  on 
the  alidoiiieii.      I'mler  tail  e  ivert-.  pure  whit  '.     Tih!a.  ])iirplis'i. 

Ailuil  f'male.     Quite  similar  to  the  male,  hut  browner  ab.ive,  Is  less  iridescent  on  the  neck,  and  is  pale  ashy-yellow 
beneath. 

Ynunjf.     Are  not  unlike  the  adult  female,  but  are  much  browner  above  and  are  dark-brown  on  the  neck  below,  while 
the  featln-r>  ot  L'e  1  wi;h  white.     The  chin  is  white,  and  the  wing  feathers  are  edged  with  rufous.     Iris, 

red,  bill,  black,  and  feet,  yellow,  in  :ii 

OBSERVATIONS. 

-ionally  the  head  is  blue  all  around,  but  otherwise  there  is  little  variation  in  plumage.     This  species  may  be  at 

"' i'e  ,'^ni/e,|  by  the  i  mill  ted  tail,  cinnamon  spots  at  its  base,  which  are  present  in  all  stages,  large  size,  and  colors  us  de- 

!>iited.  a-  a  slimmer  resident,  throughout  Middle  and  Northern  North  America,  wintering  in  the  section 
south  of  New  Kngland. 

DIMENSIONS. 

-\\>  irementsof  specimens  from  Xorth  America.     Length.  Ifi-H-J;  stretch,  23-50:  wins,  8-J5:  tail,  8'25;  bill, 

•TO;  tarsus,  1'05.     '  ii.rimen,  I7--J.">;  tent  of  wing,  M*OQ;  longest  wiag,  8'A);  tail,  «-5();  bill, -Ml;  tarsus, 

I'll".     5  n,  10-00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  -J.I-OO;  shortest  wing,  8'(KI;  tail,  S'OO;  bill,  -00;  tarsus,  I'OO. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NK.STS  AND  Kt;<,S. 

•«,  placed  in  trees.  They  are  not  very  ela'i  n-.ite  structures,  b  in-j  of  twigs  and  sticks,  without  any  lining 

whatever. 

I,  one  or  two  in  number,  varying  from  elliptical  to  oval  in  form,  pure  white  or  creamy  in  color.  Dimensions  from 
l-OOxl-50  to  I-l-J.\l-55. 

11AIMTS. 

The  Wild  Pigeons  are  now  far  from  being  common  in  Eastern  Massachusetts  and  it 
has  been  many  years  since  I  have  seen  a  flock  of  any  size  here.  Solitary  individuals  or 
small  groups  are  to  be  found  regularly  in  autumn  and  occasionally  a  pair  will  breed  in  the 
wilder  sections,  and  Mr.  W.  W.  Eager  found  a  nest  a  year  or  two  since  in  Wcston.  My 
friend,  .Mr  August  Koch,  of  Williaitisport,  of  whom  I  have  spoken  before  as  an  enthusi- 
astic sportsman  and  ornithologist,  kindly  sends  me  the  following  notes  on  this  species. 

"Should  severe  weather  or  late  snow-storms  come  on  in  March,   after  the  Wild  Pig- 


336  WILD  PIGEON. 

eons  have  arrived  on  their  breeding  grounds  in  the  beech-wood,  the  birds  will  return  south, 
and  at  such  times  they  seem  to  be  in  a  great  hurry,  but  I  have  known  them  to  stop  when 
compelled  by  hunger.  On  such  an  occasion,  a  small  flock  alighted  in  our  orchard,  when 
we  scattered  some  food  on  a  space  of  ground.  The  Pigeons  readily  went  to  feeding,  then 
left,  and  in  a  short  time,  returned,  accompanied  by  a  large  number  of  others,  and  we  caught 
some  three  hundred  under  a  lath  frame.  Single  pairs,  a  dozen,  or  several  dozens  of  the 
Wild  Pigeons  will  sometimes  nest  anywhere  in  the  mountains  and  pairs  can  be  observed 
flying  very  swiftly  back  and  forth  from  the  mountains  to  the  Susquehanna  River,  especi- 
ally in  the  morning  and  evening.  Several  years  ago,  I  noticed  a  small  flock  staying  late 
in  spring,  about  the  same  vicinity,  within  sight  of  the  city;  later  in  the  summer,  during  a 
warm  day  in  June,  I  noticed  a  small  flock  of  females  resting,  among  the  hemlocks  in  a 
swamp  and  probably  the  males  were  sitting  on  the  nests  while  the  females  were  enjoying 
themselves.  One  of  our  neighbors,  a  very  truthful  man  and  enthusiastic  Pigeon-catcher, 
has  told  me  that  when  netting  these  birds,  in  Clearfield  County,  during  the  breeding  sea- 
son, not  far  from  the  breeding  grounds,  he  caught  all  females  one  part  of  the  day  and  all 
males  the  other  part. 

"During  August,  I  have  met  with  these  Pigeons  by  twos  and  threes  on  the  mountain- 
tops,  eating  huckleberries.  I  have  killed  the  young  on  the  raspberry  bushes  and  have  also 
seen  them  eating  cherries  from  the  cherry-tree.  During  September,  the  Wild  Pigeons 
feed  a  great  deal  on  green  acorns,  later  in  the  month,  on  gumberries,  and  early  mornings, 
especially  when  foggy  and  damp,  they  may  be  observed  on  high  gum-trees  which  grow  at 
the  foot  of  the  mountains.  They  sit  near  the  top  of  the  tree  and  generally  close  together, 
their  bills  resting  on  their  breasts  and  their  feathers  puffed  out,  apparently  without  a  mo- 
tion; at  such  times,  these  birds  may,  with  caution,  be  approached  very  closely  but  should 
the  Pigeons  have  the  slightest  suspicion  of  one's  approach,  they  will  give  a  note  of  alarm, 
sounding  something  like  a  laugh  made  with  a  child's  trumpet;  this  same  note  is  occasion- 
ally used  when  not  in  danger.  When  frightened,  they  will  dart  with  great  velocity  from 
the  limbs,  by  far  surpassing  Wilson's  Snipe  in  the  twisting  motion,  and  should  the  hunter 
be  an  instant  too  late,  he  will  be  obliged  to  look  elsewhere  for  his  pot-pie,  as  the  many  birds 
will  not  alight  again  within  sight.  At  this  season,  autumn,  flocks  or  small  parties  may  be 
observed  in  the  river  bottoms,  on  warm  afternoons,  resting  quietly  among  shady  trees;  at 
such  times,  they  may  be  quite  easily  approached." 

I  am  also  greatly  indebted  to  niy  life-long  friend,  Mr.  Edward  II.  Bowers,  who  has 
always  been  a  close  observer  of  birds,  for  the  following  valuable  notes. 

"Observations  made  in  Benzie  County,  Michigan,  from  1870  to  1880,  show  that  the 
Wild  Pigeons  visit  this  section  every  alternate  year.  The  birds  breed  in  the  valley  of  the 
Betsey  River  and  these  nesting  places  occupy  several  square  miles  of  country.  The  Pig- 
eons usually  make  their  appearance  the  first  of  March  and  begin  to  build  early  in  April 
if  the  season  will  permit.  They  prefer  deciduous  woods  in  which  to  breed  and  from  ten  to 
twenty  nests  are  placed  on  a  tree. 

"At  the  head  of  Frankfort  Harbor  which  is  formed  by  the  widened  mouth  of  the  Bet- 
sey River,  is  an  extensive  marsh,  at  the  head  of  which,  in  the  cedar  timber,  is  an  open  space 


ZENAWIDM.  337 

about  OHO  hundred  foot  in  diameter,  called  the  Salt  Spring,  where  brackish  water  rises, 
which,  in  time,  has  formed  a  sort  of  mound,  a  foot  or  two  high  and  thirty  or  forty  feet  in 
diameter,  covered  with  a  thin  growth  of  grass.  During-  the  nesting  season,  this  spot  is  vis- 
ited in  the  morning  by  countless  numbers  of  Pigeons.  At  dav-broak,  a.  single  bird  appears 
from  the  nesting,  some  miles  distant,  to  reeonnoiter  and,  after  circling  around  a  moment, 
disappears.  In  an  incredibly  short  time,  the  birds  begin  to  come;  first  in  small  numbers, 
then  increasing  rapidly  until,  in  a  few  moments,  they  come  in  a  living  avalanche,  covering 
the  trees  until  the  brandies  break  with  their  numbers.  Thou  one  ventures  cautiously, 
with  a  downward  swoop  as  if  to  settle,  but  circles  over  the  ground  and  returns  to  his  porch. 
This  is  repeated  se\oral  times  by  others,  when  finally  one  alights  on  the  mound  and  others 
follow  slowly,  until  at  last,  a  perfect  torrent  falls  upon  the  spot,  covering  it  so  deeply  as 
to  endanger  the  lives  of  many  of  them  by  suffocation;  then  the  whole  enormous  body  sud- 
denly rises  with  a  deafening  roar  and  alights  on  the  trees.  This  is  repeated  until  all  are 
satisfied  unless  they  are  disturbed. 

"This  peculiar  spot  was  discovered  in  1870  by  the  professional  Pigeon-hunters  and 
now  this  little  space  brings  a  good  income  to  the  owners  who  lease  it  to  parties  engaged 
iu  netting  Pigeons,  and  one  of  the  above  mentioned  parties,  caught  with  one  spring  of  tin; 
net,  in  1870,  three  hundred  and  forty-two  birds.  At  regular  intervals  during  the  day, 
the  male  birds  relieve  the  females  in  the  process  of  incubation  and  at  these  times,  the  whole 
heavens,  as  far  as  eye  can  reach,  is  literally  filled  with  small  flocks  going  to  and  from  the 
nesting;  then  after  a  few  moments,  not  a  bird  can  be  seen  until  the  change  again  takes 
place.  I  think  the  changes  are  at  nine  o'clock  in  the  morning  and  four  in  the  afternoon. 
Millions  of  young  birds  are  killed  in  the  nest  and  the  lazy  Red  Man  is  particularly  the  cause 
of  their  destruction.  The  old  birds  are  said  to  leave  the  beech-nuts  in  the  immediate  vi- 
cinity of  the  nesting  for  the  young,  going  great  distances,  themselves,  to  feed,  for  the  whole 
of  Northern  Michigan  is  thickly  covered  with  beech-trees." 

Although  I  have,  on  one  or  two  occasions,  seen  Wild  Pigeons  even  as  far  north  as 
Massachusetts  in  winter,  this  is  beyond  their  usual  range  at  this  time,  for  the  greater 
portion  pass  the  cold  season  in  the  South. 

FAMILY  II.     ZENAIDID^fl.     THE  MOURNING  DOVES. 

The  sternum  is  rather  narrow,  not  exceeding  one  half  the  Icmjlli  of  the  top  of  the  keel, 
the  tip  of  which  is  pointed. 

Members  of  this  family  are  usually  quite  small  or  of  medium  size.  The  tarsus  is  lon- 
ger than  that  of  the  preceding  family  and  is  entirely  naked,  as  all  the  species  spend  a  great 
portion  of  their  time  upon  the  ground. 

GEXUS  I.    ZENAIDURA.    THE  TURTLE  DOVES. 

GEN.  Cn.     Bill,  weak,  iliyhlly  rounded.     Tail,  vert/  long,  equaling  the  winyt;  it  is  pointed  and  the  number  of f fathers  it 
fourteen. 

Mi'mbrrs  of  this  genus  are  remarkable  on  account  of  having  fourteen  tail  feathers,  afl  other  Pigeons  ami  Doves  occur- 
ring within  our  limits,  have  only  twelve.    There  is  but  one  s|H,vieM  iu  Nurth  America. 

43 


338  ZENA1DURA  CAROL1NEXSIS. 

ZENAIDUKA  CAEOLINENSIS. 

Carolina  Dove. 
Zenaidura  Carolinensis  BON.,  Consp.  Av.  II;  1854,  84. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cii.  Form,  slender.  Size,  medium.  Sternum,  not  very  stout.  Tongue,  long,  thin,  and  narrow,  horny  at  tip 
which  is  pointed.  Cocca,  wanting.  Tail,  long  and  graduated. 

COLOR.  Adult  male.  Top  of  head,  excepting  forehead,  and  remainder  of  upper  parts,  excepting  primaries,  seconda- 
ries, aud  tail,  bluish-ash,  pure  only  on  the  top  of  head  and  on  greater  wing  covert",  strongly  overw;!s!ied  elsewhere  with 
olivaceous-brown.  Scapularies,  broadly  spotted  with  black.  Wings,  brown,  slightly  edged  with  whitish.  Tail,  ash-blue, 
o.verwashed  with  olivaceous  on  the  middle  pair  of  feathers,  and  all,  excepting  the«e.  are  tipped  with  a  lighter  shade  which 
becomes  white  on  the  outer  margins  of  the  fir«t  pair;  while  all,  excepting  middle  pair,  have  a  subtrnninnl  bund  of  black. 
Under  wing  coverts,  sides,  and  flanks,  pale  bluish-ash.  Remainder  of  under  parts,  forehead,  sides  of  head,  and  neck,  pur- 
plish-brown, overwashed  with  bluish  on  the  breast,  and  becoming  light  yellowish  on  the  throat,  abdomen,  and  under  tail 
coverts.  Sides  of  neck,  glossed  witha  violet  iridescence  which  has  greenish  and  golden  reflections.  There  is  a  small,  black 
spot  on  the  side  of  the  head  which  has  a  bluish  gloss. 

Adult  female.  Quite  similar  to  the  male,  but  differs  in  being  mucli  browner  above  and  below,  and  there  is  less  irides- 
cence on  the  neck. 

Nestlinys.  Not  unlike  the  adult,  but  with  the  feathers  edged  with  lighter.  Top  of  head,  spotted  with  black,  and  the 
black  markings  on  the  back  are  much  more  extended.  The  throat  is  destitute  of  feathers  in  the  younger  stages.  Feet, 
pink,  bill,  black,  iris,  brown,  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Specimens  from  Florida  are  much  redder  below,  darker  abjve,  and  are  somewhat  smaller  than  more  northern  birds. 
Readily  known  from  the  preceding  species  by  the  small  size  and  absence  of  cinnamon  spots  on  the  base  of  tail,  and  from 
other  Doves  by  the  pointed  tail  which  has  fourteen  feathers.  Occurs  in  summer  throughout  the  United  States,  wintering 
from  Massachusetts  southward  but  not  common  at  this  season  north  of  the  Carolinas. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  male  specimens  from  Eastern  United  States.  Length,  11'85;  stretch,  17'  12;  wing,  6'05;  tail, 
5'2o;  bill,  '60;  tarsus,  '85.  Longest  specimen,  12'75;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  18"25;  longest  wing,  5'60;  tail,  G'OO;  bill, 
•70;  tarsus,  1  00.  Shortest  specimen,  11  00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  16'GO;  shortest  wing,  6'75:  tail,  4'50;  bill,  '50;  tar- 
sus, -70. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  low  trees  or  bushes;  they  are  not  bulky  structures,  being  composed  of  sticks  carelessly  arranged,  and 
are  without  lining. 

Eyy*,  one  or  two  in  number,  varying  from  elliptical  to  oval  inform,  pure  creamy- white  in  color,  with  the  surface  very 
smooth.  Dimensions,  from  '75  x  T02  to  '90  x  1'23. 

HABITS. 

The  Turtle  Doves  have  a  wide  distribution,  being  found  from  Massachusetts  to  Key 
West,  Florida,  and  they  breed  in  all  the  localities  in  which  they  occur.  They  are,  how- 
ever, much  more  abundant  in  some  localities  than  in  others;  thus  in  Massachusetts,  they 
occur  on  Cape  Cod  much  more  commonly  than  in  the  interior,  and  in  Pennsylvania,  they 
are  very  abundant  along  the  fertile  valleys  of  the  Susquehanna  and  its  tributaries.  In  the 
South,  they  have  a  much  more  general  distribution  for  they  are  found  in  large  numbers 
among  the  plantations,  in  the  hummocks,  and  in  the  piney  woods,  while  they  are  very  com- 
mon on  the  Keys.  They  appear  to  adapt  themselves  to  circumstances  quite  readily;  thus, 
when  alarmed  at  Key  West,  they  will  instantly  alight  in  the  midst  of  the  thickest  jungles, 
where  they  are  effectually  concealed,  while  in  the  piney  woods,  they  invariably  fly  to  the 
high  tops  of  dead  trees  when  startled,  where  they  can  watch  the  approach  of  the  intruder; 


ZENAJDA  AMABIL1S.  339 

then  further  north,  when  surprised  in  an  open  field,  they  will  dart  upward  into  air  and  will 
not  rest  contented  until  they  have  put  considerable  distance  between  themselves  and  the 
object  of  their  annoyance.  These  Doves  are  more  or  less  gregarious,  breaking  up  into  pairs, 
however,  during  the  breeding  season,  at  which  time  they  have  a  peculiarly  loud  cry  con- 
sisting of  two  notes  given  in  a  minor  tone,  and  when  heard  in  the  wilderness,  it  has  a  sin- 
gularly mournful  effect,  especially  in  coining  from  a  distance,  when  it  somewhat  resembles 
one  of  the  plaintive  moans  of  the  puma.  When  rising  from  the  ground,  the  wings  of  this 
species  produce  a  whistling  sound  which  is  quite  noticeable. 

The  Carolina  Doves  biveJ  late  in  June,  placing  the  nests  in  bushes  in  secluded  local- 
ities. The  young  appear  in  due  time  but  do  not  leave  the  nest  until  late  in  August,  when 
they  accompany  their  parents  and  are  fed  by  them  after  the  manner  of  all  Pigeons,  by  re- 
gurgitation.  These  birds  are  migratory  and  although  they  may  occasionally  be  seen  as 
far  north  as  Massachusetts,  the  greater  portion  spend  the  winter  south  of  this  point. 

GENUS  II.    ZENAIDA.    THE  SHORT-TAILED  DOVES. 

GEN.  Cn.  Bill,  rather  short.  Tail,  rounded  and  short,  not  equaling  the  winys  which  are  moderately  long.  Tarsia, 
not  lung. 

Members  of  this  genus  have  the  tail  noticeably  short.  The  colors  are  reddish  with  no  conspicuous  markings.  There 
has  been  but  one  species  token  within  our  limits. 

ZENAIDA  AMABILIS. 

Zonaida  Dove. 
Zenaida  amalii/is  BON.,  List:  1838. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sr.  Cn.  Form,  slender.  Size,  not  large.  Tail,  short  and  rounded.  Wings,  very  long.  Tarsus,  moderately  short 
and  stout.  Sexes,  quite  similar  in  color. 

di.ou.  Ailult.  Above,  yellowish-red,  overwashed  with  ashy  and  becoming  purplish  on  the  top  of  head.  Wings, 
dark-bro\vn,  with  the  secondaries  tipped  with  white,  and  the  greater  coverts  nre  like  the  back,  but  are  ovcrwashed  with 
bluish.  Inner  tail  feathers,  like  the  b;iek,but  the  remainder  are  bluish,  tipped  with  lighter  which  becomes  nearly  white  on 
tin-  oiitor  web-.  ;\n<l  there  is  a  suhtenninal  band  of  black.  Concealel  spots  on  wing  coverts,  blank,  but  the.se  become  more 
ririble  on  scapularien.  Under  wing  coverts,  sides,  and  flanks,  bluish-ash,  Kein-.ilning  lower  portions,  sides  of  head  and 
neck,  liirlit  reddish-brown,  becoming  lighter  on  chin,  throat,  and  abdomen,  and  fading  into  bluish-gray  on  the  under  tail 
coverts.  There  is  a  small  bhu-k  spot,  glossed  with  bluish,  behind  eye  and  a  larger  one  en  side  of  neck,  and  the  sides  o\ 
neck  are  iridescent  with  a  purplish  luster,  having  greenish  reflections. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

This  species  may  be  readily  known  hy  the  short  tail,  white  tippings  to  secondaries,  and  colors  as  described.  Found  by 
Audubon,  only,  on  the  Florida  Keys;  resident  in  the  Bahamas  and  West  Indies. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  the  West  Indies.  Length,  10-90;  stretch,  17'75;  wing,  5-50;  tail,  4'35;  bill, 
•58;  tarsus.  -0-J.  Longest  specimen,  ll'SO;  greatest  extent  of  win;:,  1H-IO;  longest  wing,  6'00;  tail,  470;  bill,  "60;  tarsus, 
•9J.  Shortest  specimen,  10-40;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  17'50,  shortest  wing,  5'00;  tail,  4'00;  bill,  -55;  tarsus,  -HO. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  on  the  ground  or  in  trees  or  bushes  and  when  in  the  two  latter  named  situations,  they  are  composed  of 
sticks,  carelessly  arranged;  when  on  the  ground  but  little  material  is  used. 

/.//.</--,  om-  or  two  in  number,  varying  from  elliptical  to  oval  in  form,  and  pure  white  in  color,  with  the  surface  very 
smooth.  Dimensions  from  I'OO  x  1'20  to  1'OSx  1'30. 


340  CHAMJEPELIA. 


HABITS. 

Although  the  Zenaida  Dove  is  a  well-known  bird  on  the  Bahamas  and  in  the  West 
Indies,  no  one  appears  to  have  observed  it  among  the  Keys,  excepting  Audubon  who  found 
it  quite  common  there.  When  on  the  Keys;  I  questioned  the  inhabitants  concerning  this 
Dove  but  they  knew  nothing  about  it,  yet  it  may  possibly  occur  as  a  rare  visitor;  but  I  did 
not  see  it  nor  did  my  assistants  meet  with  it,  therefore  I  can  add  nothing  new  relative  to 
it.  Audubon  says  that  it  spends  the  greater  portion  of  its  time  on  the  ground  and  that  its 
habits  are  not  dissimilar  to  those  of  the  Ground  Dove. 


GENUS  III.     CIIAMyEPELIA.    THE  LITTLE  DOVES. 

GEN.  CH.  Size,  very  small.  Bill,  slender.  Tail,  short  and  rounded,  nut  exceeding  the  wings  in  lenyth.  Sternum,  not 
wide.  Feet,  small. 

Members  of  this  genus  are  very  small,  not  very  dull  in  color,  with  no  conspicuous  white  markings  anywhere.  There 
is  but  one  species  within  our  limits. 

CHAMJEPELIA  PASSERINA. 

Ground  Dove. 
Chamxpelia passerina  SWAIN,  Zool.  Jour.,  Ill;  1827,  358. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  rather  slender.  Size,  small.  Sternum,  not  stout.  Tongue,  short,  moderately  thick  and  fleshy,  fur- 
rowed above,  but  horny  at  tip  which  is  provided  with  c  larse  cilia.  Ssxes,  not  similar. 

COLOR.  Adult  male.  Top  of  head  and  occiput,  bluish-a^h,  with  the  edges  of  the  feathers  darker.  Remainder  of  up- 
per portions,  excepting  secondaries  and  primaries,  brownish-ash,  while  the  outer  wing  coverts  are  edged  with  purplish-ivd. 
There  are  rounded  spotsof  black,  glossed  with  violet,  on  the  the  latter  named,  mid  oblique  patches  on  thescapuhirirs  uf  tho 
same  color.  The  tail  feathers  arc  slightly  tipped  with  white,  and  the  entire  terminal  portion,  excepting  central  pair,  is  pur- 
plish-black, which  extends  to  the  base  beneath.  Wings,  dark-brown,  with  the  ba*e  beneath,  under  wing  coverts,  and  in- 
ner webs,  excepting  tips,  cinnamon-red.  Forehead,  sides  cf head  and  neck,  and  under  portions,  pnrpltnh-red,  lighter  <m 
the  threat,  and  becoming  browner  on  the  abdomen  and  under  tail  c  iverts,  where  the  feathers  are  tipped  with  white.  Part- 
ly concealed  spots  on  the  breast  are  dark-brown  and  the  feathers  of  this  part  are  very  narrowly  edged  with  dark  purplish- 
red. 

Adult  ftmale.  Differs  from  the  male  in  being  paler  above  and  below,  while  the  blue  of  the  head  is  overwashed  with 
brownish. 

Nesllinys.  Are  not  unlike  the  adult  but  are  duller  and  decidedly  rufous  beneath,  especially  on  the  abdomen.  Iris,  red, 
yellow,  or  red  and  yellow  mixed,  bill,  yellow,  black  at  tip,  and  feet,  yellow,  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Specimens  are  very  uniform  in  color,  and  although  skins  from  Key  West  are  a  little  smaller  in  size,  they  do  not  ap- 
pear darker  than  those  from  further  north.  Known  by  the  small  size,  rounded  tail ,  and  colors  as  described.  Distributed, 
as  a  onitant  resident,  throughout  the  Carol  inns  and  southward. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  sixty  specimens  from  Florida.  Length,  7'00;  stretch,  ll'Ofl;  wing,  3'60;  tail,  2  32;  bill,  '52; 
tarsus,  -65.  Longest  specimen,  7-5C;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  11'5<);  longest  wing,  380;  tail,  2*60;  bill,  '58;  tarsus,  '80. 
Shortest  specimen,  6'50;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  10'5<);  shortest  wing,  3'40;  tail,  2'05;  bill,  '45;  tarsus,  -52. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  trees  or  bushes  or  on  the  ground.  They  are  rather  elaborate  structures,  being  composed  of  twigs  and 
weeds,  lined  with  Spanish  moss. 

Egys,  one  or  two  in  number,  varying  from  elliptical  to  oval  in  form,  pure  white  or  creamy  in  color.  Dimensions  from 
•63x-80  to  -65x-90. 


GEOTRYGON  MART1N1CX.  341 

HABITS. 

On  my  trip  south  during  the  winter  of  1870-77,  I  did  not  find  the  Ground  Doves  at 
all  until  I  arrived  in  South  Carolina,  and  hero  they  were  quite  common  on  the  cotton  plan- 
tations of  the  Sea  Islands.  This  point  is  about  their  northern  range,  for  they  are  not  mi- 
gratory but  are  abundant  below  this  section  as  far  as  Key  West.  In  habit,  these  little 
Doves  resemble  Quail  for  they  spend  tin;  greater  portion  of  their  time  upon  the  ground, 
and  usually  associate  in  small  Hocks,  feeding  upon  the  seeds  of  weeds  and  grass.  If  start- 
led at  such  times,  they  rise  with  a  whistling  noise  of  the  wings  and  conceal  themselves 
in  the  nearest  thicket  from  which  it  is  difficult  to  dislodge  them;  then,  when  forced  to  leave 
this  place  of  refuge,  they  will  instantly  dart  into  the  first  available  patch  of  shrubbery. 
They  appear  to  be  general  favorites  with  all  classes  and  even  the  negroes  seldom  shoot  the 
Mourning  Doves,  as  they  call  them;  consequently  the  birds  become  quite  tame,  often  fre- 
quenting the  streets  and  gardens  of  the  towns. 

They  breed  rather  late  and  I  did  not  find  tho  eggs  until  the  first  week  in  May  in  Flor- 
ida. I  have  always  found  the  nests  in  orange  groves  which  appear  to  be  the  chosen  resorts 
of  these  pretty,  little  Doves.  The  neat  domiciles  are  placed  in  the  lower  limbs  of  trees, 
and  when  approached,  the  female  will  quickly  slip  off  her  eggs  and  feign  lameness,  behav- 
ing just  as  I  have  seen  the  Bay-winged  Bunting  or  other  Sparrows  do  under  similar  circum- 
stances. The  male  will  also  fly  round  and  round  the  place,  becoming  quite  excited  but 
never  approaching  very  near;  both  birds,  however,  evince  much  more  solicitude  for  their 
eggs  than  is  usually  manifested  by  Pigeons. 

Like  all  members  of  the  order,  the  Ground  Doves  are  very  tenacious  of  life,  and  as  the 
feaihers  become  loosened  very  easily,  it  is  difficult  to  secure  perfect  specimens,  especially 
us  the  birds  often  lose  a  large  portion  of  their  plumage  in  struggling  if  not  killed  outright. 
The  collector  is,  therefore,  obliged  to  exercise  great  care  when  handling  a  wounded  bird  or 
he  will  find  himself  surrounded  by  a  small  cloud  of  feathers  which  come  from  the  bird  when 
it  is  held  too  tightly. 

The  coo  of  the  Ground  Doves  is  particularly  mournful  and  is  given  by  the  males  when 
courting  the  females,  which  they  do  by  strutting  before  them,  bowing  the  head,  and  puffing 
out  their  feathers.  These  Doves  occur  much  more  abundantly  on  the  sea-shore  than  in 
the  interior  but  they  are  also  found  some  distance  from  the  coast. 

(jKxrs  iv.   <;EOTKY<;ON.  THE  GROUND  DOVES. 

(  JK.V.  Cn.     Bill,  weal;,  tony,  and  slender.     Tail,  rather  short  and  well  rounded.      Wings,  not  pointed.     Tarsus,  quite 
short  and  slnut. 


s  of  this  yenus  are  of  medium  size  nn>l  of  rather  dull  colors  but  ofteri  have  prominent  white  markings  on  the 
head.     There  is  but  oae  species  within  our  limits. 

GEOTRYGON  MARTINICA. 

Key  West  Dove. 
Geotryyon  marlinica  HON.,  Consp.  Av.  II;  1854,  74. 

DESCIUI'TION. 

SP.  Cn.     Form,  rather  slender.     Size,  medium.     Tail,  short  and  slightly  graduated,  while  the  feathers  are  broad  as 
are  aUu  thuse  ui  the  wings. 


342  KEY  WEST  DOVE. 

COLOR.  Adult.  General  color  of  upper  parts,  brownish-red,  with  the  outer  margins  of  the  feathers  of  primaries  and 
tail  edged  with  greenish.  There  isa  purplish  iridescence  on  the  head,  neck,  hack,  rump,  and  upper  wing  coverts,  which 
li;i~  jr. 'eenish  reflections  on  the  last  two.  Forehead  and  line  behind  eye,  purplish-red,  which  is  follcr.ved  l>y  a  line  of  white, 
bordered  below  by  one  of  purplish,  and  the  throat  is  white.  Remainder  of  under  parts,  light  purplish-red,  becoming  white 
on  tlie  abdomen  and  under  tail  coverts. 

Ncst/inys.  Dark  ashy-brown,  becoming  considerably  lighter  below.  Feet,  pink,  bill,  yellow,  red  at  base,  iris,  red,  in 
all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Readily  known  from  other  Doves  by  the  prominent  white  markings  as  described.  Occurs  in  summer  on  Key  West, 
but  is  constantly  resident  in  the  West  Indies. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  male  specimens  from  the  West  Indies.  Length,  11'15;  stretch,  17'25;  wing,  6'05;  tail,  4'39; 
bill,  "73;  tarsus,  1-13.  Longest  specimen,  11'75;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  17'50;  longest  wing,  6'  15;  tail,  4'58;  bill,  -75; 
tarsus,  1'15.  Shortest  specimen,  10  60;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  17'00;  shortest  wing,  5'90:  tail,  4'20;  bill,  '70;  tarsus,  Tls!. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  low  bushes  or  on  the  ground;  they  are  not  bulky  structures,  being  composed  of  sticks  carelessly  ar- 
ranged, and  are  without  lining. 

F,yyx,  are,  according  to  Audubon,  two  in  number,  oval  in  form,  pure  white  in  color,  and  about  the  size  of  those  of  the 
White-headed  Dove. 

HABITS. 

When  I  visited  Key  West  in  1870,  one  of  the  first  birds  for  which  I  searched,  was 
the  Key  West  Pigeon.  Having  read  Audubon's  account  of  these  birds,  I  had  some  idea 
where  to  look  for  them  and  therefore,  I  started  for  the  scrub,  back  of  the  town,  a  day  or 
two  after  my  arrival.  I  found  the  thickets  very  dense  but  fortunately,  they  were  traversed 
by  certain  paths  along  which  I  walked  cautiously,  keeping  a  sharp  lookout  for  something 
new,  when  upon  turning  a  corner  suddenly,  a  Dove  rose  unexpectedly,  with  noiseless  wings, 
from  the  dust  in  front  of  me  and,  in  a  twinkling,  vanished  in  the  thicket.  I  promptly 
turned  to  follow  him,  confident  that  I  was  about  to  secure  a  prize,  for  I  could  see  that  he 
had  alighted  not  far  away.  I  am  tolerably  familiar,  through  a  life-long  experience,  with 
all  kinds  of  woodland,  but  when  I  entered  this  thicket  at  Key  West,  I  found  that  I  had  a 
new  lesson  to  learn,  for  a  more  impenetrable  jungle,  it  was  never  my  lot  to  see.  It  was 
made  up  of  small  shrubbery,  about  ten  feet  in  height,  and,  at  least,  three  fourths  of  the 
species  were  furnished  with  long  hooked  thorns,  and  the  branches  of  them  all  were  closely 
interlaced  from  top  to  bottom  with  thorny  vines.  Several  species  of  large  cacti,  armed  with 
long,  sharp  spines,  grew  plentifully  among  the  luxuriant  vegetation,  and  the  way  was 
further  impeded  by  triangular  pieces  of  coral  rock  with  which  the  surface  of  the  ground 
was  strewed;  add  to  this  array  of  obstacles,  the  fact  that  the  weather  was  intolerably  hot 
and  that  mosquitoes  were  very  abundant,  and  one  can  judge  that,  although  a  jungle  of  this 
description  is  quite  picturesque  when  viewed  from  the  outside,  a  closer  inspection  is  not 
so  pleasant.  Through  these  obstacles,  then,  I  slowly  wended  my  way,  endeavoring  to 
preserve  the  utmost  silence,  but  just  as  I  caught  sight  of  the  wished  for  Dove  which  was 
running  along  the  ground,  not  far  away,  I  stumbled  over  a  pointed  stone;  the  bird  rose 
and  disappeared  deeper  in  the  thicket,  wrhere  all  my  searching  failed  to  discover  him.  A 
few  days  later,  I  started  another  Dove  but  a  similar  misfortune  prevented  me  from  secur- 


STARNOENAS  CYANOCEPHALA.  343 

ing  it,  and  a  short  time  after,  while  looking  for  them  again,  T had  the  ill  luck  to  run  a  cactus 
spine,  some  three  inches  long,  into  my  knee,  the  point  entering  between  the  small  bones, 
where  it  broke;  as  a  consequence,  I  was  confined  to  the  house  for  nearly  two  weeks.  This 
occurred  during  the  second  week  in  November  and  when  I  rendered  sufficiently  to  again 
enter  the  resort  which  I  have  described,  I  could  not  find  the  Doves,  so  concluded  that  they 
had  migrated. 

Although  I  was  not  near  enough  (o  identify  these  birds  beyond  a  doubt,  I  am  convinced 
that  they  were  the  Key  West  Doves.  Shortly  after  this,  I  was  informed  by  Mr.  Joseph 
Brown  who  was  then  mayor  of  the  city  of  Key  West  and  who  had  lived  on  the  place  for 
many  years,  tha!  he  had  known  Audnbon  when  he  was  on  the  island  and  that  this  ornithol- 
ogist had  taken  the  Key  West  Pigeons  near  the  place  where  I  saw  the  Doves  in  question. 
Mr.  Brown  also  informed  me  that  Doves  of  all  the  species  which  now  occur  on  the  island, 
were  much  more  common  then  than  now,  for  the  island  was  thickly  covered  with  a  heavy 
grow  th  of  timber,  whereas,  at  the  present  time,  there  is  scarcely  a  tree  in  the  wilder  section, 
over  twenty  feet  high. 

GENUS  V.    STARNOENAS.    THE  QUAIL  DOVES. 

GKX.  CH.  Bil!,  rcry  short.  Tail,  but  little  rounded,  short,  and  broad.  Winys,  also  short  and  notpointed.  Tarsus, 
not  hint/. 

Members  of  this  genus  dc^elv  re-emble  the  Quails  in  general  appearance,  being  stout  and  round  in  form,  with  short 
wings  a  ad  tail.  Then,'  has  boen  but  one  species  taken  within  our  limits. 


STARNOENAS  CYANOCEPHALA. 

Blue-headed  Dove. 
Slarnoenas  cyanocephala  BON.,  List;  1838. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.     Form,  robust.     Size,  quite  large.     Tail,  short  and  but  little  rounded.     Wings,  short.     Tarsus,  moderately 
short  and  stout.     Si-xe-.  quite  similar  in  color. 

>«.  Ailu/t.  Above,  and  on  -Mrs  and  flunks,  chocolate-brown,  overwashed  with  olivaceous.  Top  of  head,  blue, 
banded  bi'luw  with  a  line  of  black  \\  !;ir-h  becomes  quite  wide  on  occiput  and  narrow  in  front.  Sides  of  head  and  forehead, 
black,  with  a  white  lino  passing  from  chin,  beneath  eye,  toocciput.  Throat,  black,  bordered  with  white  Iwlow.  Remain- 
ing lower  portions,  reddish-brown,  becoming  lighter  on  the  middle  of  breast  and  darker  on  the  under  tail  coverts.  The 
tail  f<  athers  are  overwashed  with  bluish  on  outer  webs. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

This  species  may  be  readily  known  by  the  short  tail,  robust  form,  and  colors  as  described.     Found  only  by  Audubon 
on  the  Florida  Keys;  resident  in  the  West  Indies. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  the  West  Indies.     Length,  11-60;  stretch,  17-25;  wing,  5-50;  tail,  4'40;  bill, 

•55;  tarsus,  1'30.     Longe-i  ^ imen,  l'J'50;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  17'50;  longest  winir.  .VCrfl;  tail,  -I'.iO;  bill,  •<><>;   tarsus, 

1'35.     Shortest  specimen,  10-70;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  17'00;  shortest  wing,  5'40;  tail,  4'30;  bill,  '50;  tarsus,  1-85. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

.'.t,  placed  on  the  ground  or  in  trees  or  bushes  and  when  in  the  two  latter  named  situations,  they  arc  composed  of 
stick-,  carelessly  arranged:  when  on  the  ground  but  little  material  is  u*ed. 

Eyys,  one  or  two  in  number,  varying  from  elliptical  to  oval  in  form,  and  pure  white  in  color,  with  the  surface  very 
smooth.     Dimensions  from  l'05x  1-40  to  l-lOzl'43. 


344  GALLINM. 

»  HABITS. 

Audubon  appears  to  be  the  only  ornithologist  who  has  ever  met  with  this  singular 
Dove  on  the  Florida  Keys  and  he  never  procured  a  specimen  but  merely  saw  a  pair  early 
in  May,  1832;  yet  he  was  informed  by  the  inhabitants  that  they  occurred  on  the  Mule 
Keys,  where,  however,  he  failed  to  find  them.  I  never  saw  a  specimen  there  nor  heard  of 
them  and  think  that  they  must  be  very  rare  now  on  the  Keys,  if  they  occur  there  at  all. 
Out  of  the  five  species  of  Doves  which  Audubon  found  ou  the  Keys,  but  two,  the  White- 
headed,  and  Ground,  Doves,  occur  at  all  commonly.  This  diminution  in  the  number  of 
these  birds,  may  be  due  to  the  persecution  to  which  they  are  subjected  during  autumn,  for 
nearly  all  the  species  are  killed  for  food,  but  it  is  probably  largely  due  to  the  fact,  that  the 
Keys  are  not  as  heavily  wooded  now  as  formerly,  thus  they  do  not  present  as  many  availa- 
ble places  of  shelter  for  the  birds.  It  will  be  observed  that  I  say  that  Audubon  only  found 
five  species  of  this  order  on  the  Keys,  for  he  evidently  never  saw  the  Carolina  Dove  there, 
for  when  speaking  of  the  Zenaida  Dove,  he  says,  "The  cooing  of  this  species  so  much  re- 
sembles that  of  the  Carolina  Dove,  that,  were  it  not  rather  soft,  and  heard  in  a  part  of  the 
world  where  the  latter  is  never  seen,  you  might  easily  take  it  for  the  notes  of  that  bird." 
This  is  worthy  of  notice,  for  the  Carolina  Doves  are  now  common  on  all  the  Keys,  ,ind 
when  taken  in  connection  with  the  fact,  that  they  prefer  more  open  country  than  is  inhab- 
ited by  the  other  Doves  which  I  have  described,  tends  to  show  that  they  have  extended 
their  range  to  these  islands  since  the  time  of  Audubon's  visit. 

OKDERXII.    GALLINAE.    G1JOUSE,  ETC. 

Posterior  margin  of  sternum,  much  rounded.  Inner  marginal  indentations,  deeper  thai 
outer  and  very  wide.  Furcula,  with  prominent  terminal  expansion.  Naked  space  above  nos- 
trils, hard. 

This  order  embraces  many  families  and  the  species  are  distributed  throughout  the 
world.  These  birds  are  not  unlike  the  Doves  and  Pigeons  but  differ  from  them  greatly  in 
many  very  important  characters.  The  sternum  is  quite  long,  exceeding  twice  its  width  in 
length.  The  marginal  indentations  are  four  but  the  two  inner  are  not  inclosed,  being  wide 
and  deep  and  occupying  m  re  than  one  half  of  the  length  of  the  sternum.  The  keel  is  high 
but  does  not  extend  the  entire  length  of  the  sternum.  There  is  quite  a  prominent  inanu- 
brium.  The  furcula,  although  long,  is  quite  weak  but  has  a  prominent  terminal  expansion. 
Scapula,  truncated  but  not  pointed.  The  oesophagus  is  dilated  into  a  single  crop  which  is 
not  provided  with  any  special  glands,  and  the  young  are  not  fed  by  regurgitation  for  they 
run  at  birth.  The  tympaniform  membrane  is  present  but  there  is  no  semilunar  membrane, 
although  there  is  an  os  transversale.  The  proventriculus  is  remarkably  well  developed. 
The  stomach  is  very  muscular  and  is  lined  with  a  hard,  rugose  membrane.  The  fold  of 
the  duodenum  is  not  long  and  incloses  a  large  double  pancreas.  The  intestines  are  quite 
small  and  long  and  the  coecaare  remarkably  long.  The  tail  is  not  only  rounded  and  pointed 
but  is  sometimes  forked.  The  eggs  are  usually  more  than  two  in  number  and  the  young, 
when  first  hatched,  are  covered  with  down. 


PLATE  XXVItl 


DENDRCE1CA  MACULOSA. 
BkcV  and  Yellow  WarWer. 


MELEAGRIS  GALLOP AVO.  346 

FAMILY  I.     MKLKAGRIDTD/E.     THE  TURKKVS. 

Head  and  neck,  destitute  of  feathers.  T»j>  of  keel,  not  etji/ulinij  in  h'iKjth  tin'  </<>/>thof 
the.  inner  nianjimil  i/tde/ifitliunx,  anil  the  tip  is  nut  produced  forward.  Terminal  i'.r/nit/sinti, 
offi/rci/l<i,  not  wide,  and  </]>jir(,ji>it<ili/iy  very  chisel  y  to  the  sternum.  Upper  process  of  ma- 
ni/lirium,  not  produced  forward, 

The  costal  process  ol'the  sternum  is  narrow  and  truncated,  and  the  bone  of  the  ex- 
treme outer  edge,  beyond  the  outer  marginal  indentation,  is  widened  and  produced  forward. 
There  is  also  a  large  perforation  through  the  mamibrium  and  the  sternum  in  front  of  the 
keel  is  furrowed,  while  the  depression  is  provided  with  a  central  ridge. 

GENUS  I.    MEI.EACIMS.    THE  TURKEYS. 

Gi:x.  On.  Forehead,  proriilul  tcil/i  ajlfsliy  cunt  ir/iirh  is  extensible.  Tarsus,  spurred.  Tail,  rather  long  and  rounded. 
Breast  of  males,  usually  proritletl  irith  a  inn;/  /ufl  ofMltl/et. 

TliI"  genus  contains  hut  few  sjiocies,  :mj  all  of  them  are  of  a  large  size,  with  well  marked  characters,  as  given  above. 
There  is  but  one  species  within  our  limits. 

MELEAGRIS  GALLOP AVO. 

Wild  Turkey. 
Meleagris  galloparo  Li.v.v,  Sy>t.  Nat.,  I;  1766,  268. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sr.  Cn.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  Sternum,  stout.  Head  and  neck,  destitute  of  feathers  but  sprinkled  with  fine 
bristles.  Feathers,  lirn:id  at  tip  and  abruptly  truncated. 

COI.OK.  Ailu/l  tn/i/i'.  I'.idy  throughout,  black,  each  feather  is  crossed  with  a  subtenninnl,  iride-cent  band  of  bluish 
which  lias  grivnisii  and  bronze  reflect  ion-*.  Itump  and  upper  tail  coverts,  banded  with  deep  chestnut.  Wings,  very  dark- 
brown,  finely  bonded  with  yellowish-white.  The  tail  is  deep  cliiNtnut  tipped  with  lighter,  there  is  a  broad,  suhterminal 
if  dark-brown  and  the  remainder  of  the  feathers  are  finely  mottled  and  banded  with  chestnut,  while  the  flanks  and 
umlr,  ;ire  tipped  with  the  same  eolnr.  AUdonieii  and  tibia,  yellowish-brown  with  the  feathers  tipped  with 

lighter.  Head  and  neck,  blue  an d  red.  Feet,  red.  Bill,  red,  yellow  »t  tip.  Iris,  brown. 

Arlvltfunale.  Quite  similar  to  the  male,  but  differs  in  being  somewhat  smaller,  and  less  brilliant  in  color.  The  spurs 
on  tl-e  legs  and  bristles  on  the  breast  are  usually  a'.iscnt. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Tliis  speeies  may  be  at  once  recognized  by  its  resemblance  to  the  well-known  domestic  Turkey,  from  which  the  wild 
'lowever,  in  b.-ing  more  brilliant  in  eol'ir.     Distributed,  as  a  constant  resident,  in  favorable  localities,  through- 
out Eastern  United  States.     1'robably  extinct  in  New  England. 

DIMENSIONS, 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Eastern  United  States.     Length,  42'00;  stretch,  62'50;  wing,  19'50;  tail, 
Mil,  1'1'J;  tarsus,  fl'50.      Longest  >peeimen,  50'OC;  greati-st  extent  of  wini;,  (iH-(H);  Iongc>st   win^,   -'I'OO;   tail,  17  50; 
bill,  1-25;  tarsus,  7'00.     Shortest  specimen,  34'00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  57'0<);  shortest  wing,  18'00;  tail,  15  50;  bill, 
1-00;  tarsus,  6'00. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

AV<M,  placed  on  the  ground.  They  are  not  very  elaborate  structures,  being  composed  of  leaves,  weeds,  or  other  con- 
venient material. 

Eyys,  from  ten  to  twenty  in  nuinlxr,  short  oval  in  form,  creamy  or  buff  in  color,  spotted  and  dotted,  usually  quite 
thickly,  with  reddish-brown.  Dimensions  from  T85x2'45  to  2'00x2'50. 

HABITS. 

The  Wild  Turkey  which  has  received  as  much,  if  not  more,  attention  from  writers, 
than  any  other  species  of  American  birds,  is  rapidly  becoming  exterminated.  There  has 

44 


346  TETRAONIDJE. 

not  been  a  specimen  taken  in  New  England  for  many  years  and  the  same  is  quite  true 
of  many  other  sections  of  country  equally  large.  Turkeys  are,  however,  still  common  in 
Florida,  so  common,  in  fact,  that  I  have  several  times  observed  flocks  from  the  deck  of  the 
steamers  that  run  up  the  St.  Johns,  and  there  is  scarcely  a  hummock  in  the  state,  that  is 
not  inhabited  by  them.  They  are,  however,  wary  birds  and  know  well  how  to  take  care 
of  themselves. 

The  Wild  Turkeys  of  (his  section,  feed  about  the  dry  hummocks  all  day  but  at  night, 
usually  return  to  the  swamps,  often  flying  some  distance  to  reach  a  favorite  roost.  When 
feeding,  during  the  early  morning,  they  may  be  approached  quite  closely,  and  if  surprised 
in  this  way,  they  will  often  conceal  themselves;  then  one  may  nearly  tread  upon  them  be- 
fore they  will  rise.  I  once  landed  from  my  boat  upon  a  heap  of  debris  on  the  banks  of  the 
St.  John's  River,  to  pick  up  a  Great  Carolina  Wren  which  I  had  shot,  leaving  my  gun  be- 
hind me,  when  a  large  Gobbler  rose  from  directly  beneath  my  feet,  so  near,  that  I  could  feel 
the  wind  caused  by  the  motion  of  his  wings,  and  disappeared  in  the  swamp.  When  aware 
of  the  approach  of  an  intruder,  they  will  merely  run  away  and,  at  such  times,  will  not 
take  wing,  even  if  shot  at. 

During  the  winter,  the  Turkeys  of  Florida  remain  in  flocks  but  toward  spring,  they 
become  separated,  and  at  this  season,  near  the  middle  of  the  day,  I  have  frequently  seen 
solitary  individuals  sitting  upon  the  lower  limbs  of  some  cypress  which  overhung  the  riv- 
er, evidently  enjoying  a  noontime  siesta.  At  this  season,  the  males  gobble  and  cull  from 
the  swamps  before  leaving  in  the  early  morning,  and  also  after  arriving  upon  their  feeding 
ground.  These  fine  birds  breed  in  May  in  Florida,  placing  the  nests  in  some  secluded 
locality,  usually  in  a  dry  hummock  or  along  its  edge,  and  the  females  sit  closely,  seldom 
rising  until  approached  quite  nearly. 

Observations  which  I  have  made  upon  this  species,  tend  to  show  that  they  were  the 
ancestors  of  the  Domestic  Turkeys;  at  least,  the  two  varieties  breed  freely  together,  pro- 
ducing fertile  offspring  which  are  everywhere  in  the  South,  regarded  as  superior  to  the 
domestic  stock.  Those  which  I  have  seen  which  wTcre  of  mixed  races,  were  fine  looking 
birds  and  retained  much  of  the  dark,  iridescent  plumage  of  their  wild  progenitors. 

FAMILY  II.     TETRAONID^}.     THE  GROUSE,  ETC. 

Head  and  neck,  completely  feathered,  while  the  tarsus  is  more  or  less  covered.  Top 
of  keel,  equaling  in  length  the  depth  of  the  inner  marginal  indentations.  The  tip  is  produced 
forward. 

The  terminal  expansion  of  the  furcula,  is  wide,  rounded  posteriorly,  and  does  not  ap- 
proximate close  to  the  sternum.  Upper  process  of  manubrium,  produced  forward.  The 
costal  process  is  narrow,  tapering  toward  point  which  is,  however,  rounded.  The  bone  at 
the  extreme  outer  edge  of  sternum,  beyond  the  outer  marginal  indentation,  is  not  very 
wide.  There  is  a  large  perforation  through  the  manubrium,  and  the  sternum  in  front  of  keel, 
is  furrowed,  but  there  is  no  very  prominent  central  ridge.  Nostrils,  feathered,  and  there 
is  a  naked  space  above  eye.  Toes,  provided  with  scale-like  fringes  on  the  sides. 


TETRAO  CANADENS1S.  247 

GENUS  I.    TETKAO.    THE  WOOD  GROl > 

GEN.  Oil.     Posterior  mart/in  of  sternum,  In  tin  ,  n  ;;„/.  Htiitiiins.  i/nite  »•:,/,  ,  tliijhtly  indented  in  lh>  mi,ldl,  .  u-:tl,  Ih- 
esrouni/ul.      TSp  of  kiti,  projecting  \e<llj'»nrar<l.      C<>stnl  /;n»'.s.<,   /,i/,:ri:i:/  t<>  ,i  round, d  (mint.      Tarsus,    full,/  /'•«//„  rid, 
as  is  also  the  s/taecs  between  /he  toes,  hut  the  /utter  are  naked.     No  iinn/nl,  ,1  feathers  on  neck. 

Memlit-rs  nf  this  genii-  inhabit  hra\ily  wooded  country,  usually  li\ing  among  evergreens.  They  lire  all  durk  in  Color. 
There  is  but  one  species  within  our  limits. 

TETRAO  CANADENSIS. 

Spruce  Grouse. 
Tetrao  Canculensis  LINN.,  Syst.  Nat.  I;  1766,274. 

DESCRirriON. 

Sr.  CH.     Form,  robust.     Size,  not  large.    Tongue,  triangular  in  form,  fleshy,  and  pointed.     Cceca,  17.00  long,  rannll 

at  base,  measuring  about  '10  in  diam.'t-r  fir  :i'7.r>.  then  suddenly  enlarging  to  nlxiut  '30  in  diameter  and  continues  t'  is  M/.e 
tu  the  blind  end.  tin;  termination  nf  whieh  is  rounded.  It  is  greenish  in  cjlor,  with  eight  1  ngitudinal  lines  if  u  lighter 
shade.  Number  of  tail  leathers,  sixteen.  Sexes,  not  similar. 

COLOR.  Adult  male.  Blaek  throughout,  c.\e,-]iting  wings  wliich  nre  dark-brown,  becoming  mucli  lighter  on  the  tips 

<>t' -i ndaries  and  outer  edge  of  primaries.  I  pprr  surface,  exeepting  tail,  and  enllnr,  finely  bunded  with  rvddisli-hrown 

mi'!  nshy-blu.-,  t'ie  Uttar  pr.-d  rninati;>j;.  S.i  its  on  frt'nrii'-i,  line  of  spot  s  h.-hiirl  eye,  line  iiloiiv  etiiigmi  the 

throat,  white;  biind  across  breast  and  abdomen,  under  tail  e  i\crts.  --ides,  llanks,  and  under  wing  c  i\erts,  als  .  banded  with 
white,  ami  t-lie  feathers  of  the  three  last  named  portions  are  finely  barred  witli  ashy-brown.  The  tail  i<  ii|.p<-il  with  yel- 
lo\vish-brown,  and  the  tibia  and  tar-us  are  dusky,  mottled  with  white. 

Adult  female.  Banded  above,  including  tail,  withyellowi-li-rcd,  ashy-blue,  nndblnck,  with  the  white  markings  of  the 
•  --capillaries.  IVlow.  banded  asl'ar  as  the  breast,  with  \cllowish-reil  and  black;  remaining  under  poi  lions,  band- 
ed with  yel!'iwis!i-rf .1,  b',:i:-k,  an  1  w  lit ;,  in  e  |;i  il  p  •  i;>  ir;i  I:H. 

Youny.  Are  much  redder  ab  .\e  and  below  than  the  adult;  this  is  especially  notice-able  in  the  female,  where  there  is 
nearly  as  much  red  below  Uie  hrea-i  a-  above  it. 

V  stlini/s.  Are  at  first  lined,  mottled,  and  spotted  with  yellowish-rod,  black,  and  white,  both  seies  being  then  similar, 
but  they  soon  assume  the  plumages  last  described.  Naked  space  over  the  eye,  scarlet.  Iris,  bill,  and  feet,  dnrk-hrown  in 
all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

There  is  a  little  variation  in  plumage  but  this  species  may  be  readily  known  in  all  stages,  by  the  predominating  dark 
colors  as  described.  Distributed,  as  a  constant  resident,  from  Northern  New  England  to  the  Arctic  Circle. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  male  specimens  from  Maine.  Length,  15'50;  stretch,  21'50;  wing,  6-32;  tail,  r.TJ;  bill, 
'63;  tarsus.  1  •:!.":.  Longest  specimen,  IG'OO;  greatest  extent  of  win:;,  'J-J'tK);  longest  wing.  •>  7">;  tail,  4'7.'i;  bill.  Til;  MIMIS, 
1-50.  Shortest  spei'imen,  lo-iX);  smallest  extentof wing,  21'(X);  shortest  wing,  (i'tNl;  wil,  4'0(l;  bill.  1  .1  -j.V 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NKSTS  AM)  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  on  the  ground;  they  are  not  elaborate  structures,  being  composed  of  twigs,  leaves,  moss,  or  any  other 
convenient  material. 

E>!:i*.  fn.m  eight  to  fourteen  in  number,  oblong  oval  in  form,  deep  buff  in  color,  spotted  and  splashed  with  brown  of 
varying  si, :ides.  Dimensions  from  l'20xl'68  to  r22zl'75. 

HABITS. 

Those  who  have  visited  the  dark  ever^m-n  forests  of  Northern  New  En^l.-uid,  which  are 
mainly  composed  of  giant  spruces  and  hemlocks  that  raise  their  hu^c  hranchrs  hi<rh  in  air 
but  that  an1  so  closely  interlaced  as  to  nearly  exclude  every  \rsii-r  nl'snn-li^ht,  lh;is  the. 
ground  about  the  roots  of  the  trees  is  in  perpetual  shadow,  yet  vegetation  thrives  in  this 
half-light,  and  even  flowers  bloom  in  prolusion  at  the  proper  season,  enlivening  with  their 
varied  hues  a  scene  which  otherwise  would  appear  strikingly  gloomy;  those  who  ha\e  >, •.  n 
all  this,  I  say,  can  form  some  idea  how  the  Spruce  Grouse  live,  for  this  is  their  li 


348  LAG  OP  US  ALB  US. 

Here  they  spend  their  entire  lives,  feeding  upon  berries  in  summer  and  subsisting  largely 
on  the  leaves  of  their  favorite  spruce  and  hemlock,  during  winter;  so  largely,  in  fact,  that 
their  feathers  are  redolent  with  the  odor  of  the  crushed  leaves,  while  their  flesh  is  quite 
bitter. 

Audubon  states  that  these  birds  were  so  tame,  they  could  be  knocked  down  with  sticks 
and  this  same  fact  is  true  at  the  present  time,  for  I  have  known  of  instances  where  this 
has  been  accomplished.  The  Spruce  Grouse  assemble  in  flocks  through  the  autumn  and 
winter,  but  are  at  this  time  quite  local  in  distribution,  while  they  are  more  or  less  migra- 
tory, moving  from  place  to  place;  then  as  spring  advances,  break  up  into  pairs.  They 
breed  about  the  middle  of  May,  placing  the  nest  in  some  secluded  locality.  The  young  are 
fully  fledged  by  September,  but  do  not  acquire  the  size  of  their  parents  until  late  in  the 
following  month. 

GENUS  II.  LAGOPUS.  THE  PTARMIGANS. 

GEN.  Cn.  Edyes  of  posterior  maryin  of  sternum,  not  rounded.  Costal  process,  truncated.  Tip  of  keel,  not  projected 
well  forward.  Tarsia,  feathered  to  the  toes.  No  elongated  feathers  on  neck. 

Members  of  this  genus  inhabit  either  mountainous  or  cold  barren  regions.  They  are  white  in  winter,  but  become 
darker  in  summer.  There  are  two  species  found  within  our  limits. 

LAGOPUS  ALBTTS. 
White  Ptarmigan. 
Lagopus  a/bus  ACD.,  Syn.;  1839,  207. 

DESCRIPTION.     . 

SP.  CH.  Form,  robust.  Size,  quite  large.  Sternum,  stout  and  quite  wide  at  posterior  margin.  Tail  and  wings, 
long.  Bill,  short,  equaling  in  length,  measured  from  nostril  to  tip,  to  height  at  base.  Sexes,  quite  similar  in  color. 

COLOR.  Adult  in  winter.  White  throughout,  excepting  tail  which  is  black  with  the  central  feathers  and  tips  of  all, 
white.  Shafts  of  primaries,  dark-brown  in  the  center. 

Adult  in  summer.  Head  and  neck,  yellowish-red.  Back,  black,  barred  rather  finely  with  yellowish-brown  and  chest- 
nut, otherwise  as  in  winter.  Bill,  black,  iris,  brown,  feet,  horn  color,  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

A  winter  bird  before  me,  taken  at  St.  John's  Lake.  Saguenay,  Canada,  has  four  or  five  narrow,  black,  transverse  bars 
back  of  the  eye.  i'or  difference  between  this  and  the  following,  see  observations  under  that  species. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Eastern  North  America.  Length,  IS'OO;  stretch,  24'50;  wing,  7'70;  tail, 
5-50;  bill,  -86;  tarsus,  1'47.  Longest  specimen,  16'00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  25-00;  longest  wing,  8'25;  tail,  G'OO;  bill, 
•88;  tarsus,  1  55.  Shortest  specimen,  14'00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  24'00;  shortest  wing,  7' 15;  tail,  5'00;  bill,  '75;  tarsus, 
1-40. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  on  the  ground.  They  are  riot  very  elaborate  structures,  being  composed  of  leaves,  weeds,  or  other  con- 
venient material. 

Kyys,  from  eight  to  fifteen  in  number,  rather  oval  in  form,  reddish-buff  in  color,  spotted  and  mottled,  usually  quite 
thickly,  with  large,  confluent  blotches  of  purplish-brown.  Dimensions  from  riSxl'80  to  l'20x  1'85. 

HABITS. 

Among  the  first  birds  for  which  I  inquired  when  I  visited  the  Magdalen  Islands,  were 
the  White  Ptarmigans,  but  found  that  they  did  not  occur  there,  excepting  as  rare  winter 


LAGOPUS  RUPESTR1S.  349 

visitants.  They  arc,  however,  found  commonly  mi  Newfoundland  and  in  Labrador,  migra- 
ting thrncc,  during  winter,  into  Canada,  reaching,  perhaps,  the  New  Kngland  Stai.-s  \,TV 
rarely.  Tho  Willow  Grouse,  as  they  are  sometimes  called,  inhal.it  tlie  harren  heaths  and 
cold  swamps  of  the  countries  of  which  I  have  spoken,  and  from  these  are  distributed  north- 
ward into  the  Arctic  Zone.  A.s  mentioned,  they  are  partly  migratory  during  certain  win- 
ters, being  induced  to  come  southward,  probably,  from  lack  of  food,  for  this  governs  the 
migration  of  nearly  all  birds. 

LAGOPUS  RUPESTRIS. 
Rock  Ptarmigan. 

Lagopus  rupritri.i  I.KUII,  /Cool.  Misc.,  II,  290. 

l>KSrlMITIO\. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  Tail  ami  wings,  long.  Bill,  rather  slender,  exceeding  in  length,  measured  from 
nostril  to  tip,  tln>  height  at  ba«e.  .Sexes,  quite  similar. 

COLOR.  Adu.ll  in  winl'T.  White  throughout,  excepting  tail  which  is  blnck  with  the  central  feathers  and  tips  of  all 
white,  and  there  is  a  black  line  from  bill  through  eye. 

Adult  in  suinmir.  Ah.ive,  black,  barred  and  spotted  with  yellowish-red;  lighter  below  and  broadly  and  regularly  band- 
ed with  yellowish-red;  otherwise  as  iu  the  male.  Bill,  black,  iris,  brown,  claws,  born  color,  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  from  the  closely  allied  albus  by  the  black  band  through  eye,  and  more  slender  hill,  this  lieing  longer  than  high 
at  ba-e.  Both  species  of  Ptarmigans  may  be  known  from  all  other  Grouse  by  tin-  wholly  feathered  tarsus  and  feet.  Dis- 
tributed in  summer,  throughout  Arctic  Americ.i,  south,  according  to  Audubon,  about  Bras  d'Or. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Arctic  America.  Length,  13'75;  stretch,  23-50;  wing,  7'40;  tail,  4-65;  bill, 
•<>3;  tarsus  I1 'JO.  Longest  specimen,  14'50;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  -JlMM);  lonirc-t  wing,  7'50:  tail,  4-8o;  bill,  '70;  tarsus, 
1-35.  Shortest  specimen,  12'80;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  23'OH;  shortest  wing,  7'00,  tail,  4'50;  bill,  '65;  tarsus,  1-10. 

DESrl;ilTlo\  OF  NESTS  AND  K.cci.S. 

Nests,  placed  on  the  ground.  They  are  not  very  elaborate  structures,  being  composed  of  leaves,  gmt>,  or  any  other 
convenient  material. 

<,  from  eight  to  fifteen  in  number,  oval  in  form,  reddish-buff  in  color,  spotted  and  mottled  with  irregular  blotches 
of  purplish-brown.     Dimensions  from  l'lOzl'55  to  ridx  1  ti5. 

HABITS. 

The  Rock  Ptarmigan,  according  to  Audubon,  was  common  about  the  Bras  d'Or  dur- 
ing the  cold  season  but  retreated  into  the  interior  of  the  country  during  summer  to  breed, 
nesting  in  June.  There  appears  to  be  some  confusion  regarding  the  distribution  of  this 
species,  for  it  has  frequently  been  confounded  with  the  preceding,  perhaps  with  goo'! 
son.  It  is  probable,  however,  that  these  birds  have  much  the  same  range,  especially  in 
summer,  although  the  one  under  consideration  appears  to  be  much  less  common  in  Canada, 
for  out  of  a  large  number  of  white  Ptarmigans  which  I  have  examined  from  that  section,  1 
ne\  or  saw  an  undoubted  specimen  of  the  Rock  Ptarmigan.  The  habits  of  both  are  described 
as  being  similar,  excepting  that  Audubon  is  inclined  to  believe  that  the  present  species 
inhabits  more  open  ground  than  does  the  one  last  described. 

CKXUS  III.     (TPinoXA.    TI1K  PK.UIMK.  Hi:". 

(!ES.  CH.  Posterior  mary  in  uf  sternum,  between  indentations,  tetdened  anil  rounded.  Wp  of  keel,  projecting  forward. 
Coital  procest,  narruw  and  rounded  at  point. 


350  CUPIDONA  CUP1DO. 

Members  of  this  genus  inhabit  prairie  lands  or  open  country,  seldom,  if,  ever,  being  found  in  the  woods.  The  tail  is 
short  nnd  the  wings  are  lung.  The  sterno-trachealis  is  large  but  there  are  no  other  laryngeal  muscles.  Tympanifonn  mem- 
branes, present  but  short,  measuring '25,  and  the  bronchial  tubes  beneath  are  connected  by  a  muscle.  Os  transversals, 
present  and  supports  a  semilunar  membrane.  Tarsus,  completely  feathered.  Feathers  on  side  of  neck,  elongated.  Head, 
crested. 

CUPIDONA  CUPIDO. 
Prairie  Grouse. 

Cupidona  cupido  BAIRD,  Birds  N.  A.;  1858,  628. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sp.  On.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  Sternum,  stout.  Terminal  expansion  of  scapula,  large  and  rounded.  Coeca, 
20  00  long,  with  the  blind  end  pointed.  Tongue,  short,  thick,  fleshy,  and  triangular  in  form,  with  the  tip  pointed.  There 
is  a  tuft  of  lung,  lanceolate  feathers  on  each  side  of  neck,  beneath  which  is  a  naked  space. 

Cilor.  Adult  male.  Above,  dark-brown,  becoming  lighter  on  wings,  barred,  excepting  on  inner  webs  of  primaries 
and  on  tail,  with  yellowish-red  and  yellowish-white.  Beneath,  white,  becoming  buffy  on  throat,  sides,  and  flanks,  finely 
barred,  excepting  on  throat,  with  dark-brown.  Line  from  gape,  passing  beneath  eye,  dark-brown,  beneath  which,  along 
cheeks,  isa  line  of  spots  of  the  same  color.  There  are  concealed  bars  of  chestnut  across  upper  breast.  The  elongated  neck 
feathers  are  dark-brown,  with  yellowish-white  centers  which  are  edged  above  with  yellowish-red. 

Adult  female.  Similar  to  the  male  but  the  neck  tufts  are  not  as  long  nor  as  dark  and  the  tail  is  barred.  Iris,  bill,  and 
feet,  dark-brown  in  all  stages.  Naked  space  over  eye  and  on  neck,  orange. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Specimens  vary  but  little  in  plumage,  occasionally  the  chestnut  barring  on  the  breast  will  be  quite  conspicuous.  This 
species  appears  to  be  subject  to  a  peculiar  kind  of  albinoism,  being  creamy-white,  with  the  darker  markings  showing  indis- 
tinctly. Known  form  all  others  by  the  short  tail  and  elongated  tuft  of  lanceolate  feathers  on  neck.  Distributed,  at  present, 
on  the  Western  plains,  east  of  the  Rooky  Mountains,  in  favorable  localities  in  the  states  that  border  the  Mississippi  Rivei 
on  the  east,  south  to  Louisiana,  and  occasionally  eastward  to  Pennsylvania;  rare  on  Naushon  Island,  Massachusetts. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  the  West.  Length,  18'75;  stretch,  29'00;  wing,  8-75;  tail,  4'12;  bill,  '70; 
tarsus,  1-95.  Longest  specimen,  19'00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  SO'OO;  longest  wing,  9'00:  tail.  4'25;  bill,  '75;  tarsus, 
2  10.  Shortest  specimen,  17'50;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  28'00;  shortest  wing,  8-50;  tail,  4'00;  bill,  '65;  tarsus,  1-75. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  on  the  ground  in  hollows  scratched  in  the  soil,  composed  of  grass,  leaves,  weeds,  or  any  other  convenient 
material. 

Eays,  from  eight  to  fifteen  in  number,  rather  oval  in  form,  varying  from  dirty  white  to  greenish-yellow  in  color,  often 
dotted  finely  with  reddish-yellow.  Dimensions  from  l'20x  1'60  to  l'30x  1'74. 

HABITS. 

There  is  no  doubt  but  that  prior  to  the  settlement  of  this  country  and  for  some  time 
after  the  advent  of  the  Whites,  the  Prairie  Grouse  had  an  extensive  range,  being  found 
throughout  New  England,  the  Middle  States,  and  the  western  of  the  Southern  States.  As 
these  fine  Grouse  are  unfortunate  enough  to  be  excellent  eating,  they  were  soon  extermi- 
nated in  the  more  settled  districts.  Yet  they  held  their  own  much  longer  than  one  would 
suppose  possible  under  the  circumstances,  and  in  1834,  Audubon  says,  "On  the  eastern 
declivities  of  our  Atlantic  coast,  the  districts  in  which  the  Pinnated  Grouse  are  still  to  be 
met  with,  are  some  portions  of  the  State  of  New  Jersey,  the  'brushy'  plains  of  Long  Island, 
Martha's  Vineyard,  the  Elizabeth  Islands,  Mount  Desert  Island  in  the  State  of  Maine,  and 
a  certain  tract  of  Barreny  country  in  the  latter  State,  lying  not  far  from  the  famed  Mar's 
Hill." 


BONASA  UMBELLUS.  351 

In  1858,  Prof.  Biiir.l  gives  these  birds  as  occurring  in  much  tin-  same  places,  but  adds 
that  they  are  (bund  on  the  Pocono  Mountains,  Pennsylvania.  Mr  Lawrence  included  them 
in  his  list  of  the  birds  of  Long  Island  in  18G6.  Nuttall  says  that  they  were  found  in  \\ 
ford,  Connecticut,  in  1832,  and  ten  years  later,  Liusley  said  that  they  were  not  tube  found 
in  the  State.  There  has  not  been  a  wild  specimen  in  Maine  for  many  years  ami  aside  from 
a  few  which  are,  perhaps,  to  lie  found  on  Martha's  Vineyard,  there  are  now  none  in  Mass- 
achusetts, for  I  do  not  think  that  there  arc  any  on  the  Island  of  Naushon;  it  will  also  lie 
safe  to  say  that  there  are  none  on  Long  Island.  Dr.  Turnbull,  in  his  list  of  the  birds  of 
Ka.-t  Pennsylvania  and  New  Jersey,  written  in  18G9,  states  that  within  a  year  or  two,  they 
have  been  taken  on  the  Jersey  Plains,  but  none  are  there  now.  He  also  says,  "A  few  are 
still  met  with  in  Monroe  and  Northampton  Counties,  Pennsylvania,  where  I  have  shot  the 
species."  Thus  it  will  be  seen,  if  any  remain  in  the  latter  named  section  now,  which  is 
not  improbable,  it  is  the  only  locality,  aside  from  Martha's  Vineyard,  where  the  species  i> 
found  at  any  distance  east  of  the  Mississippi,  for  they  have  disappeared  from  the  interven- 
ing sections. 

I  know  but  little,  from  actual  observation,  of  the  habits  of  these  interesting  birds,  for 
the  only  specimens  that  I  ever  saw  living,  were  three  or  four  that  I  purchased  in  the  Boston 
Market  SOUK.'  years  ago.  These  were  exceedingly  wild  and  although  I  gave  them  the  best 
of  care,  lived  but  two  or  three  months. 

Since  the  above  was  put  in  type,  I  learn  from  my  friend,  Mr.  Purdie,  that  he  lias 
ascertained  through  reliable  sources  that  there  is  still  quite  a  little  colony  of  these  Grouse 
living  on  Martha's  Vineyard,  but  that,  in  spite  of  the  very  stringent  la\\<,  enacted  liy  our 
Legislature,  for  their  protection,  some  an'  shot  every  year.  This  is  certainly  deplorable, 
and  the  ornithologists  of  the  State  ought  to  make  some  effort  to  save  these  fine  birds  from 
the  total  extermination  which  will  ultimately  be  their  fate  unless  the  law  is  very  strictly 
enforced. 

CKXUS  IV.     BONASA.    THE  I!KI  S1I  (iKOUSE. 

(iK\.  CH.     Posterior  margin  of  sternum,  lnlnmn  indentations,  quite  narrow  and  rounded.     Tipofkefl,notprnj- 
forward  as  far  as  the  dc/tlh  of  the  inner  indentations.     Costal  process,  widened  anJ  rounded  at  point.     Tarsus,  not  fully 
f'<itkirid.     Nrckfi-athrrs,  ilnnyated. 

Meralwrs  of  this  genus  inhabit  wooded  <>r  brushy  country,  usually  preferring  the  latter.  The  tail  in  long  !mt  the  wings 
aresl,,,rt.  Head.  ere-ted.  Tin-  st,.-rm>-trac'he-.ilis  i~  lar#:  l.iit  there  are  no  other  laryngeal  muscles.  Tynipaniforro  mem- 
brane, present,  but  short.  There  is  but  one  species  within  our  limit-i. 

BONASA  UMBELLUS. 

Buffed  Grouse. 
Bonasa  umM/us  STKPH.,  Slmw's,  Gen.  Zool.,  XI;  1834,  300. 


Sr.  Cu.     Form,  robust.     Size,  quite  large.     Sternum,  nut  <tuut  ;md  tli«  terminal  expansion  of  wnpula  i«  imt  large 
nnd  is  extended  backward.     There  is  a  tuft  of  bmad.  ii'iruptly  truncated  feather*  on  sides  (.f  neck  beneath  whii-h  i 


They 
es,  not  simihir. 


352  PARTRIDGE. 

COLOR.  Adult  male.  Upper  surface,  excepting  wing~  which  are  dark-brown  witli  the  outer  edgo  of  primaries  baml- 
ed  with  yellowish-white,  reddiab-brown  with  tlie  feathers  edged,  spotted,  and  mottled  witli  dark-brown  and  ashy-white. 
.There  is  a  Imnil  of  reddish-brown  aeros-  breast,  and  the  remaining  under  portions,  are  white,  becoming  yellowish  on  the 
throat,  sides,  thinks,  and  under  tail  Coverts;  banded  throughout  with  brown.  The  tail  is  tipped  with  a-liy  and  lias  a  sub- 
terminal  bund  of  brown,  above  which  is  one  of  ashy.  Tibia  and  tarsus,  yellowish-brown.  Keck  tufts,  black,  with  a  blu- 
ish iridescense. 

Adult  female.  Quite  similar  to  the  male,  but  with  the  tail  shorter  and  the  general  markings  los  distinct,  while  the 
neck  tufts  are  either  brown  or  tipped  with  it. 

~Youny.  Not  unlike  the  female,  being  quite  dull  with  a  general  diffusion  of  color  while  the  feathers  are  short  and  are 
marked  lil;e  the  other  plumage.  Iris,  bill,  and  feet,  brown,  in  these  three  stages. 

Nestlinys.  Are  at  first  covered  with  yellowish-red  down  which  is  lighter  below,  having  n  central  line  on  top  of  bend, 
brown  and  also  one  behind  eye  of  the  same  color,  while  the  remainder  of  body  is  lined,  mottled,  and  spotted  with  it.  The 
wings  and  tail  are  yellowish,  banded  with  lighter  and  brown.  From  this  they  gradually  assume  the  plumage  hist  described. 
Bill,  iris,  and  feet,  light  brown,  in  this  stage. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

There  is  considerable  variation  in  plumage  but  this  species  may  be  readily  known  by  the  tuft  of  truncated  feathers  on 
sides  of  neck,  long  tail,  and  colors  as  described.  Nestling-*  evidently  moult  the  wing  quills  two  or  three  times  before  ac- 
quiring the  full  plumage.  The  tail,  however,  is  retained  until  autumn.  Albinos  are  not  unfrequent  in  this  species.  Dis- 
tributed, as  a  constant  resident,  throughout  Canala  and  Eastern  United  States,  south  among  the  mountains  of  the  Caroli- 
nas.  1  am  indebted  to  the  Bangs  Brothers  and  Mr.  A.  Thorndike  for  skins  of  Grouse. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Eastern  North  America.  Length,  18-00;  stretch,  2300;  wing,  6'95;  tail, 
6'45;  bill,  P72;  tarsus,  1'55.  Longest  specimen,  19-00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  23-50;  longest  wing,  ~'25;  tail,  6  00;  bill, 
•80;  tarsus,  1'70.  Shortest  specimen,  17'00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  22'50;  shortest  wing,  6'75;  tail,  5  90;  bill,  '65;  tarsus, 
1-45. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  on  the  ground.  They  are  not  very  elaborate  structures,  being  composed  of  leaves,  weeds,  or  other  con- 
venient material. 

Eyys,  from  eight  to  twelve  in  number,  rather  oval  in  form,  creamy-white  or  buff  in  color,  occasionally  spotted  with  a 
darker  buff.  Dimensions  from  1'OSx  T45  to  l'20x  T65. 

HABITS. 

There  are  few  who  live  in  the  sections  inhabited  by  the  fine  Grouse  now  under  con- 
sideration, and  ever  handled  a  gun,  who  are  not  more  or  less  familiar  with  the  ways  and 
doings  of  the  Partridge,  as  it  is  called  in  the  North,  or  Pheasant,  in  Pennsylvania  and 
southward.  Every  sportsman  knows  the  exciting  whir  of  their  wings  as  they  rise,  and 
the  straight  forward,  onward  dash  of  the  birds,  for,  regardless  of  such  small  obstacles  as 
bushes  or  tree  tops,  they  go  crashing  through  them,  then  sail  smoothly  across  some  neigh- 
boring swamp,  to  alight  on  the  next  elevation.  All  this  is  so  familiar  to  every  one  who  is 
interested  in  birds,  that  I  will  not  enlarge  on  the  general  habits  of  these  Grouse  but  merely 
give  some  special  facts  which  I  have  observed  concerning  them. 

Early  in  autumn,  the  Ruffed  Grouse  aro  to  be  found  in  companies  of  from  six  to  ten, 
which  are  usually  made  up  of  a  single  family,  and  if  not  scattered  by  the  sportsman,  will 
continue  thus  to  associate  through  the  winter.  At  first,  they  may  be  seen  in  the  chestnut 
or  oak  woods,  gathering  nuts  and  acorns,  or  at  this  season,  they  will  venture  into  the  corn 
fields,  especially  if  these  be  in  the  neighborhood  of  brushy  pastures.  If  surprised  when 
feeding  where  not  much  hunted,  they  will  seldom  rise  but  will  only  run  through  the  bush- 
•ps,  uttering  a  chuckling  note,  and  will  not  take  wing  until  hard  pushed,  when  they  will 


BONASA  UMBELLUS.  353 

fly  but  a  short  distance.  As  winter  approaches,  they  leave  the  high  l.-m.ls  ;m,l  enter  the 
swamps,  choosing  tliick  evergreens  as  roosting  places;  then,  ulu-n  tin;  weather  becomes 
very  severe,  especially  if  the  wind  lie  Mowing  strong  from  the  north  or  west,  they  ni. 
found  cnjuying  the  brief  sunlight  on  the  southern  exposures  which  rise  from  the  lower  lev- 
els. At  this  season,  especially  alter  the  snow  falls,  they  gain  a  precarious  living  liy  pick- 
ing oll'lanrel  buds,  dried  barberries  and  other  fruit.  After  heavy  snow-storms,  when  the 
weather  is  extremely  cold,  they  have  the  singular  habit  of  dropping,  or  diving,  into  snow- 
drifts and  will  often  remain  there  for  some  length  of  time;  then  if  the  snow  chances  to  crust 
over  so  that  they  cannot  escape,  they  perish  from  starvation. 

As  soon  as  the  genial  inlluence  of  the  coming  spring  has  caused  the  buds  to  swell  on 
the  birch  and  other  trees,  the  Ruffed  Grouse  eat  them  in  large  quantities.  They  will  also 
visit  the  orchards  and  bud  the  apple  trees.  They  do  considerable  mischief  in  this  way,  in 
spared  y  settled  districts,  insomuch  so,  that  at  one  time,  a  bounty  of  twenty-five  cents  each 
was  oll'ered  by  certain  towns  in  Massachusetts  for  their  heads.  It  is  almost  incredible,  what 
a  vast  amount  of  buds  a  single  Grouse  will  eat;  thus,  I  once  took  one  hundred  and  eighty 
apple  buds  from  the  crop  of  a  bird  that  I  bad  shot  about  ten  o'clock  in  the  morning,  and  as 
this  was  but  a  single  meal,  it  can  well  be  understood  that  a  flock  of  ten  or  a  dozen,  would 
completely  denude  a  small  orchard  in  a  short  time. 

About  April,  the  Ruffed  Grouse  arc  to  be  found  in  pairs,  and  in  May  the  females  con- 
struct the  rude  nests,  choosing  a  situation  beneath  a  brush  heap,  under  a  fallen  tree-top, 
by  the  side  of  a  log,  or  under  the  overhanging  branches  of  a  bush.  The  female  sits  closely 
and  one  may  almost  walk  on  her  before  she  will  rise.  She  will  not  often  feign  lameness 
when  driven  oiFher  eggs,  unless  they  be  well  advanced;  but  when  the  young  appear,  es- 
pecially if  they  be  very  small,  she  will  droop  her  wings,  spread  her  tail,  and  running  up  to 
the  intruder,  will  drop  nearly  at  his  feet,  at  the  same  time,  uttering  a  peculiar  cackling. 
Taking  care,  however,  to  just  elude  his  grasp,  .she  will  use  every  endeavor  to  induce  him 
to  pursue  her  and  leave  her  helpless  young  which,  in  the  mean  time,  warned  by  the  voice 
of  their  mother,  run  into  the  nearest  place  of  concealment;  thus  some  hide  beneath  leaves, 
some  under  logs,  some  in  clumps  of  grass;  in  short,  jn  a  moment's  time,  not  one  is  to  be 
seen,  and  then  the  old  Grouse  suddenly  takes  wing  and  also  disappears.  I  have,  like  many 
others,  often  been  a  witness  to  a  scene,  much  as  I  have  described,  but  I  remember  upon 
one  occasion,  I  concluded  to  wait  after  the  disappearance  of  the  mother,  and  see  what  the 
young  would  do.  This  was  in  June,  in  the  woods  of  White  Deer  Valley,  Pennsylvania, 
and  1  had  come  suddenly  upon  the  little  family  as  they  were  crossing  a  space  destitute  of 
bushes.  The  old  Grouse  gave  her  alarm  and  as  her  progeny  wen'  about  a  week  old,  they 
were  not  long  in  scattering  and  concealing  themselves,  when  I  quietly  stepped  In-hind  the 
trunk  of  a  huge  tree  which  grew  near.  I  waited  without  motion  or  sound  for  alu.n 
minutes,  during  which  time,  I  did  not  see  a  single  young,  when  the  mother  bird  which 
had  llciwn  some  distance,  came  running  back,  uttering  as  she  came,  a  series  of  chuckling 
notes,  quite  dilFerent  from  any  I  ever  heard  before.  She  did  not  appear  to  take  the  -light- 
est notice  of  me,  although  I  was  in  plain  sight  for  I  had  unwittingly  choosen  the  wrong 
side  of  the  tree  for  concealment,  but  continued  to  approach,  passing  within  a  foot  of  me,  all 

45 


354  PERD1C1DM. 

the  time  continuing  her  call.  Then  occurred  one  of  the  prettiest  sights  that  I  ever  wit- 
nessed, for  a  dozen  or  more  of  the  young  Grouse  came  suddenly  into  life,  all  appearing  in 
the  area  of  a  few  square  feet.  So  quickly  did  they  spring  up,  that  every  leaf  seemed  trans- 
formed into  a  little  brown  Partridge  and  although  I  watched  carefully  to  see  where  they 
had  hidden  themselves,  I  was  no  wiser  when  all  were  out  than  before.  The  little  brood 
gathered  about  their  parent  and  she  led  them  away  at  a  fast  rate  to  the  nearest  thicket, 
evidently  thinking  the  neighborhood  dangerous.  In  fact,  she  was  in  so  much  haste  to  leave 
it  that  the  little  ones  could  not  keep  up  with  her  by  running,  some  being  obliged  to  use 
their  wings,  and  I  was  surprised  to  see  that,  even  at  that  early  age,  they  could  fly  two  or 
three  yards,  especially  when  they  started  from  a  slight  elevation. 

The  young  follow  their  parent  and  are  cared  for  by  her,  until  they  are  nearly  or  quite 
fully  grown;  then  all  remain  in  company  until  the  following  spring,  as  related. 

The  drumming  of  the  Ruffed  Grouse  has  attracted  the  attention  of  nearly  all  ornithol- 
ogists and  several  explanations  have  been  given,  regarding  the  method  by  which  this  sin- 
gular sound  is  produced.  Some  say  that  the  bird  strikes  a  log  or  stone  with  its  wings; 
others,  that  it  strikes  its  body;  then  again,  it  has  been  asserted  that  the  wings  are  struck 
together  over  the  back.  Mr.  Brewster  who  is  a  very  careful  observer,  says  that  when  drum- 
ming, the  bird  sits  upright  with  its  tarsus  horizontal  to  the  log  or  surface  on  which  it 
rests,  with  the  wings  extended,  and  that  it  does  not  strick  anything,  perceptible,  with 
these  members,  but  that  the  sound  is  produced  by  the  out-spread  wings  being  brought  sud- 
denly downward  against  the  air.  This  is  certainly  quite  a  plausible  theory,  but  I  am  in- 
clined to  think  that  the  sound  is  vocal;  that  the  wings  merely  aid  in  producing  it  or  are 
beaten  downward  as  accessories  to  the  note,  just  as  a  rooster  crows,  flapping  its  wings  at 
the  same  time.  The  laryngeal  muscles  are  certainly  constructed  in  a  manner  similar  to 
those  of  the  Pinnated  Grouse,  the  tootings  of  which  are  vocal.  I  have  heard  the  Ruffed 
Grouse  drum  from  early  spring  until  late  in  autumn. 

FAMILY  III.     PERDICnLE.     THE  QUAILS,  ETC. 

Head  and  neck,  completely  feathered,  but  the  tartus  is  naked,  as  is  also  the  space  above 
the  nostrils.  Top  of  keel,  not  equalling  in  length  the  depth  of  the  inner  marginal  indenta- 
tions. 

The  terminal  expansion  of  the  furcula  is  narrow,  produced  downward,  and  approxi- 
mates quite  closely  to  the  sternum.  Upper  process  of  manubrium,  not  produced  forward. 
The  costal  process  is  very  narrow,  tapering  toward  point  Avhich  is  not  rounded.  The  bone 
at  the  extreme  outer  edge  of  sternum,  beyond  the  outer  marginal  indentation,  is  not  very 
wide.  There  is  a  moderately  large  perforation  through  the  manubrium,  and  the  sternum  in 
front  of  keel,  is  deeply  furrowed,  but  there  is  no  very  prominent  central  ridge. 

GENUS  I.    OKTYX.     THE  CRESTLKSS  QUAILS. 

GEN.  Cn.  Head,  without  any  prominent  crest.  Tail  and  wings,  rather  short.  General  colors,  light  reddish-brown, 
varied  with  white,  black,  and  buff, 

Members  of  this  gunus  usually  inhabit  open  country  or  that  which  is  covered  with  a  low  growth  of  bushes.  There  is 
but  one  species  within  our  limits. 


ORTYX  viROiyiAXUs.  355 

ORTYX  VIRQINIANUS. 

Quail.    Partridge. 
Ortyx  Viryinianiu  BON.,  Ohs.  Wils.;  1P28. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Fonn,  robust.  Size,  Inrge.  Sternum,  stout.  Tongue,  thick,  fleshy,  homy  at  extreme  tip  which  is  pointed. 
The  -t.-rii..-tnaeheali-  i~  al  seut,  l.ut  a  stout  lateral  muscle,  which  is  probably  a  moditieation  of  thi-,  .  ,„  the 

treaehea  about '86  from  the  larynx  ami  passing  ba.-k  ..fit,  witli.mt  adhering  to  it,  beooaai  ana. •!.,•.!  to  the  innde  of  the 
hronehial  tubes  near  their  .junction  with  the  larynx.  A  portion  of  the  tynipaiiifurm  membrane  H  tol.esei-n  ab  m  this  june- 
ti.m  and  the  tul.es  below  ii  are  joined  by  a  rather  tliiek  membrane.  I'.iv-i,  HHl  long,  small  at  base,  me.,-ming  about  -06 
in  diameter,  then  gra  lually  enlarging  to  ab,,ut  ^'Oin  diameter,  then  tapering  to  'he  blind  end,  the  teimination  uf  which  is 
pointed.  Feather  of  head,  slightly  elongated. 

Color.  Adult  ma/f.  Light  chestnut  throughout,  looming  yellowish  on  the  rump  with  the  feathers  above  edged  with 
bull',  and  barre.i  and  sp  .tied  throughout  with  black  and  white,  while  the  central  under  portionsare  yellowish-white.  The 
throat  is  white,  eneireled  by  a  line  of  black.  Line  passing  from  bill  over  eye  and  down  neck,  also  white,  becoming  huffy 
posteriorly  and  preceded  abo\e  liy  a  line  of  black.  Wings  and  tail,  brown,  the  latter  having  a  bluish  ti:  .th  are 

barred  and  spotted  with  yellowish  and  white. 

Adult  female.  Similar  to  the  male,  but  the  white  markings  of  the  head  are  replaced  by  buff  and  the  black  linings  are 
not  as  prominent. 

\'ouni/  Not  unlike  the  adult  but  are  darker  as  the  black  marking?  are  much  broader.  In  a  transitional  stage,  between 
this  and  the  d  >wn.  the  feathers  arc  all  lined  with  white.  Iris,  hill,  and  feet,  brown,  in  these  three  stii^ 

*<i.it/int/.i.  Area!  lirst  covered  with  yellowish-red  down  which  is  lighter  below,  having  n  central  line  of  brown  on  the 
head,  three  down  the  back,  and  one  behind  eye,  of  the  same  w'.or.  From  this,  they  gradually  assume  the  plumage  last  de- 
scribed. Bill,  iris,  and  feet,  light  reddish-brown,  in  this  stage. 

OBESRVATION8. 

There  i^  con  iderable  variation  in  plumage,  Florida  Quails  being  much  darker  than  Northern  birds,  especially  below, 

where  the  markings  are  continuous  and  wide.     Known  from  all  others  by  the  peculiar  markings  about  the  head  and  colors 

rilx-l.     Distributed,  as  a  constant  resident,  throughout  Eastern  United  States,  south  of  the  latitude  of  Northern 

Massachusetts. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Eastern  North  America.  Length,  9'35;  stretch,  14-60;  win(f,4'5.r>.  tail,  2  65; 
bill,  -55;  tarsus,  l-|2.  Longest  specimen,  IO-2C;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  15'45;  longest  wing,  5'lO;  tail,  3'00;  bill,  "65; 
tarsus,  I  25.  Shortest  specimen,  &'50;  smallest  extent  of  wipg,  !3'?5;  shortest  wing,  4'0«);  tail,  2'30;  bill,  'SO;  tarsus,  TOO. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  on  the  ground.  They  are  not  very  elaborate  structures,  being  composed  of  leaves,  weeds,  or  other  con- 
venient material. 

I-';/!/*,  from  eight  to  twenty  in  number,  decidedly  pyriform  in  shape,  pure  white  in  color,  unspotted.  Dimensions  from 
•95x1-30  to  l-OOxl'35. 

HABITS. 

The  bird  now  in  question,  is,  as  almost  every  one  knows,  called  Quail  in  the  North 
and  Partridge  in  the  South,  but  wide-spread  as  they  are,  I  think  there  is  but  litth;  dill'cr- 
ciu •!'  in  their  habits,  even  in  the  extremes.  Thus  Quails  which  I  have  found  at  .Miami  in 
Southern  Florida,  did  not  behave  much  differently  from  those  that  I  have  seen  in  s.niii 
tions  of  Massachusetts.  It  is  true,  that  the  Florida  birds  were  tamer  than  those  \\  liicli  gen- 
erally occur  in  Massachusetts,  yet  I  have  seen  Quails  in  the  latter  named  section,  uhidi 
were  as  unsuspicious  as  those  in  Florida.  Thus  at  Miami,  it  is  diHicult  to  make  these  birds 
rise,  for  a  bevy  will  merely  run  in  front  of  its  pursuer,  until  its  members  become  so  scat- 
tered in  the  thick  growth  of  saw  palmettos  which  cover  the  ground  everywhere,  that  it  is 
impossible  to  follow  them,  as  when  one  has  left  the  main  body,  it  ceases  to  utter  the 


358  CHARADRIUS  FVLV US. 

HABITS. 

The  Black -bellied  Plovers  do  not  make  their  appearance  amid  the  swarms  of  south- 
ward flying  shore  birds  which  sweep  down  the  coast,  until  about  the  first  of  September. 
Then  their  loud,  clear  notes  may  be  heard  in  all  directions,  especially  on  those  dull,  foggy 
mornings  which  precede  an  easterly  storm.  At  such  times,  they  are  comparatively  tame, 
for  they  are  evidently  weary  with  their  long  migration  from  the  North  and  anxious  to  feed, 
in  order  to  depart  before  the  coming  storm  sets  in. 

Although  the  Black-bellies,  or  Beetle  Heads  as  they  are  called  when  in  their  modest 
autumnal  dress,  alight  on  the  hills  in  search  of  grasshoppers,  they  may  often  be  found  on 
sandy  beaches,  feeding  upon  small  crustaceans  and  other  products  of  the  sea,  and  occa- 
sionally they  visit  the  grassy  marshes  or  pools  on  them.  Their  stay  in  Massachusetts  is 
prolonged  until  the  latter  part  of  October,  when  the  majority  has  passed  southward.  In 
May,  however,  when  they  have  assumed  their  dark-colored  livery  and  are  on  their  way  to 
their  northern  breeding  grounds,  their  visit  to  us  is  short,  for  they  pass  very  quickly,  often 
remaining  but  a  few  days. 

In  Florida,  where  I  have  found  this  species  very  common,  not  only  on  both  coasts  but 
also  on  the  Keys,  they  live  wholly  on  the  beaches.  In  the  North,  they  are  very  wild,  for 
few  birds  are  more  hunted,  but  in  the  wilder  sections,  they  loose  this  shyness  in  a  great 
measure,  but  still  are  never  very  unsuspicious.  They  moult  late  in  April,  before  leaving 
the  South,  and  I  have  secured  full  plumaged  adults  in  May. 

GENUS  II.    CHARADRIUS.    THE  THREE-TOED  PLOVERS. 

GKV.  CH.  Bill,  rather  slender,  not  as  long  as  the  head  which  is  not  strikingly  large.  Tail,  nearly  square.  Hind  toe, 
absent. 

Members  of  this  genus,  in  the  adult  stage,  are  black  below  and  dark  above,  banded  with  golden  and  marked  with 
white.  Sexes,  quite  similar.  There  is  but  one  species  within  our  limits. 

CHARADRIUS  FULVUS. 
Golden  Plover. 

Charadriusfulvus  GH.  Syst.  Nat.  1,  1788,  687. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  Tongue,  not  very  long,  thin  and  horny,  narrowing  toward  tip  which  is  slight- 
ly rounded. 

Adult  in  summer.  Black  throughout,  excepting  primaries  and  tail,  which  are  dark-brown,  with  a  purplish  luster,  tbe 
latter  being  narrowly  tipped  with  white  and  banded  with  lighter  and  the  former  having  a  central  spot  of  white  on  shafts, 
with  the  upper  surface  spotted  and  banded  with  golden  and  white,  wliilea  band  of  white  passes  across  forehead,  over  eye, 
and  broadening  out  extends  down  side  of  neck  to  upper  breast.  Under  tail  coverts,  banded  with  white.  Under  wing  cov- 
erts and  axillaries,  ashy-brown.  , 

Adult  in  wtnter.  Similar  to  the  summer  dress  above,  but  the  black  on  lower  surface  is  mixed,  to  a  greater  or  less  ex- 
tent, with  white  and  ashy. 

Vouny.  Not  unlike  the  winter  adult  but  are  paler  above  and  ashy  white  below,  where  the  feathers  are  edged  and  spot- 
ted with  dusky,  especially  on  the  breast.  Iris,  brown,  bill,  and  feet,  black,  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  from  the  preceding  species  ny  the  absence  of  the  hind  toe  and  ashy  axillaries  and  from  all  other  Plovers  by  the 
golden  markings  above.  Distributed,  as  »  summer  resident,  throughout  Arctic  America,  wintering  south  of  the  United 
States. 


M 0 UNTA iy  PL O  VER.  369 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  E-i^tern  North  America.  Length,  10'40;  stretch,  22'25;  wing,  7-25;  tail, 
2  7.">;  bill,  -85;  tarsus  1~~>.  Lingo- 1  specimen,  In-.-,.  extent  of  wins,  si.TOO;  l,,ni;,--t  winj;.  7'50;  tail,  3'00;  bill, 

•95;  tarsi*,  1  90.     Sli<>rte-t  ~) imen,  lO'OO;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  21'50;  shortest  wing,  7'00;  tail,  2'40;  bill,  '80;  tarsus, 

MO. 

HKS(  KIITIOX  OF  NESTS  AND  K(!(JS. 

fj/ffi,  placed  on  the  ground  in  a  hollow  scratched  in  t'ie  -nil,  with  a  little  grass,  etc.;  two  to  four  in  number,  ]>yrifonn 
in  sh;>|<;.  deep  ehocolato-brown  in  color,  ~|>  iited  and  blotched  irregularly  with  large  confluent  markings  of  brown  of  vary- 
ing shades.  Dimensions  from  T35  x  1J80  to  l'45xiMO. 

II A  HITS. 

The  Golden  Plovers  differ  somewhat  in  habit  from  the  Beetle  Heads,;  thus,  although 
they  remain  in  Massachusetts  about  as  late  as  tin-  latter  named  species,  they  arrive  earlier; 
their  notes  are  mellower  and  given  in  greater  variety,  for  besides  the  whistle  which  is  ut- 
tered while  flying,  they  have  a  peculiar  chuckling  note,  when  about  to  alight.  They  are 
also  fond  of  the  open  wind-swept  hill-tops  near  the  coast,  where  they  feed  upon  grasshop- 
pers, but  occasionally  a  straggler  will  alight  on  a  beach  or  marsh.  In  migration,  they  arc 
again  peculiar,  for  although  very  common  during  autumn  along  the  eastern  coast,  I  never 
knew  of  a  specimen  being  taken  here  in  spring;  nor  did  I  ever  meet  with  one  in  Florida. 
They  pass  quite  out  of  the  United  States,  spending  the  winter  in  South  America  and  ad- 
jacent islands.  On  their  return  to  the  northern  breeding  grounds,  they  merely  pass  through 
the  country,  west  of  the  Mississippi,  but  nest  in  the  same  section  as  the  Black  Bellies,  like 
them,  placing  the  eggs  on  the  ground  on  some  slight  elevation. 

CF.NUS  III.    ^ECTAT.ITIS.    THE  RINGED  PLOVERS. 

GEN.  CH.  Bill,  short,  not  at  long  as  the  head  which  a  of  moderate  size.  Tail,  rounded  or  nearly  tqvare.  Hind  toe, 
at/sent. 

Members  of  this  genus  are  quite  uniform  in  color  above  and  white  below,  usually  with  a  conspicuous  black  ring  a- 
round  neck  The  eyes  are  large. 

.ffiGIALITIS  MONTANUS. 

Mountain  Plover. 
JEyialitis  montanus  B.MRD,  Birds.  N.  A.;  1858,  693. 

DESCRIPTION. 
Plate  XV.     Adult. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  rather  slender.  Size,  large.  Bill,  long  and  slender.  Tail,  square.  Tertiaries,  nearly  reaching  the 
tips  of  wings.  Sexes,  similar.  . 

r.ilor.     Advil.     Ab.ive,  pale  yellowish-brown,  becoming  lighter  on  the  rump.     Primaries  and  tail,  brown,  the  former 
tipped  with  black,  and  the  latter  narrowly  tipped  with  white,  preceded  by  a  broad  band  of  bluek.     Forehead  and  line  over 
eye,  -white,  above  and  below  which  is  one  of  black  extending  to  eye.     Under  parts,  yellowish-white,  tinged  with  n  de, 
shade  on  the  breast  and  si.lcs. 

Youny.  Lacks  the  Mack  band  in  front  and  the  white  of  forehead  Ls  tinged  with  dull  yellow.  Bill,  black,  iris,  brown, 
and  legs,  yellow,  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS 

Readily  known  by  the  large  uize,  lack  of  rings  on  the  lirenst,  combined  with  the  uniform  pnle  yellowish-brown  above. 
Distributed  throughout  the  United  States,  west  of  the  Mis-is-ippi  Valley.  Rare  at  Key  West  in  winter. 

IHMKNSIOXS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Western  North  America.  Length,  D'OO;  stretch,  18-32:  wing,  6'35:  tail,  2  75; 
bill, -85;  tor^us,  1  •")").  L.n^e-t  -pecimen.  '.HO;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  18-7.V  ''75;  tail,  2  U5;  Kill,  •»(»; 

tarsus,  1  60.     Shortest  specimen,  8'UO;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  18"00;  shortest  wing,  fi'50;  tail,  2  60;  bill,  "80;  tarsus,  1-  43 


360  JEG1ALIT1S  VOC1FERUS. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Eyys,  placed  on  the  ground  in  a  depression  of  the  soil  on  a  little  grass.  They  are  from  two  to  four  in  number,  decided- 
ly pyriform  in  shape,  greenish-brown  in  color,  finely  and  plentifully  dotted  with  very  dark-brown  and  black.  Dimensions 
from  1-10x1 -40  to  1-12x1-50. 

HABITS. 

On  the  first  day  of  December,  1870,  as  I  was  walking  along  the  beach,  near  the  bar- 
racks, at  Key  West,  I  observed  a  small  flock  of  about  half  a  dozen  birds  running  in  front 
of  me,  occasionally  uttering  a  low,  mellow  whistle.  I  at  once  saw  that  they  were  some- 
thing new  to  me  but,  as  they  were  extremely  wild,  it  was  some  time  before  I  could  obtain 
a  specimen,  but  at  last  I  secured  one  by  taking  a  long  shot,  made  just  as  they  were  rising, 
when  the  rest  flew  away  and  I  never  saw  them  again.  Thus  the  history  of  the  Mountain 
Plover,  for  such  the  stragglers  proved  to  be,  in  our  section,  is  easily  written,  but  judging 
from  this  instance  and  from  published  accounts,  this  Plover  does  not  differ  strikingly  in 
habit  from  many  of  its  allies. 

JEGIALITIS  VOCIFERUS. 

Killdeer  Plover. 
JEgialitis  vociferus  BAIRD,  Birds  N.  A.;  1858,  692. 

DESCRIPTION. 
Plate  XV.    Young. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  slender.  Size,  large.  Bill,  long  and  slender.  Tail,  long  and  rounded.  Tertiaries,  nearly  reaching 
the  tips  of  the  elongated  wings.  Sternum,  stout,  outer  marginal  indentations,  considerably  deeper  than  inner.  Tongue, 
not  long,  thin,  and  slender,  horny  at  extreme  tip  which  is  pointed.  Sexes,  similar. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Above,  greenish-brown.  Rump,  upper  tail  coverts,  and  base  of  tail,  cinnamon-red;  and  outer  pair  of 
feathers  of  latter,  white,  banded  with  black,  while  the  tips  of  all  but  central  pair  are  tipped  with  white  which  is  preced 
ed  by  a  broad  band  of  black.  Wings,  dark-brown,  with  lines  on  inner  webs,  elongated  spots  on  primaries,  tips,  and  baso 
of  secondaries,  white.  Forehead  and  line  through  eye,  white,  above  and  below  which  is  a  band  of  black,  passing  back  of 
eye.  Bmaath,  whit?,  which  ext;nis  in  aollar  back  of  n^ck,  above  whieh,  behind,  is  a  band  of  reddish,  and  below  is  a 
broad  ring  of  black  which  rapidly  narrows  behind,  however;  beneath  this,  after  an  interval,  is  a  band  of  black  on  breast. 

Youny.  Similar  to  the  adult,  but  every  feather  above  is  edged  with  reddish,  while  the  throat  and  space  between  the 
black  bands  are  tinged  with  it. 

Nestlings.  Are  covered  above  with  a  yellowish-ash  down  mixed  with  rufous.  Beneath,  white,  tinged  on  the  sides  with 
rufous.  The  black  bands  on  the  head  are  much  as  in  the  adult  but  the  lower  one  is  continuous,  uniting  behind.  There  is, 
however,  but  one  ring  l)elow,  the  continuous  upper.  Eyelids,  red,  iris,  brown,  bill,  black,  and  feet  yellow,  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  from  all  other  Plovers  by  the  the  two  black  bands  on  the  throat  and  breast,  and  cinnamon  rump.  Distribu- 
ted in  summer  throughout  North  America,  not  very  common  in  New  England.  Winters  in  the  South. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  North  America.  Length,  10-00;  stretch,  20'25;  wing,  6'50;  tail,  4'00;  bill, 
•75;  tarsus,  1-45.  Longest  specimen,  10-50;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  21'00;  longest  wing,  6  75;  tail,  4-50;  bill,  "90;  tarsus, 
1-65.  Shortest  specimen,  9'50;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  19'50;  shortest  wing,  6'25;  tail,  3'50;  bill,  '60;  tarsus,  1'30. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Eyff*,  placed  on  the  ground  in  a  slight  depression  of  the  soil ,  on  a  little  grass,  etc.;  four  in  number,  abruptly  pyriforra 
in  shape,  creamy  in  color,  spotted  and  lined  with  dark-brown  and  umber,  but  there  are  more  spots  than  lines.  Dimensions 
from  1-OOx  1'35  to  l'05x  1'50. 

HABITS. 

On  a  December  evening,  some  years  ago,  I  stepped  from  the  deck  of  a  steamer  upon 
a  wharf  at  Fernandina  in  Florida,  well-pleased  to  find  the  solid  land  beneath  my  feet  once 
more,  for  the  weather  during  the  voyage,  had  been  unusually  stormy  and  I,  among  others, 


WJLSOX'S  PLOVER.  361 

had  boon  suffering  Jill  tin-  .lisnunfnrts  attendant  upon  such  ;i  rough  passage;  (lion,  too,  I 
hud  just  loll  a  frozen,  snow-eovered  land,  over  which  the  chilly  north  winds  won-  s\\v,  -p- 
in-:  now  I  was  -roofed  by  soft  airs  from  the  balmy  South,  the  merry  chirp  of  insects  ran- 
in  my  ears,  while  the  full  moon,  newly  risen,  illumined  a  scene  which  I  then  looked  upon 
for  the  first  time.  I  wandered  oil' a. TOSS  the  town  and  as  I  was  passin-  a  strip  of  low  land, 
1  was  almost  startled  by  hearing  loud  screams,  and  nt  the  same  moment,  two  or  three  birds 
started  up,  almost  at  my  feet  and,  continuing  their  cries,  circled  around  my  head.  I  could 
make  out  their  form  quite  clearly  in  the  brilliant  ino.mlight  and,  although  it  was  the  first 
time  that  I  had  over  seen  them  living,  I  recognized  the  Kildeer  1'lover.  The  ease  wilh 
which  they  Hew  at  night  somewhat  surprised  me,  but  I  afterward  found  lhat  they  are  part- 
ly nocturnal  and  I  have  many  times  since  then,  been  awakened  in  the  darkness  by  their 
shrill  notes. 

The  Killdcer  Plovers  are  very  common  in  the  Carolinas  during  winter,  not  only  fre- 
quenting the  shores  but  also  haunting  moist  places  in  the  interior,  and  I  have  often  seen 
them  in  the  streets  of  the  villages,  where  they  are  very  unsuspicious.  Southward  their 
numbers  increase  and  on  the  marshes  of  the  St.  John's  River,  I  found  them  in  imm'Mise 
flocks.  They  are  noisy  birds  when  ou  the  wing  but  while  running  on  the  ground,  or  a 
plaintive  cry.  As  they  are  not  at  all  shy  where  they  are  not  much  hunted,  they  n.  e 
approached  quite  closely,  when  they  will  merely  run  away,  but  if  pursued,  they  will  <  i 
squat,  lying  quite  flat,  in  order  to  conceal  themselves;  then,  if  approached  very  clo 
they  will  rise  suddenly,  with  load,  shrill  screams  which  they  ivitorate  until  they  ali;  it. 
Thus  they  often  prove  a  nuisance  when  one  is  trying  to  obtain  a  shot  at  some  shyer  bird, 
as  the  noise  made  by  these  restless  Plovers,  causes  all  other  birds  in  the  immediate  vicini- 
ty to  take  wing. 

I  found  the  Kildeors  common  on  the  Keys  in  winter  but  do  not  think  any  remain  to 
breed,  but  they  do  nest  on  Indian  River,  depositing  their  eggs  late  in  May,  and  in  Penn- 
sylvania, they  lay  about  the  same  time.  As  might  be  judged  by  the  foregoing  account, 
they  are  quite  solicitous  when  their  nests  are  approached  and  their  ouf-eries  often  inform 
the  collector  that  the  eggs  are  near.  These  birds  were  very  common  throughout  NVw  Kn,-- 
land  some  years  ago  and  although  I  have  occasionally  met  with  a  straggle-  ;U>ey  are  quite 
rare  here  now,  and  but  few  remain  to  breed. 

JEGIALITIS  WILSONIUS. 

Wilson's  Plover. 

JEyialitii  Wilsonius  B.uuu,  Birds.  N.  A.  1858,  693. 
DESCRIPTION, 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  snbust.  Size,  not  large.  Tertinries  not  nearly  reaching  tips  of  wings.  Tail,  short  and  rounded. 
Sternum,  stout,  tin-  outer  marginal  indentations,  but  slightly  deeper  tlmn  inner.  Tongue,  long,  tliin  and  horny,  narrow- 
ing toward  tip  which  is  slightly  rounded. 

COLOR.  Adult  male.  Al>ove,  pale  ashy-brown,  becoming  darker  on  tip  of  tail,  the  outer  feather^  nf«!ii<-li  air  white. 
Wings,  dark-I)n,\vn,  with  line  on  inner  wel>,  central  strij.es  on  prim  f-eeondaries,  and  bin 

white.  Forehead  and  line  over  eye,  white,  aWe  and  below  which  is  one  of  black  Under  parts,  white,  with  a  Imxid  band 
of  Mack  iiorovs  lircast. 

Adult  f'-male.  Quite  similar  to  the  above  but  the  black  markings  of  head  and  neck  are  replaced  by  some  of  brown.  The 
winter  male  resembles  the  female. 

46 


362  jEGlALlTIS  W1LHON1US. 

Young.  Similar  to  the  adult  female,  but  much  more  reddish,  especially  on  band  across  breast.  Iris,  brown,  bill, 
black,  and  feet,  yellow,  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  from  all  other  Plovers  having  a  single  ring  around  neck,  by  the  comparatively  large  size  of  the  bill  which  is  not 
only  thick  but  is  nearly  as  long  as  the  head.  Distributed  in  summer  along  the  Eastern  coast  as  far  north  as  New  Jersey. 
Winters  on  the  Florida  Keys  and  Bahamas. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Florida.  Length,  7'85;  stretch,  IS'OO;  wing,  5'75;  tail,  l'7o;  bill,  '88;  tar- 
Bus,  1-12.  Longed  specimen,  8- 15;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  KVOO;  longest  wing,  5'90;  tail,  2'00;  bill,  1-05;  tarsus,  I'i8. 
Shortest  specimen,  7'50;  smallest  extentof  wing,  H'OO;  shortest  wing,  4'65:  tail,  1'45;  bill,  '70;  tarsus,  1-05. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

E&ys,  placed  on  the  ground  in  a  slight  depression  of  the  soil,  on  a  few  bits  of  shells,  etc.;  three  in  number,  pyriform  in 
shape,  creamy  in  color,  finely  and  thickly  lined  and  spotted  with  black,  but  there  are  more  lines  than  spots.  Dimensions 
from  1'OOx  1'35  to  l'05x  1'40. 

HABITS. 

The  northern  end  of  Key  West  is  comparatively  barren  as  the  lime  rock  which  forms 
the  foundation  of  the  entire  key,  has  here  only  a  scant  supply  of  soil  over  it  and,  conse- 
quently, there  is  but  very  little  vegetation.  Between  this  section  and  the  southern,  or 
more  fertile,  end  of  the  key,  is  a  low-lying  tract  which  can  be  flooded  with  sea  water  and 
which,  in  fact,  some  years  ago,  formed,  in  a  great  measure,  natural  salt  ponds,  but  they 
then  only  covered  a  limited  surface.  Now,  however,  square,  shallow  basins  have  been  dug 
over  a  greater  extent,  and  used  for  the  manufacture  of  salt,  the  water  being  let  into  them 
and  allowed  to  evaporate  in  the  sun,  leaving  the  salt.  These  square  basins  are  separated 
from  one  another  by  dykes  along  which  one  can  walk  and  where  various  species  of  shore  birds 
alight.  Among  them  are  large  quantities  of  Plovers  of  the  genus  of  which  I  am  writing, 
and  I  have,  with  a  single  discharge  of  my  gun,  killed  three  species,  viz.,  Wilson's,  Piping, 
and  Ringneck;  and  the  day  when  I  took  the  first  and  only  specimen  of  the  Mountain  Plover 
ever  shot  east  on  the  Mississippi,  I  secured,  in  all,  six  species  of  the  genus  jEgialitis  in 
about  an  hour,  a  feat  which  I  will  venture  to  say,  will  seldom  be  repeated. 

While  here,  I  paid  considerable  attention  to  the  habits  of  Wilson's  Plover,  then  in 
the  winter  dress,  but  did  not  observe  that  they  differed  strikingly  from  other  small  Plov- 
ers, excepting  that,  perhaps,  the  flight  is  a  little  heavier;  but  when  I  found  them  breeding 
on  Indian  River,  a  few  years  later,  I  found  that  they  had  some  characteristic  habits. 

Early  in  May  I  observed  the  males  in  pursuit  of  the  females  and  alighting  beside  them, 
at  the  same  time  uttering  a  series  of  peculiar,  sharp,  abruptly  given  whistles.  Confident 
that  they  were  breeding,  a  few  days  later  I  visited  the  beach  ridge,  just  north  of  Cape  Ca- 
naveral, to  look  for  the  eggs,  but  although  there  were  several  pairs  of  birds  circling  about, 
it  was  not  until  I  happened  to  see  a  female  run  from  the  nest,  that  I  chanced  to  discover  her 
three  eggs.  These  were  placed  in  a  small  hollow  scratched  in  the  sand,  on  some  bits  of 
shell  and  fish  bones  gathered  by  the  birds,  but  in  a  little  open  space,  surrounded  by  sea 
purslane,  a  low  plant  which  grows  plentifully  about;  and  all  that  I  afterward  found,  were 
placed  in  a  similar  situation.  The  birds  ran  nimbly  about  or  circled  overhead,  so  that  it 
was  impossible  to  decide  just  where  a  nest  was  situated,  and  the  males  were  constantly 


R1NGNECK  PLOVER.  363 

giving  their  stuttering  notes,  while  the  females  only  uttered  a  hrisk  whistle.  I  never  found 
Wilson's  Plover  much  north  of  Key  West  during  winter,  but  they  migrate  along  the  coast 
early  in  April,  some  going  as  far  north  as  New  Jersey  to  breed. 

.S3GIALITIS  SEMIPALMATUS. 

Ringneck  Plover. 
JEi/ialitis  srmi/ia/malu.1  CAB.,  Journ.;  1H56,  425. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  robust.  Size,  not  large.  Bill,  short,  not  nearly  as  long  iw  head.  Tail,  short  and  rounded.  Tertia- 
ries.  nut  nearly  reaching  the  tips  of  wings.  Membrane  between  toes,  large.  Sternum,  stunt,  outer  marginal  indentations, 
slightly  deeper  than  inner.  Tongue,  not  long,  fleshy  at  base,  thin,  horny  at  extreme  tip  which  is  rounded.  Sexes,  similar. 

Color.  Adult.  Above,  dark  ashy-brown,  becoming  lighter  on  the  tail  which  is  narrowly  tipped  with  white,  while  the 
outer  jmi  r  of  feathers  are  entirely  of  this  color  nnd  all  hut  these  are  crossed  by  abroad  band  of  black.  Wings  dark-brown, 
with  tips  bade  and  lines  cm  inner  webs  of  secondaries,  central  elongated  spots  on  primaries,  ami  tip- of  greater  coverts,  white. 
Forehead  and  top  of  head  to  eye,  line  below  it  extending  over  ear  coverts,  and  broad  ring  on  breast  which  rapidly  narrows 
behind,  black.  Beneath,  white,  which  extends  in  a  collar  back  of  neck.  Crescent  on  forehead,  also  white. 

Voung.  Similar  to  fie  adult  but  the  black  markings  are  replaced  by  some  of  ashy-brown  and  every  feather  above  is 
edged  with  yellowish-white.  Bill,  black,  yellow  at  base,  iris,  brown,  and  legs,  yellow,  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Readily  known  from  all  other  Plovers  by  the.  oomparatirely  short  bill  and  large  webs  between  toes.  Distributed  in 
summer,  from  Labrador,  northward.  Winters  in  the  South. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Eastern  America.  Length,  7*05;  stretch,  14'05;  wing,  5'  12;  tail,  2-I6;  bill, 
•55;  tarsus,  !K).  Longest  specimen,  7'50;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  15'60;  longest  wing,  5'TO;  tail,  2'30;  bill,  'BO;  tarsus, 
1-00.  Shortest  specimen,  6  05;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  H'50;  shortest  wing,  4'55;  tail,  2'05;  bill,  '50;  tarsus,  -80. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Fjjy*,  placed  in  a  depression  of  the  soil,  four  in  number,  rather  pyriform  in  shape,  creamy  in  color,  spotted  irregularly 
and  plentifully  with  brown  of  varying  shades.  Dimensions  from  '90x  1'35  to  pi*5x  1'40. 

HABITS. 

The  Ringnecks  are  among  the  first  of  the  returning  shore  birds,  to  find  their  way 
southward,  some  appearing  early  in  August,  while  others  continue  to  come  until  October, 
when  they  suddenly  disappear  toward  the  South.  The  first  that  make  their  appearance, 
are  the  young  and  females  and  later,  the  adult  males  follow.  These  Plovers  have  a  loud, 
though  mellow,  whistle,  easily  distinguished  from  that  of  other  shore  birds.  They  arc  fond 
of  the  beaches  on  the  open  sea,  where  they  run  nimbly  along  the  sand,  avoiding  the  in- 
coming waves  with  great  agility,  then  following  them  out,  in  order  to  pick  up  the  small 
crustaceans,  etc.,  left  by  the  water.  They  also  visit  the  pools  on  the  salt  marshes,  where 
they  eat  aquatic  insects,  and  I  have  even  taken  grasshoppers  from  their  stomachs.  I  ful- 
ly expected  to  find  this  species  nesting  on  the  Magdalen  Islands  as  they  breed  plentifully 
on  the  neighboring  coast  of  Labrador,  but  was  disappointed,  and  I  do  not  think  that  they 
even  nest  there,  at  least  in  any  numbers. 

JEGIALITIS  MELODUS. 

Piping  Plover. 
JEgialittt  mclodus  CAB.,  Journ.  1856,  424. 

DESCRIFFION. 
SP    CH.    Form,  robust.    Size,  small.    Tertiaries,  not  nearly  reaching  the  tips  of  the  wings.    Tail,  short  and  rounded. 


364  JEG1ALIT1S  MELODUS. 

Toe  membrane,  not  large.  Sternum,  stout,  the  outer  marginal  indentation  being  but  very  little  deeper  thnninner.  Tongue, 
short,  fleshy,  and  rounded  at  tip.  Sexes,  very  similar. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Above,  very  pale  ashy-brown,  becoming  lighter  on  tail  which  is  tipped  with  white,  and  the  outer 
feathers  are  of  the  samo  color,  while  all,  excepting  these,  are  crossed  by  a  broad  band  of  dark-brown.  Wings,  dark-brown, 
with  line  on  inner  webs,  elongated  spots  on  outer  webs  of  inner  primaries,  central  stripes  on  outer,  base  and  tips  of  second- 
aries, and  bar  across  greater  coverts,  white.  Forehead,  white,  above  which  is  a  lunet  of  black  Under  parts,  white,  which 
extends  in  a  collar  back  of  neck  and  below  this  is  a  band  of  black  which  meets  behind,  broadens  on  sides  and  is  often  inter- 
rupted on  breast,  hut  is  sometimes  continuous. 

Youny.  Quite  similar  to  the  adult  but  the  black  markings  of  head  and  neck  are  nearly,  or  quite,  obsolete.  The  females 
are  generally  paler  than  the  males. 

Ne.itliny.1.  Are  covered  above  with  a  yellowish-ash  down  mixed  with  rufous.  Beneath,  white.  Iris,  brown,  bill,  black, 
yellow  at  base,  and  feet,  yellow,  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  from  all  other  Plovers  having  a  single  ring  around  neck,  by  the  comparatively  small  bill  and  toe  membrane,  as 
well  as  pale  colors,  they  being  the  lightest  of  the  genus  in  our  section.  Distributed  in  summer  along  the  Eastern  coast 
from  the  Carolinas  as  far  north  as  the  Gulf  of  St.  Lawrence.  Winters  on  the  Elorida  Keys  and  Bahamas. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Eastern  North  America.  Length,  6'75;  stretch,  14'45;  wing,  4'75;  tail,  2'75; 
bill,  -66;  tarsus,  '92.  Longest  specimen,  7'3(>;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  15'45;  longest  wing,  5'03;  tail,  2  65,  bill.  "72; 
tarsus,  98.  Shortest  specimen,  6'30;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  13'50;  shortest  wing,  4'5<);  tail,  1-90;  bill,  '50;  tarsus,  '85. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Eyys,  placed  on  the  ground  in  a  slight  depression  of  the  soil,  on  a  few  bits  of  shells,  etc.;  four  or  five  in  number,  py- 
riform  in  shape,  pale  yellowish-nsh  in  color,  finely  and  thickly  spotted  and  dotted  with  black,  yellowish  and  lilac.  Dimen- 
sions from  '90x  MO  to  1'OOx  1'20. 

HABITS. 

There  are  peculiar  sections  of  sea  shore  along  our  eastern  coast,  which  are  covered 
with  shifting  sand  that  the  high  winds  of  autumn  and  Avinter  are  constantly  sweeping  into 
dunes  which  are  of  ever  varying  form;  consequently,  but  little  vegetation  grows  on  them. 
These  barren  tracts  are  the  chosen  resort  of  the  Piping  Plovers  and  the  pallid  tints  of  these 
birds  are  so  nearly  like  the  color  of  the  sands  on  which  they  live,  that,  when  they  are  mo- 
tionless, it  is  almost  impossible  to  detect  one  a  short  distance  away,  and  on  a  foggy  morn- 
ing, when  objects  are  only  indistinctly  seen,  the  birds  are  quite  invisible  twenty  or  thirty 
yards  away,  even  while  running.  At  such  times,  especially  during  the  breeding  season,  they 
utter  a  peculiar,  long-drawn  whistle  which  coming,  as  it  does,  out  of  the  enshrouding  fog, 
has  a  singularly  wild  and  mournful  effect.  Besides  this  cry,  the  birds  emit  other  and  more 
lively  notes  which  are  more  often  given  when  their  nesting  places  are  approached.  The 
eggs  are  laid  in  a  simple  hollow  scratched  in  the  sand  and  the  birds,  as  if  aware  that  they 
would  be  more  conspicuous  if  placed  on  a  smooth  surface,  choose  nesting  places  in  the  hol- 
lows between  the  dunes,  into  which  the  edding  winds  have  swept  bits  of  bark,  roots,  and 
other  debris. 

When  sitting,  I  think  the  female  seldom  flies  unless  disturbed  but  simply  runs  to  the 
neighboring  beach,  in  order  to  feed,  without  rising  and  returns  the  same  way.  Now  us 
the  eggs  are  quite  hard  to  find  on  account  of  the  birds  leaving  them  whenever  they  per- 
ceive an  intruder,  I  would  look  for  the  track  of  a  Plover  in  the  sand  and  by  following  it 
persistently,  would  finally  come  to  the  nest,  the  proximity  to  which  could  always  be  de- 
termined by  the  increased  number  of  tracks,  crossing  and  recrossing  the  one  which  was 
my  guide. 


H^MATOPUS  PALLIATVS.  365 

The  Piping  Plovers  arrive  from  the  North  in  May,  the  eggs  are  deposited  early  in 
June,  :md  the  young  run  at  birth,  sinmtting  on  the  naked  sand  when  they  percehe  an  in- 
truder or  are  warned  to  do  so  by  some  peculiar  note  of  their  parents  who,  solicitous  lor  the, 
safety  of  their  oil-spring,  are  constantly  on  the  lookout  lor  enemies.  The  little  Plovers  soon 
learn  to  vise  their  wings,  however,  and  fly  well  by  the  middle  of  July,  then  all  migrate  to 
the  South  during  the  latter  part  of  August,  passing  the  winter  on  Key  West,  in  company 
with  the  preceding  species.  Contrary  to  my  expectations,  I  found  the  Piping  Plovers 
breeding  in  great  numbers  on  the  Magdalen  Islands,  n  -sting  on  the  long  sand  spits  or  a- 
inon  the  dunes. 


FAMILY  II.     IL-EMATOPODID^E.     THE  OYSTER  CATCHERS,  ETC. 

BUI,  at  least  as  long  as  head,  compressed  throughout,  and  hard  at  tip.  Hind  toe, 
absent  or  small.  Keel,  not  equal  in  height  to  the  width  of  the  sternum.  Marginal  indenta- 
tions, four. 

These  birds  are  A'ery  stout,  with  well-rounded  bodies  and  short  legs.  The  head  is  not 
very  large  and  the  neck  short.  The  creca  are  very  long.  Sterno-trachealis,  present  but 
there  are  no  other  prominent  laryngeal  muscles.  Tympaniform  membrane  present  as  well 
as  os  transversale,  but  there  is  no  semilunar  membrane. 

GEXrs  I.     II.-EMATOPrS.     THE  OYSTER  CATCHERS. 

GEX.  On.  Bill,  much  lonyer  than  head  and  compressed  laterally  at  tip.  Hind  toe,  absent.  Stomach,  not  muscular. 
Fxrrula,  welt  arched. 

.M.'inli.'r-  of  this  ;_"'im~  have  the  inner  marginal  indentations  slightly  deeper  than  outer.  Sexes  similar.  There  is  but 
one  species  within  our  limits. 

ELZEMATOPTJS  PALLIATUS. 

Oyster  Catcher. 
Htnnatopus  patliaitts  TK.V.M.,  Man.,  II;  1820,  533. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cir.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  Bill,  twice  as  long  as  head.  Sternum,  stout.  Tongue,  thin,  wideat  base,  nnr- 
rowin<;  tuwurd  tip  which  is  rounded. 

GH.OR.  Adult.  Head  and  neck  all  around,  black.  Above,  reddish-brown.  Upper  tail  coverts,  lower  surface  ofbody, 
sput  <>n  lower  eyelid,  tips  of  greater  wing  cuverts,  and  secondaries,  white,  with  large  elongated  spots  of  brown  on  M-minal 
portion  of  featliers  of  latter. 

Yauny.  Similar  to  the  adult,  but  the  feathers  above  are  edged  with  white.  Iris,  brown,  bill  and  eyelid,  carmine, 
and  feet,  pinkish,  in  all  sta»r>. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Readily  known  by  the  large  *ize,  absence  of  the  hind  toe,  and  long,  compr<-«e<l  bill.  Distributed,  as  a  summer  resi- 
dent, along  the  Eastern  coast  as  far  north  as  New  Jersey,  wintering  from  the  Carolina-!,  southward. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Florida.  I,ciiL'th.  IS  -'ill;  stretch,  34  -50;  wins,  lO'OO;  tail.  3'98;  bill,  3'35; 
tarsus,  2-30.  Longest  specimen,  19-00;  greatest  extent  of  win:;,  :!.V(H>:  longest  wing,  UV-JO;  toil,  4'  ID;  bill,  3-60;  tarsus, 
d-  10.  Shortest  specimen,  18  00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  3TOO;  shortest  wing,  9'60;  tail,  3'75;  bill,  3'IO;  tarsus,  2-JO. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EU<JS. 

fygs,  placed  on  the  ground  in  a  hollow  scratched  in  the  soil,  with  a  little  grass,  etc.;  two  to  four  in  number,  rather  oval 
in  form,  creamy  or  even  white  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  irregularly  with  brown  of  varying  shades.  Dimensions  from 
1  50x2-15  to  1  55x2-35. 


366  XTREPS1LAS  1NTERPRES. 

HABITS. 

On  our  voyage  southward  in  the  yacht  Nina,  we  met  with  the  Oyster  Catchers  for 
the  first  t'ine,  at  Smithville,  North  Carolina.  This  was  late  in  November  and  they  were 
evidently  established  there  for  the  winter,  for  they  frequented  the  oyster  bars  in  the  har- 
bor, in  large  numbers.  At  high  water,  they  would  retreat  to  the  sand  bars  on  the  beach 
ridge,  where  they  would  sit  perfectly  quiet,  with  their  heads  drawn  in  and  their  bills  in- 
clining downward,  much  after  the  manner  of  Woodcock.  But  when  the  outgoing  tide 
left  the  tops  of  the  oyster  bars  exposed,  they  would  come  flying  silently  in,  at  first  singly, 
then  in  pairs,  while  groups  of  a  few  would  follow,  until,  at  last,  they  would  come  in  flocks 
of  a  dozen  or  more.  They  would  alight  among  the  oysters  and  when  the  bivalves  gaped 
open,  as  is  their  habit  when  the  water  first  leaves  them,  the  birds  Avould  thrust  in  the  point 
of  their  hard,  flat  bills,  divide  the  ligament  with  which  the  shells  are  fastened  together, 
then,  having  the  helpless  inhabitant  at  their  mercy,  would  at  once  devour  it.  They  were 
not  long  in  making  a  meal,  for  specimens  which  I  shot  after  they  had  been  feeding  a  short 
time,  were  so  crammed  that  by  simply  holding  a  bird  by  the  legs  and  shaking  it  gently,  the 
oysters  would  fall  from  its  mouth.  They  appeared  to  feed  almost  exclusively  on  this  kind 
of  food  at  Smithville,  for  I  never  found  anything  else  in  their  stomachs;  in  fact,  they  ate 
so  many  oysters  that  their  flesh  was  strongly  flavored  with  them. 

Oyster  Catchers  are  quite  shy  when  shot  at  frequently  and  as  they  are  difficult  to  kill, 
it  is  not  easy  to  procure  specimens.  When  one  is  knocked  down,  the  collector  is  not  sure 
of  it,  as  they  not  only  run  with  great  swiftness  but  swim  and  dive  nearly  as  well  as  Ducks, 
and  a  wounded  bird,  if  able  to  run,  will  at  once  take  to  the  water.  When  disturbed,  they 
rise  with  loud  screams  and  if  captured  after  being  disabled,  utter  similar  cries  which  are 
apt  to  attract  the  attention  of  their  companions,  causing  them  to  circle  about. 

In  Florida,  I  found  large  flocks  of  these  birds  on  the  marshes  back  of  Amelia  Island, 
gathering  about  the  fresh  water  ponds  to  drink  and  bathe;  here  they  were  unusually  shy, 
not  allowing  me  to  come  within  a  hundred  yards  of  them.  Oyster  Catchers  breed  along  the 
sandy  beaches  of  the  coast  and  adjacent  islands,  from  Florida  to  New  Jersey,  nesting  about 
June. 

GENUS  II.    STREPSILAS.    THE  TURNSTONES. 

GEN.  CH.  Bill,  short,  about  as  long  as  the  head,  but  not  compressed  laterally  at  tip.  Hind  toe,  present.  Stomach, 
muscular.  Furcula,  not  we/I  arched. 

Members  of  this  genus,  have  the  outer  marginal  indentations  much  deeper  than  inner.  Sexes,  similar.  There  is  but 
one  ,«pecies  within  our  limits. 

STREPSILAS  INTERPRES. 

Turnstone. 
Strepsilas  interpret^.,  Prod.;  1811,  263. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  robust.  Size,  not  large.  Bill,  not  long.  Steruuin,  stout.  Tongue,  rather  long,  thin,  not  wide  at 
base,  and  narrowing  toward  tip  which  is  rounded. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Sides  of  head  and  neck,  rump,  upper  tail  coverts,  under  portions,  and  tail,  White,  with  band  on  latter, 
crescent  shaped  mark  on  upper  coverts,  broad  band  on  neck(  extending  down  on  side  of  breast  an<l  in  a  line  back  of  ear 
coverts,  line  from  lower  mandible  to  throat  patch,  another  line  from  forehead  to  eye,  passing  under  it  into  the  last,  ftnd 


30" 

patch  on  bind  neck,  black.     Remainder  .if  upper  parts,  mottled  with  bln.-k,  chestnut-red,  and  white.     Sw.mdiirii"..  wliitc, 
with  nn  elongated  <p.>t  ofbrown  on  terminal  portion.     Primaries,  hr.iwn,  with  bu-e  <if  all  mid  tips  of  inner,  wliitc. 

Youny.  Similar  to  the  ndult  l>ut  tlic  black  markings  are  not  ns  distinct,  nor  is  then-  i.uieh  ml  above.  Bill,  black, 
iris,  brown,  and  feet,  red,  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Readily  known  by  the  peculiar  black  markings  on  the  head  and  breast.  Distributed  in  summer,  throughout  Ai  -tic 
America;  wintering  from  t'i8  Carolines,  .southward. 

DI.MKNS10NS. 

Average  measurements  of  s,«.n'mens  from  Kiisteni  America.  length,  9'25;  stretch,  18-00;  wing,  5-40;  tnil.STui;  bill, 
•95;  tarsus,  |-(>J.  Longest  specimen,  «)-50;  greatest  extent  ol  wing,  l'J'50;  longest  wing,  6'05:  tail,  2  75;  liill,  I -00:  tarsus, 
1-15.  S.i.irta-it  sp;uim;n,  9'0'J;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  18-50;  shortest  wing,  o  7">,  fiil,  2-50;  bill,  •<>!;  tarsus,  -!>0. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGOS. 

Eyys,  placed  on  t!ie  ground  in  a  depression  of  the  soil,  on  a  little  gni-  I  •  are  from  two  to  four  in  mimlirr.  rather 
pyriform  in  shape,  greenis'i-jish  in  color,  spotted  anil  blotched  irregularly  and  thickly  with  yellowWi-brown,  anJ  scatter- 
ingly  with  dots  of  umber.  Dimensions  from  1-17x1 -56  to  1'20  x  1  65. 

HABITS. 

The  Turnstones  are  easily  recognized  by  their  conspicuous  colors,  especially  by  the 
white  rump  with  its  black  spot;  in  fact,  they  appear  so  completely  mottled  with  black, 
white,  and  red,  that  in  some  sections,  they  are  called  Calico  Birds.  They  arrive  from  the 
North  early  in  August  and  while  in  Massachusetts,  during  autumn,  spend  the  greater  por- 
tion of  their  time  on  rocks  which  have  been  left  exposed  by  the  tide,  searching  for  small 
marine  animals.  They  will,  however,  occasionally  alight  on  the  marshes,  in  order  to  catch 
grasshoppers,  on  which  they  sometimes  feed.  In  the  North,  where  they  are  hunted  con- 
tinually, like  all  shore  birds,  they  become  very  shy  but  in  the  South,  where  larger  gam*'  is 
abundant,  they  are  seldom  disturbed  and,  consequently,  are  quite  unsuspicious,  being  so 
tame,  in  fact,  that  I  have  frequently  walked  within  a  few  yards  of  them  without  causing 
them  to  take  wing.  In  this  section,  they  resort  to  the  pebbly  sea  beaches,  along  which 
they  run  nimbly,  occasionally  pausing  to  turn  over  the  smaller  stones  or  shells,  that  they 
may  find  the  insects  which  lurk  beneath  them,  and  it  is  this  habit  which  has  given  them 
the  name  of  Turnstone. 

These  birds  do  not  appear  to  be  very  common  anywhere  and  in  all  my  experience  on 
the  coast  between  the  two  great  gulfs,  I  do  not  remember  having  seen  over  twenty  together 
at  one  time,  and  this  number  is  rare;  indeed,  I  should  consider  a  flock  consisting  of  ten  or  a 
dozen  specimens,  quite  large  for  this  species.  I  saw  a  lew  scattering  Turnstonrs  flying 
about  the  oyster  bars  at  Smithville,  North  Carolina,  during  the  last  week  in  November, 
and  from  this  point  to  Key  West,  they  are  found  during  winter  but  are  never  very  abun- 
dant in  rhe  South.  They  return  North  in  May  but  when  migrating  to  their  In-ceding 
grounds,  they  pass  quite  rapidly.  The  note  of  the  Turnstone,  consists  of  an  abrupt,  clear 
whistle,  usually  given  just  as  the  birds  rise  or  is  occasionally  uttered  as  they  fly. 

FAMILY  III.     RECURVIROSTRIDyE.     THE  STILTS. 

Bill,  much  longer  than  the  head,  more  or  less  curved  upward,  flaW-Md  ami  l/urd  through- 
out. Hind  toe,  absent  or  very  small.  Keel,  about  equal  in  heiyht  tu  tin'  width  vf  the  ster- 
num. Marginal  indentations,  four.  Legs,  exceedingly  long. 


368  RECURV1ROSTRA  AMERICANA. 

Tlie  neck  is  rather  long  and  slender  but  the  most  noticeable  feature  is  the  greatly 
lengthened  legs.  The  head  is  not  large  in  comparison  with  the  well-rounded  body.  The 
sternum  is  quite  narrow  with  the  marginal  indentations  nearly  equal  in  depth,  while  the 
furcula  is  moderately  well  arched. 

GENUS  I.    RECURVIROSTRA.    THE  AVOCETS. 

GEN.  CH.  Bin,  wett  curved  upward,  more  than  twice  as  tony  as  head  which  is  not  very  large.  Hind  toe  present  but 
small.  Tip  of  closed  wing,  but  little  longer  than  tail. 

Members  of  this  genus  have  the  hill  considerably  flattened.  Sexes,  quite  similar.  There  is  but  one  species  within  our 
limits. 

RECTJRVIROSTRA  AMERICANA. 

American  Avocet. 
Recurvirostra  Americana  GM.,  Syst.  Nat.,  I;  1788,  693. 

DESCRIPflON. 

SP.  On.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  Bill,  curved  upward  considerably  but  the  tip  is  slightly  hooked  Wings,  point- 
ed. Sternum,  stout. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Head  and  neck  all  around,  cinnamon-red.  Body,  white,  with  scapularies,  which  are  broadly  edged 
•with  white,  tertiaries,  greater  wing  coverts,  and  primaries,  black. 

Young.  Quite  similar  to  the  adult  but  the  head  and  neck  are  white,  tinged  with  ashy  above,  and  the  black  markings 
are  not  as  clear.  Iris,  red,  bill,  black,  and  legs,  greenish,  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Readily  known  by  the  decidedly  upturned  bill,  long  legs,  and  presence  of  hind  toe  and  prominent  toe  membrane.  Dis- 
tributed in  summer,  west  of  the  Mississippi.  Rare  on  the  Eastern  coast. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Western  North  America.  Length,  16-62;  stretch,  29-50;  wing,  9-25;  tail, 
3-85;  bill,  3'55;  tarsus,  3'40.  Longest  specimen,  18-00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  Sl'OO;  longest  wing,  lO'OO;  tail.  3'95;  bill, 
3-75;  tarsus,  3  50.  Shortest  specimen,  15'32;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  28'00;  shortest  wing,  8-50;  tail,  3-70;  bill,  3'35;  tar- 
sus, 3-30. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Eggs,  placed  on  the  ground  in  a  slight  depression  of  the  soil,  three  or  four  in  number,  rather  pyriform  in  shape,  ashy- 
yellow  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  irregularly  and  quite  thickly,  but  seldom  coarsely,  with  yellowish-brown  of  varying 
shades.  Dimensions  from  l'25x  1'95  to  1-40x2  05. 

HABITS. 

The  Avocet,  although  common  in  the  region  west  of  the  Mississippi,  appears  to  be 
quite  rare  on  the  eastern  coast  and  I  have  never  met  with  it  living  nor  can  I  recall  a  re- 
cent instance  of  its  capture  in  the  North.  It  has  been  taken  here  rarely  but  occurs  more 
often  in  the  South.  Published  accounts  of  the  habits  of  this  bird,  show  that  it  differs  but 
slightly  from  that  of  the  succeeding  species. 

GENUS  II.    HIMANTOPUS.    THE  STILTS. 

GEN.  Cn.  Bill,  but  sliyhty  curved  upward,  and  less  than  twice  the  length  of  the  head  which  is  rather  large.  Hind  toe, 
absent.  Tips  of  closed  wings,  considerably  longer  than  tail. 

Members  of  this  genus  have  the  bill  well  rounded  toward  tip  which  is  pointed.  Sexes,  similar.  There  is  but  one 
species  within  our  limits. 

HIMANTOPUS  NIGRICOLLIS. 

Black-necked  Stilt. 
Himantapus  nigricoll's  VIEII.L.,  Diet.,  X;  1S17,  42. 

DESCRIPTION . 

SP.  CH.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  Bill,  long.  Sternum,  stout.  Tongue,  rather  long,  thin,  and  slender,  narrow- 
ing toward  tip  which  is  pointed  but  not  horny. 


BLACK-NECKED  STILT.  369 

Colon.  Adult.  Foreiirad  to  eye,  line  hack  ..fry,  lower  i-ycliil,  rump,  up|>er  tail  coverts,  tail,  and  under  portions, 
white;  under  win;;  coverts  and  remaining  portions,  Mack  with  n  purplish  luster. 

Yovn;;.  (t>uite  similar  to  tin-  adult  but  tlie  black  markings  are  nut  as  cl'car  and  tlic  tail  i-  tin^-d  with  ashy.  Iri-  and 
legs,  red,  and  bill,  black,  in  all  s! 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Iteiidily  known  liy  the  nearly  straight  bill,  long  legs,  and  abs  <,„.,-, .fliind  tocand  prominent  toe  membrane.     Distribu- 
ted in  ^ummer,  throughout  the  United  States.     Kare  on  the  F.a-icrn  eoul  north  i.f'the  Carolinas,  wintering  sou  ti 
United  bm 

DIMENSIONS 

A  \eraire  measurement- of  specimen*  fruni  Florida.  Ix>n::th,  ll'ti.".;  tretch,  -J-,-70;  winjr,  8'75;  tail,  :>  115;  bill,  2(50; 
tarsia.  1'7-J.  l.on_;e-t  sp,.,  in  ,,.„.  15-00:  greatest  extent  of  win:;,  •_>-*-:>0,  J<m:_'est  win;;.  It'OO;  tail.  3-75;  bill,  "-'I;  tarsus, 
4'50.  Shortest  specimen,  II  -J;<;  smallest  extent  of  win-,  35  it  win-.  7  :>  I;  nil,  •.>•;>,);  bill,  i  15;  tarsus,  3'!>(>. 

nKSCKIl'TION  (IK  NKSTS  AM)   KiiCS. 

/•:•/.'/•'•  J'l'K'ed  on  the  ground  in  n  slight  depression  of  the  soil,  three  or  four  in  number,  rather  pyriform  in  shape,  ashy- 
yellow  in  color,  spotted.  Mulcted,  and  lined  irr.-^idarly  and  cjuite  tbickly,  but  seldom  coarsely,  will)  ycllowish-browii  ..(' 
varying  abodes.  Dimensions  from  ri5xr5-Jto  1 '^5  x  !•?(>. 

II  \1!ITS. 

On  the  fifteenth  of  March,  the  Black-necked  Stilts  made  tln.-ir  first  appearance  at  Salt 
Lake  in  Middle  Florida.  At  first  there  were  but  one  or  two  pairs,  then  they  came  pour- 
in. u1  in,  and  soon,  whenever  I  walked  over  the  marshes,  their  harsh  cries  resounded  on  all 
sides.  This  was  my  first  acquaintance  with  the  bird  and  I  spent  many  hours  watching 
their  singular  movements,  until  they  became  perfectly  familiar  to  me,  but  they  always  in- 
terested me  and  I  often  found  myself  observing  them,  even  after  I  had  lived  among  them 
for  months. 

As  may  readily  be  inferred  from  a  glance  at  the  birds,  the  Black-necked  Stilts  run 
very  rapidly  but  in  the  midst  of  their  career,  they  will  pause  suddenly,  bend  their  Ion-  legs, 
and  pick  up  something  from  the  ground,  then  oil' again  al'ter  more  food.  Their  favorite 
method  <>!'  feeding,  however,  was  to  wade  in  the  shallow  pools,  often  becoming  submerged  to 
the  body,  and  I  have  frequently  seen  them  wading  in  this  manner  among  flocks  of  Ducks, 
consisting  of  several  species.  When  alarmed  while  in  the  water,  they  will  rai-e  their  long 
wings  and  rise  as  lightly  as  if  on  the  land.  After  they  have  finished  their  meal,  they  re- 
turn to  the  shore  and  squat  quietly  down  in  groups  but  each  individual  faces  the  wiii'L 
pccially  if  it  be  blowing  hard.  They  are  not  shy  birds  as  a  rule,  allowing  one  to  approach 
within  a  few  yards,  but  if  the  intruder  go  too  near,  they  will  give  a  bow  or  two,  as  if  bal- 
ancing themselves,  then  rise  with  a  harsh  scream  which  becomes  continuous  when  they  arc 
badly  frightened. 

On  the  marshes  of  Indian  River,  there  are  certain  spots,  especially  near  the  water,  uu 
which  vegetation  never  grows.  Early  in  April,  I  observed  that  the  Stilts  were  frequent- 
ing these  places  and  on  the  twenty-third,  found  the  birds  noting  on  them,  the  egox  lieing 
placed  on  the  naked  soil  in  a  slight  depression.  It  was  quite  easy  to  find  the  eggs,  afi  the 
birds  would  not  start  until  I  was  close  to  them  and  if  I  did  not  at  first  perceive  where  one 
got  up,  I  had  only  to  retreat  a  short  distance,  when  the  unsuspicious  bird  would  quietly 
walk  back  to  her  nest,  bend  her  long  legs,  and  sit  down.  The  note,  at  this  time,  was  quite 
different  from  that  given  earlier  in  the  season,  as  they  now  littered  short  syllables  .-niiiid- 
ing  like  put,  put,  jtut,  repeated  rapidly,  that  of  the  males  being  harsh,  while  the  females 

47 


370  PHALAROPVS  W1LSON1. 

gave  it  shriller  and  more  continuous.  The  Black-necked  Stilts  are  found  abundantly  all 
through  Florida  but  are  not  as  common  above  the  peninsula  and  as  we  pass  northward 
along  the  coast,  they  become  rare;  yet  in  years  past,  stragglers  have  been  taken  in  Mass- 
achusetts but  none  have  been  recently  seen,  however,  so  far  north.  They  leave  Florida  for 
the  South,  early  in  autumn. 

FAMILY  IV.     PHALAROPODID^E.     THE  PHALAROPES. 

Bill,  slender,  longer  than  head,  straight  and  hard  throughout.  Hind  toe,  present  and 
well -developed,  while  the  toes  are  partli/  webbed  and  provided  with  a  lateral  membrane.  The 
legs  are  not  strikingly  long  and  the  tarsus  is  compressed  laterally.  Keel,  about  equal  in 
height  to  the  width  of  the  sternum.  Marginal  indentations,  four. 

Members  of  this  family  are  singular  birds,  exhibiting  some  characters  which  are  pecu- 
liar, not  only  to  the  Sandpipers  but  also  to  the  Ducks,  the  structure  of  their  feet,  ena- 
bling them  to  swim  well  while  the  peculiar,  lengthened,  compact  feathering  beneath  is 
bouyant  and  water-proof.  The  stomach  is  muscular  and  the  proventriculus  is  large  with 
the  glands  arranged  in  a  zonular  band.  The  cceca  are  long.  There  are  but  three  species 
known,  all  of  which  may,  perhaps,  be  placed  in  one  genus. 

GENUS  I.  PHALAROPUS.  THE  PHALAROPES. 

The  three  known  species  of  Phalaropes,  all  of  which  occur  within  our  limits,  do  not  appear  to  me  to  differ  sufficiently 
to  take  generic  rank,  therefore  I  have  placed  them  in  a  single  genus,  the  characters  of  which  are  given  under  the  family 
heading.  Sexes,  quite  similar. 

PHALAROPUS  WILSONI. 

Wilson's  Phalarope. 
Phalaropui  Wilsoni  SAB.,  App.  Frank.  Journ;  1823,  691. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  Bill,  nearly  twice  as  long  as  head,  hard  and  flattened  throughout.  Leg1?,  long. 
Lateral  toe  membranes,  nearly  straight  and  the  basal  ones  are  small.  Tail,  doubly  emarginate.  Tongue,  long,  thin,  and 
slender,  narrowing  toward  tip  which  is  pointed  but  not  horny. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Above,  pale  pearly-ash,  becoming  lighter  on  the  occiput  and  changing  into  brown  on  wings,  which 
is  darker  on  primaries.  Secondaries  and  tail  tipped  with  white,  and  the  latter  is  mottled  with  it.  There  is  a  dusky  line 
passing  through  eye,  darkening  into  velvety  black  back  of  it,  which  broadens  out  on  neck.  This  ends  abruptly,  but  is  fol- 
lowed by  a  line  of  deep  chestnut  that  posses  down  the  back  on  to  the  scapularies,  narrowing  as  it  proceeds.  Upper  tail 
coverts,  line  over  eye,  and  under  parts,  creamy-white,  stronglv  tinged  on  neck  and  more  lightly  on  upper  breast  and  sides 
with  reddish. 

Young.  Grayish  above,  mottled  with  black  and  white,  and  tinged  on  the  neck  with  reddish,  but  lack  the  black  and 
chestnut  markings  of  the  adult.  The  sides  are  grayish.  When  newly  fledged,  the  feathers  above  are  edged  with  reddish. 
Bill  and  feet,  black,  and  iris,  brown,  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Readily  known  by  thelarge  size,  long  bill,  nearly  straight  lateral  toe  membranes  as  well  as  small  basal  ones,  and  long 
legs.  Distributed  in  summer,  throughout  North  America,  from  Kansas  to  the  region  of  the  Saskatchewan,  generally  west 
of  the  Mississippi,  but  a  few  breed  in  Illinois.  Very  rare  on  the  Eastern  coast  in  autumn;  wintering  south  of  the  United 

States. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Western  North  America.  Length,  8'85;  stretch,  15'OC;  wing,  5-05;  tail, 
2' 10:  bill,  1-30;  tarsus,  1-20.  Longest  specimen,  9'50;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  15-50;  longest  wing,  5'50;  tail.  2-30;  bill, 
1-50;  tarsus,  1  35.  Shortest  specimen,  8'S5;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  14'50;  shortest  wing,  4'60;  tail,  1-90;  bill,  MO;  tar- 
sus. 1-14. 


XOfiTHERN  PHALAROPE.  371 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AM)  Ki.i.S 

F.yi/f,  placed  on  the  ground  in  a  holl'.w  scratched  in  the  soil,  with  a  little  grass,  etc.;  two  to  four  in  number,  rather  pyr- 
iforin  in  shupe,  ashy-yellow  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  irregularly,  ami  usually  coarsely,  with  brown  of  varying  shades. 
Dimension-  I'ri.iii  -ilOxI-JO  to  -95xl-:i5. 

HABITS. 

Wilson's  Phalarope,  although  very  common  in  the  West,  is  exceedingly  rare  on  the 
Atlantic  coast  of  the  United  States  and  I  have  never  met  with  a  specimen  living,  nor  do  I 
now  remember  hearing  of  an  anthontii;  instance  of  its  recent  capture,  at  least  in  New  Eng- 
laml.  It  .lues,  however,  occur  east  of  the  Mississippi,  as  it  breeds  in  Illinois.  According 
to  notes,  this  Phalarope  is  quite  unique  among  birds,  as  it  is  affirmed  that  the  female  is 
not  only  brighter  in  plumage  than  the  male  but  that  she  does  all  the  courting,  while  the 
male  sits  on  the  eggs  after  they  are  deposited.  Mr.  F.  T.  Jenks  of  Providence,  who  has 
been  among  these  birds  when  they  were  breeding,  assures  me  that  the  above  mentioned 
facts  are  true  and  others  have  asserted  the  same  thing.  In  the  face  of  all  these  witnesses, 
I  shall  not  venture  a  remark  but  will  merely  tell  the  tale  to  my  readers  as  it  is  told  to  me. 
Wilson's  Phalaropc  arrives  from  the  South  with  other  shore  birds  and  departs  with  them  in 
the  autumn. 

PHALAROPUS  HYPERBOREUS. 

Northern  Phalarope. 
Pha/erojnu  hyperboreus  TK.WJI.,  Man.,  II;  1820,  709. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  rather  slender.  Size,  small.  Bill,  slender  and  but  slightly  longer  thnn  head.  Legs,  not  long.  Lat- 
eral toe  membranes,  wide,  and  scalloped  at  each  phalnngeal  j  lint,  while  the  basal  ones  are  large.  Tail,  considerably  round- 
ed. Tongue,  lung,  thin,  and  slender,  narrowing  toward  tip  which  is  pointed. 

COLOR.  Ailuli.  Above,  very  dark  ashy-brown,  darkest  on  head  and  lightest  on  rump,  mixed  with  bright  chestnut  on 
back.  A  ring  of  chestnut-red  surrounds  neck  and  a  stripe  of  tin-  ^ame  color  extends  down  sides  of  it.  Tips  of  greater  wing 
coverts  and  under  portions  of  body,  white,  with  the  sides  tinged  with  ashy  mixed  with  reddish. 

Youm/.  1  ack  the  chestnut  markings  of  the  adult  and  the  feathers  above  are  sometimes  edged  with  reddish,  other- 
wise similar.  Iris,  brown,  bill  and  feet,  black,  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Readily  known  by  the  small  size,  short,  slender,  ]x>inted  bill,  rounded  tail,  wide,  scalloped,  lateral  toe  membranes  and 
Msal  i  incs.     Distributed,  as  a  summer  resident,  throughout  the  circumpolar  Arctic  Regions;  wintering  in  the  South 
Temjicratc  Zone. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Eastern  America.  Length,  7'75;  stretch,  13'75;  wing,  4'55;  tail,  2'25;  bill, 
1-00;  tar-u-.  -80.  Longest  specimen,  8  00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  14-50;  Ion  .  4'00;  tail,  2'50;  bill,  MO;  tarsus, 

•86.     Shortest  specimen,  7'50;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  13'00;  shortest  wing,  4'50;  tail,  2'00;  bill,  '90;  tarsus,  '75. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  E(i(.S. 

Egi/s,  placed  on  the  ground  in  a  depression  of  the  soil,  on  a  little  grass.     They  are  from  two  to  four  in  number,  rather 
pyrifoi-m  in  <\i:>i**,  varying  from  greenish  to  yellowish-ash  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  irregularly,  thickly,  and  usually 
ly,  with  brown  of  varying  shades.     Dimensions  from  '75  x  J'02  to  'SOxl'oO. 

II A  KITS. 

Off  the  eastern  and  southern  side  of  Grand  Menan  are  spots  where  the  tide  rushing 
out  of  the  BayofFundy,  meets  the  waters  of  the  ocean,  causing  a  peculiar  agitation  on 
the  surface.  These  are  called  rips  by  the  fishermen  and  their  presence  is  not  only  detect- 
ed by  the  whirling  of  the  water  but  also  by  the  floating  sea  weed  and  debris  brought  down 


372  PHALAROPUS  FUL1CARIUS. 

by  the  rivers  which  empty  into  the  bay.  These  floating  patches  are  the  chosen  resorts  of 
the  Northern  Phalaropes  when  on  their  way  southward  from  their  northern  breeding  grounds 
in  autumn.  Here  they  remain  for  a  short  time,  then  depart  further  south.  When  they 
are  migrating,  if  it  chances  to  be  stormy,  occasionally  a  little  group  will  stray  on  shore 
and  haunt  the  pools  along  the  beaches,  looking  and  acting  much  like  Peeps,  but,  as  a  rule, 
they  remain  at  sea,  excepting  when  breeding.  During  the  winter,  I  have  frequently  met 
with  them  in  large  flocks,  feeding  on  those  floating  islands  of  gulf  weed  which  lie  on  the 
water  off  the  coast  of  Georgia  and  the  Carolinas.  They  appeared  to  be  feeding  on  small 
mollusks,  etc.,  which  live  on  the  sea  Aveed,  running  about  on  it  much  as  the  small  Sand- 
pipers do  on  land,  and  whenever  the  steamers  on  which  I  have  been,  approached  too  near 
them,  they  would  rise,  uttering  a  shrill  peep,  and  alight  on  the  next  patch. 

I  have  seen  these  Phalaropes  many  miles  from  land  during  all  hours  of  the  day,  even 
late  in  the  afternoon  when  a  storm  was  imminent.  Where  they  go  for  safety  when  those 
gales,  for  which  the  region  about  Cape  Hatteras  is  famous,  sweep  over  the  ocean,  I  know 
not.  It  is  possible  that  they  retreat  to  the  calmer  waters  of  the  Sounds  at  such  times  but 
I  have  looked  for  them  in  vain,  both  during  and  after  gales,  in  Pamplico  Sound  which  is 
just  opposite  the  point  where  they  are  most  common  at  sea.  They  migrate  northward  in 
spring,  breeding  in  the  Arctic  Regions. 

PHALAROPUS  PULICABITJS 

Red  1'halarope. 

Phalaropusfulicarius  Box.,  Obs.  Wils.;  1825,  232. 
DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  rather  slender.  Size,  small.  Bill,  but  little  longer  than  head,  stout,  and  much  flattened.  Legs,  short. 
Lateral  toe  membranes,  scalloped  at  each  phalangeal  joint  but  the  basal  ones  are  not  as  large  as  in  the  preceding  species. 
Tail,  rounded.  Tongue,  rather  wide  and  fleshy,  becoming  horny  at  tip  which  is  rounded. 

Color.  Adult.  Throat  and  upper  parts,  dark-brown,  becoming  ashy  on  wing-;  and  tail,  with  feathers  of  back  broad- 
ly edged  with  yellowish-rufous.  Tips  of  secondaries,  stripe  on  side  of  head,  under  wing  coverts,  and  axillaries,  white. 
Remainder  of  under  parts,  deep  brownish-red,  becoming  purplish  on  abdomen,  and  tinged  with  ashy  on  breast. 

Young.  Yellowish-brown  above,  mottled  with  dusky ,  darkest  on  head  and  wings.  Tips  of  secondaries,  forehead,  and 
entire  under  parts,  white.  Bill,  greenish,  iris  and  feet,  brown,  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  from  the  two  preceding  species  by  the  broad,  stout,  much  flattened  bill  which  is  scarcely  longer  than  head. 
Distributed,  in  summer,  throughout  the  Arctic  Regions;  wintering  in  the  South. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Eastern  North  America.  Length,  8' 15;  stretch,  15-50;  wing,  7'25;  tail,2'50; 
bill,  -95;  tarsus,  -80.  Longest  specimen,  8-75;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  16'00;  longest  wing,  7'50;  tail,  275;  bill,  I'OO; 
tarsus,  -85.  Shortest  specimen,  7'50;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  15'OG;  shortest  wing,  7'00;  tail,  2'25;  bill,  '90;  tarsus,  '75. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Eyy*,  placed  on  the  ground  in  a  slight  depression  of  the  soil,  on  a  little  grass,  etc.  They  are  from  two  to  four  in  num-> 
ber,  pyriform  in  shape,  varying  from  greenish  to  yellowish-ash  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  irregularly,  thickly,  and  us- 
ually coarsely,  with  brown  of  varying  shades.  Dimensions  from  '85  x  1'15  to  'HOx  1'30. 

HABITS. 

The  Red  Phalaropes  are  by  far  the  rarest  of  the  genus  in  the  United  States  but  are, 
however,  occasionally  met  with  on  the  eastern  coast  in  autumn.  Of  two  specimens  now 
in  the  collection  of  the  Bangs  Brothers,  one  was  obtained  in  Boston  Market  a  year  or  two 


PHILOMELA  MINOR.  873 

ago  and  the  other  was  taken  at  Magnolia  on  the  nineteenth  of  September,  1SOO;  another 
was  shot  near  the  same  jil.-irr  shortly  after.  Both  of  these  latter  named  specimens  were  run- 
ning along  the  bonier  of  a  small,  fresh  water  pond  situated  near  the  shore.  Out  of  the 
large  number  of  small  Phalaropes  seen  oil' the  coast,  it  is  possible  that  some  may  pnne  to 
be  of  this  species.  The  Red  Pbalaropes  appear  lobe  much  more  maritime  than  the  others, 
seldom  being  found  in  the  interior.  They  breed  in  the  Arctic  Zone,  like  all  Phalaropes, 
placing  the  eggs  on  (lie  ground.  The  males  of  this  and  the  preceding  species  are  said  to 
be  duller  in  color  than  the  females  and  to  perform  the  duties  of  incubation. 

FAMILY  V.     SCOLOPACID^E.     THE  SNIPES,  ETC. 

Bill,  variable  in  length  but  grooved  throughout,  and  covered  with  a  soft  skin  at  tip. 
Marginal  indentations,  two  or  four. 

This  is  a  large  family  and,  like  all  the  present  order,  the  members  present  quite  va- 
riable characters;  thus  it  is- exceedingly  ditlicult  to  find  any  one  peculiarity  possessed  by 
all  the  genera.  The  bill  is  either  greatly  lengthened  or  shorter  than  the  head  and  is  much 
curved,  straight,  or  even  recurved.  The  stomach  is  muscular  or  soft,  with  a  large  or  small 
proventriculus.  The  intestines  are  small  and  long  or  large  and  short.  Coeca,  long  or  near- 
ly rudimentary.  The  laryngeal  muscles  are  variable.  The  above  given  characters  repre- 
sent the  extremes,  while  there  are  every  possible  gradation  between  the  two  limits,  and 
other  peculiarities  of  form,  which  are  given  under  generic  and  specific  characters. 

GENTS  I.    PHILOMELA.     THE  WOODCOCKS. 

GKX.  Cu.  Bill,  lest  than  twice  the  length  of  the  head  which  is  rather  larye.  Leys,  short,  with  tibia  feathered  to  tarsal 
joint.  Three  outrr  frat/irrs  of  /irimaries.  attenuated.  K?cl,  fipial  in  heiyht  to  width  of  sternum.  Maryinal  indentations , 
Iwii,  small  Corarnids,  somewhat  cxceediny  in  lenyth  the  heiyht  of  keel. 

Tin-  st'iiiai-h  is  oval  in  form  and  quite  muscular,  with  a  Marl,  rugose  membrane.  The  proventriculus  is  large.  The 
M.-S  ;\re  small  but  long  and  the  coeca  very  short.  Sterno-treachealis,  quite  stout.  Bronchialis,  quite  well  developed 
and  t  H  ira*'l lis,  extending  over  two  half  rings,  while  a  singular  accessory  muscle  which  i~  mem- 

branous, emerges  from  the  lower  portion  of  the  trachea  and  spreading  triangularly  adheres  to  the  bronchial*  above,  and 
lieli'W,  tu  the  rudimentary  manubrium.  Tympaniform  membrane,  present  but  there  is  no  us  transversale.  Sexes,  .similar. 
There  is  but  one  species  within  our  limits,  which  is  more  or  less  nocturnal. 

PHILOHELA  MINOR. 

American  Woodcock. 
Philehela  minor  GKAV,  List  Genera;  1841. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CD.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  Tongue,  fleshy,  long,  thin,  and  slender,  narrowing  townrd  tip  which  is  point- 
ed but  not  horny.  Sternum,  stout. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Above,  ashy-brown,  irregularly  banded  with  yellowish-rufous,  mottled  on  the  back  with  anhy,  and 
coarsely  marked  wit'i  dark  velvety-brown.  Line  from  bill  to  eye.  short  line  on  ear  coverts,  top  of  IK -m  hind  tail,  dark-brown, 
with  the  two  latter  banded  with  yellowish-rufous  and  the  tail  is  tipped  with  ashy  al«ive  and  white  beneath,  r'omhcsid  >•> 
eye,  ashy.  Sides  of  head  and  under  parts,  reddish-buff,  palest  centrally,  and  tinged  with  ashy  on  neck.  Under  tail  eov- 
ITI-.  streaked  with  Mack  and  tipped  with  white. 

Youny.  Quite  .similar  to  the  adult  but  much  more  richly  colored  below  and  darker  above,  where  the  dark  niarkm.- 
are  rather  irregular. 

Nfitlinys.  Are  covered  with  a  reddish-buff  down,  marked  above  with  very  dark-brown  much  as  in  the  adult.  Bill, 
feet,  and  iris,  brown,  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Readily  known  by  the  three  peculiarly  attenuated  outer  priinaries,form,audcolorsasdescribed.  Distributed  in  sum- 
mer, throughout  Eastern  North  America;  wintering  in  the  Soulh. 


374  AMERICAN  WOODCOCK. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Eastern  North  America.  Length,  Il'lO;  stretch,  18'25;  wing,  5'25;  tail, 
2  55;  bill,  2'55;  tarsus,  1-25.  Longest  specimen,  11-60;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  19'55;  longest  wing,  5  75;  tail,  2'60;  bill, 
2-75;  tarsus,  1'30.  Shortest  specimen,  10'50;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  17'00;  shortest  wing,  4'75;  tail,  2'50;  bill,  2'45;  tar- 
sus, 1-20. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Eggs,  placed  on  the  ground  in  a  slight  depression  of  thesoil,  on  a  few  leaves,  etc.,  three  or  four  in  number,  varying 
from  oval  to  pyriform  in  shape,  and  from  creamy  to  buff  in  color,  spotted,  and  blotched  irregularly,  and  quite  thickly,  with 
pale  reddish-brown  of  varying  shades.  Dimensions  from  1'lOx  T65  to  l'20x  T70. 

HABITS. 

The  frost  has  scarcely  left  the  meadows  in  early  spring,  before  the  twittering  notes 
of  the  Woodcock  can  be  heard  as  they  emerge  from  some  thicket  in  which  they  have  been 
hiding  all  day,  and  fly  rapidly  to  the  nearest  bog,  where  they  usually  feed  at  this  season. 
Shortly  after  their  arrival,  they  select  a  suitable  locality  for  breeding,  often  choosing  a 
slightly  elevated  spot  in  some  swamp,  generally  in  a  thicket,  and  the  eggs  are  deposited  by 
the  second  week  in  April.  In  Florida,  where,  I  am  informed  by  Mr.  Gr.  A.  Boardman, 
the  Woodcocks  breed,  the  eggs  are  laid  early  in  February.  It  is  possible  that  two  broods 
are  raised  in  a  season  in  some  sections,  for  Mr.  August  Koch  showed  me  a  nest  containing 
two  eggs,  built  in  a  swamp  at  Williamsport,  Pennsylvania,  on  the  twenty-third  of  May. 
The  female  was  sitting  on  the  nest  and  although  we  approached  within  a  few  feet  of  her, 
she  did  not  attempt  to  fly  but  kept  perfectly  motionless,  evidently  trusting  to  her  peculiar 
colors  which  correspond  quite  well  with  her  surroundings,  for  concealment.  The  young 
make  their  appearance  in  about  four  weeks,  and  the  little  downy  birds  run  as  soon  as 
hatched  ami  are  as  well  skilled  in  the  art  of  hiding  beneath  leaves,  as  young  Partridges. 
They  also  fly  early,  so  that  by  the  time  they  are  two  weeks  old,  it  is  almost  impossible  to 
take  one  alive.  The  adult  and  young  remain  in  the  low  lands  until  after  the  moult  which 
takes  place  late  in  June.  They  then  enter  the  corn  fields  and  probe  for  worms,  and  later, 
may  be  found  in  birch  and  other  woods,  even  on  hill-tops. 

The  method  by  which  the  Woodcocks  capture  wornis,  is  peculiar  and  I  once  kept  one 
alive  in  a  cage  made  of  a  packing  ease,  for  some  time,  so  that  I  had  an  opportunity  of 
watching  it  as  it  fed.  At  first  it  was  quite  wild  and  would  rise  every  time  I  went  near 
it,  striking  its  head  with  such  force  against  the  roof  of  its  prison,  that  it  would  fall  back 
stunned.  To  prevent  it  from  injuring  itself,  I  removed  the  wooden  top  of  the  box  and  sub- 
stituted some  mosquito  netting,  against  which  it  could  fly  without  danger  of  being  killed. 
The  floor  of  its  house  was  covered  to  the  depth  of  four  or  five  inches,  with  dark-colored  loam, 
in  which  I  planted  a  quantity  of  weeds,  beneath  which  the  Woodcock  could  hide.  I  would 
drop  a  number  of  worms  on  this  soil,  which,  as  the  bird  was  too  shy  to  feed  at  first,  had 
ample  time  to  bury  themselves.  At  times,  however,  I  was  able  to  watch  the  bird  unseen 
by  it;  then  the  Woodcock  which  had  remained  hicklen  in  the  corner  behind  the  sheltering 
weeds,  would  emerge  cautiously  and  walk  over  the  ground,  slowly  and  deliberately,  paus- 
ing every  instant  or  two  as  if  listening  intently.  Then  he  would  stamp  with  one  foot,  giv- 
ing several  sharp,  quick  blows,  after  which  he  would  bow  his  hea-d  near  the  ground  and 
again  listen.  Then,  suddenly,  he  would  turn  either  to  the  right  or  left,  or  take  a  step  or 


GALLINAGO  WILSONL  875 

two  forward,  plunge  his  bill  into  the  earth,  ami  draw  out  a  worm  which  he  would  swallow, 
then  repeat  this  performance  until  all  the  worms  \vere  eaten.  After  the  liird  had  he.  n  in 
confinement  for  a  few  days,  it  became  so  tame  that  it  would  run  and  pick  up  the  worms 
that  were  thrown  into  its  cage,  taking  two  or  three  in  its  bill  at  one  tim«  and  devouring 
them  eagerly.  This  Woodcock  had  a  peculiar  way  of  walking  and  making  its  way  amou- 
the  weeds,  which  reminded  me  more  of  the  Rails  than  the  Sandpipers.  I  kept  it,  two  or 
three  weeks,  then  finding  that  it  was  almost  impossible  to  supply  a  sullicient  number  of 
worms  to  satisfy  its  hunger,  I  gave  it  liberty  to  fly  from  a  window.  It  took  a  short  flight 
to  a  potato  patch  near  and  eagerly  began  probing  for  worms,  but  finally  walked  away, 
disappearing  among  the  weeds. 

The  twittering  or  whistling  notes  of  the  Woodcocks,  given  as  they  rise,  have  often  at- 
tracted the  attention  of  writers,  some  of  whom  aflinn  that  it  is  produced  by  the  wings,  oth- 
ers that  it  is  vocal,  and  I  am  inclined  to  the  latter  hypothesis,  as  the  sound  is  withheld 
sometimes  and  given  at  others.  The  song  uttered  during  the  breeding  season,  has  also  been 
noticed  considerably  of  late.  I  have  never  heard  it  but  the  notes  are  said  to  be  almost  as 
varied  as  those  given  by  some  of  our  insessorial  birds.  Judging  from  the  structure  of  the 
larynx  which  is  unique  among  the  birds  of  this  order,  which  I  have  examined,  I  .should 
say,  that  although  the  notes  might  be  varied,  they  would  all  be  given  in  the  same  tone, 
which  would  be  decidedly  minor;  for,  as  a  rule,  I  think  the  gradations  of  tone  are  produced 
by  the  vibrations  of  the  semilunar  membrane  which  is  absent  in  the  Woodcocks.  Of  the 
migration  and  autumnal  habits  of  these  birds,  I  shall  not  write,  they  being  well-known  to 
all  sportsmen. 

GENUS  II.    GALLINAGO.    THE  SNIPES. 

(IEN.  Cn.  Sill,  more  than  twice  at  tony  as  head  which  it  not  very  large.  Ley$,  short,  not  feathered  to  tartal  joint. 
Outrr  feathi'rs  of  primaries  not  attenuated.  Keel,  exceeding  in  heiyht  the  width  of  tternum.  Marginal  indentations,  two, 
Jeep,  inclosed  in  adults.  Coracoids,  equal  in  lenylh  to  heiyhl  of  keel.  Hind  toe,  present. 

Tin?  stomach  is  cuboid  in  form.  <(iiite  inu-eutar,  and  lined  with  a  hard,  rugose  membrane.  l*roTentriculu«,  moderate. 
lull  -i  in, -s.  Ian;.'  and  -hurt,  with  c<cca  quite  lung.  Sterno-trachealis,  not  stout,  and  there  is  a  slight  hronohialis,  hut  no 
other  Inryngeal  muscles.  Tympaniform  membrane,  present,  but  there  is  no  os  transversale.  Sexes,  quite  similar.  There 
is  but  onespecies  within  our  limits. 

GALLINAGO  WILSONI. 

Wilson's  Snipe. 
Gal/inayo  Wilsoni  HON.,  List;  1838% 

DKSriMi'TION. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  ratter  slender.  Size,  medium.  Tongue,  fleshy,  iong,  thin,  and  slender,  narrowing  toward  tip  which 
is  pointed.  Sternum,  stout. 

COLOR.     Ailull.     Above,  very  dark-brown,  spotted,  landed,  anil  streaked,  excepting  on  primaries,  with  pale  reddish 
and  wnite.     Outer  web  of  first  primary,  :ils:>  wliito.     Sides  of  head,  yellowish-rufous,  with  lino  from  bill  to  eye  an' i 
ear  ooverts,  brown.     Belly,  alxlomen,  under  win;:  o.  ivert-.  and  axillaries,  white,  banded  with  brown.     RanBtederofonder 
jK>rti..n".  yellowish-rod,  banded  and  streaked,  excepting  "ii  fio  thro  it.  with  brown.     Tail,  dark-brown,  tipped  with  white 
which  is  preceded  by  a  broad  band  of  chestnut-red,  finely  barred  with  blavk. 

Ynuny.  Quite  similar  to  the  adult,  but  paler  bslow  and  darker  and  more  reddish  above.  Bill,  irw  and  feet,  brown, 
in  all  stages, 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Readily  known  by  the  slrndor  form,  long  bill,  bright  chestnut  on  tail,  and  other  l.>.-ribed.     Distributed,  in 

summer,  from  Northern  New  England,  northward;  wintering  from  the  Carolina-,  southward. 


376  RED-BREASTED  SNIPE. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Eastern  North  America.  Length,  lO'OO;  stretch,  16  75;  wing,  5'75;  tail,  2  25; 
bill,  2-55;  tarsus,  1-32.  Longest  specimen,  11'75;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  17'25;  longest  wing,  6'50;  tail,  2  50;  bill,  sJ'75; 
tarsus,  1-50.  Shortest  specimen,  10-25;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  1625;  shortest  wing,  5'00;  tail,  2  00;  bill,  2'40;  tarsus, 
1-15. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Eggs,  placed  on  the  ground  in  a  slight  depression  of  the  soil,  on  a  little  grass,  etc.  They  are  from  two  to  four  in  num- 
ber, pyriform  in  shape,  varying  from  pale  greenish-brown  to  yellowish-ash  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  irregularly,  and 
usually  faintly,  with  light  reddish-brown  and  umber  Dimensions  from  1'05  x  1-50  to  1'  10  x  1  60. 

HABITS. 

There  are  few  sportsmen,  worthy  of  the  name,  who  do  not  know  the  scape  of  Wilson's 
Snipe  as  they  rise  from  the  wet  meadows  and  pursue  their  rapid  zigzag  flight.  When 
started  from  a  spot  in  which  they  have  been  feeding,  in  spring,  Snipe  are  quite  apt  to  fly  a 
short  distance,  then  settle  down  again,  but  in  autumn,  they  appear  more  restless  and  will 
often  circle  around,  high  in  air,  calling  continually  until  joined  by  several  others,  when  all 
will  depart  for  some  distant  feeding  ground.  I  found  these  Snipe  very  common  along  the 
borders  of  rivers  and  creeks  in  the  Carolinas  but  I  never  met  with  them  so  abundantly  as  on 
the  marshes  of  Indian  River  in  Florida.  Here  they  perfectly  swarm,  two  or  three  rising 
at  every  step  of  the  sportsman,  and  after  flying  a  short  distance,  will  tamely  settle  down 
again.  From  this  point  southward,  they  are  common  and  I  even  met  with  them  on  the 
borders  of  the  fresh  water  ponds  at  Key  West.  Snipe  migrate  late  in  September  as  a  rule, 
lingering  for  a  time  in  New  England  and  the  Middle  States,  but  by  the  first  of  November, 
the  greater  portion  have  departed,  yet  I  have  frequently  shot  them  when  the  ground  wa& 
completely  frozen,  as  they  rose  from  the  side  of  some  open  spring. 

On  the  Magdalen  Islands,  are  certain  swampy  tracts  of  country,  filled  to  a  great  depth 
with  a  black,  muddy  ooze  and  water  which  is  of  an  icy  coldness.  The  top  of  this  morass 
is  in  many  places  covered  with  grass,  weeds,  and  often  bushes,  but  which  never  becomes 
firm  enough  to  bear  the  weight  of  man.  The  light-footed  Snipe,  however,  run  over  it  with 
ease  and  it  is  here  that  they  build  their  nests  and  raise  their  young  in  perfect  safety.  Al- 
most any  time  during  the  day  in  summer,  the  males  may  be  heard  uttering  a  peculiar  win- 
nowing sound,  while  they  circle  about,  high  in  air,  darting  suddenly  to  one  side  every  tima 
they  give  these  notes.  Wilson's  Snipe  also  deposit  their  eggs  in  similar  bogs  in  Northern 
Maine. 

GENUS  III.    MACRORHAMPHUS.    THE  MARSH  SNIPES. 

GEN.  CH.  Bill,  more  than  twice  as  long  as  head  which  is  small.  Marginal  indentations,  four;  outer  deeper  than  inne> 
Corai'oids,  equal  in  length  to  height  of  keel. 

Stomach ,  flat  in  form ,  quite  muscular  and  lined  with  a  finely  rugose  membrane.  Prorentriculus ,  smal  1 .  Coeca,  quitt 
long.  Sterno-trachealis,  thin  and  there  is  a  weak  bronchialis,  but  no  other  laryngeal  muscles.  Tyinpaniform  membrane 
present.  Sexes,  similar.  There  is  but  one  species  within  oar  limits. 

MACRORHAMPHUS  GRISETJS. 

Red-breasted  Snipe. 

Macrorhamphus  yriseus  LEACH,  Cat.  Brit.  Mug.;  1816,  31. 
DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn,  Form,  rather  slender.  Size,  medium.  Tongue,  very  long,  thick,  fleshy,  rounded  at  base,  grooved  through 
out  its  entire  length,  becoming  thinner  at  tip  and  gradually  pointed. 


PLATEXX1X 


KED-BKKASTED  SNIPE.  377 

COI.OK.  Ai/u/t  in  .1/iriny.  Above,  wry  dark-brown,  brooming  ashy  on  secondaries  nml  upper  wing  cove.rts  which  ore 
edged  and  banded  With  white,  with  all  tlie  fetit  he;  s.  excepting  primaries,  edged  ami  banded  willi  che-tnut-red.  Kiimp, 
Upper  tail  OOTOhl,  and  [ail.  white,  banded  with  dark-brown.  Shaft  of  outer  primary,  whitu.  Sides  of  htiid  and  under  purls, 
chestnut-red,  with  line  IVcnp.  hill  to  eye.  spots,  or  short  bars,  on  sides  of  neck,  breast,  sides,  Hanks,  and  under  t:iil  «-o\er|s, 
dark-brown.  L'i:dcr  winir  reverts  and  axillaries,  wliite,  handed  with  dark-brown. 

Adult  in  trintir.  Ashy  uliove  with  the  feathers  darker  ucntrally,  and  white  beneath,  streaked  on  tlie  tliront,  breast, 
sides,  and  dunks  with  ashy. 

Youny.  Quite  similar  to  the  winter  adult,  but  darker  above  and  more  ashy  below.  Bill  and  iris,  brown,  and  feet, 
greenish,  in  all 


OBSERVATIONS. 

Quite  variable  in  plumage,  the  above  given  stages  representing  the  extremes,  with  all  gradations  of  color  between. 
In  sprin;;  the  l»)dy  leathers  only  are  moulted  and  occasionally  individuals,  in  moulting,  will  not  assume  the  red  dress  hut 
will  retain  the  gray  throughout  the  summer.  These  may  be  young  but  it  is  not  a  constant  pliiiiuige  with  birds  of  that  ago 
as  they  are  usually  red  but  paler  than  the  adult.  Viewed  in  the  light  of  my  past  experience  with  these  birds,  which  has 
been  somewhat  extended*M  1  have  handled  hundreds  of  Red-breasted  Snipe  from  the  Atlantic  Const  «ml  have  seen  many 
skins  from  the  West,  1  cannot  agree  with  some  of  our  distinguished  ornithologists  in  aecording  specific  or  even  varietal 
rank  t  i  long-l>eukc.d  individual-1,  for  I  have  frequently  seen  all  gradations  between  the  two  extremes  known  as  scolopacevs 
ami  i/rix'-us,  both  in  size  and  color.  It  is  quite  true,  that  on  the  northern  coast  specimens  having  the  extremely  length- 
ened bill  arc  comparatively  rare,  but  in  Florida  there  is  as  great  a  proportion  of  them  as  among  any  other  waders  subject 
to  a  like  variation.  Readily  known  by  tho  long  bill,  white  tail  and  shaft  to  outer  quill,  and  other  colors  as  described.  Dis- 
tributed, in  summer,  throughout  Arctic  America;  wintering  from  the  Carolina-*,  southward. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Eastern  North  America.  Length,  11  -50;  stretch,  18-75;  wing,  6'30;  tail,  2'37; 
bill,  2  (>-;  tarsus,  P56.  Longest  specimen,  12-50;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  20-00;  longest  wing,  7'10;  tail,  2  GO;  bill,  3  00; 
tarsus,  1  77.  Shortest  specimen,  10-50;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  17'50;  .shortest  wing,  5'50;  tail,  2'  13;  bill,  224;  tarsus, 
1-35. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

fyyt,  placed  on  the  ground  in  a  slight  depression  of  the  soil,  on  n  little  grass,  etc.  They  are  from  two  to  four  in  num- 
ber, pyriform  in  shape,  varying  from  pale  greenish-brown  to  yellowish-ash  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  irregularly,  and 
usually  faintly,  with  light  reddish-brown  and  umber.  Dimensions  from  1'lOx  1'55  to  1-15x1-75. 

HABITS. 

The  Red-breasted  Snipe  make  their  appearance  in  Massachusetts  in  autumn,  from  tlie 
middle  of  August  to  the  middle  of  September,  varying  as  to  the  exact  date,  with  different 
years.  In  habit,  they  sometimes  resemble  Wilson's  Snipe,  for  they  will  occasionally  lie, 
quietly  hidden,  in  the  grass  of  the  marshes  until  the  sportsman  approaches  quite  near,  when 
they  will  suddenly  rise  with  a  loud,  clear  whistle  and  fly  rapidly  away.  At  other  times, 
however,  their  habits  approximate  more  nearly  to  those  of  the  majority  of  shore  birds,  for 
they  may  be  seen  feeding  on  the  borders  of  pools,  running  nimbly  about,  and  picking  up 
aquatic  insects,  small  mollusks,  etc.  In  the  North,  they  are  most  emphatically  a  bird  of 
the  marshes,  but  in  the  South,  I  found  them  on  the  beaches  in  company  with  other  wading 
birds. 

Red-breasted  Snipe  are  very  abundant  in  the  latter  named  section,  being  common  from 
the  Carolinas  to  Key  West,  but  I  found  them  rather  more  numerous  on  the  sandy  borders 
of  Salt  Lake  in  Ihe  interior  of  Florida,  than  elsewhere  at  this  season,  but  in  spring,  they 
congregated  in  Hocks  of  thousands  on  Indian  River.  This  was  early  in  May  and  the  birds 
wen-  passing  from  the  gray  winter  dress  to  the  brighter  spring  plumage,  and  then  as  soon  as 
their  leathers  wen-  grown,  which  was  accomplished  in  a  very  short  time,  they  departed 
for  the  North.  These  Snipe  arrive  in  Massachusetts  in  spring,  early  in  June,  remain  but 
a  day  or  two,  then  make  their  way  to  their  northern  breeding  grounds. 

ts 


378  M1CROPALAMA  H1MANTOPUS. 

GENUS  IV.    MICKOPALAMA.    TIIE  LONG-LEGGED  SANDPIPERS. 

GKN.  CH.  Bill,  less  than  twice  the  length  of  the  head.  Marginal  indentations,  four:  outer,  twice  as  dcepas  inner.  Cor- 
acoiils,  f  lightly  exceeding  in  length  the  height  of  keel.  Basal  membranes  between  toes,  large.  Legs,  VfTy  lung,  with  tibia  ^'fath- 
ered for  about  one  half  its  length. 

Members  of  this  genus  huve  the  bill  expanded  at  tip  and  slightly  curved.  The  legs  are  strikingly  lung.  Sexes,  sim- 
ilar. There  is  but  one  species  within  our  limits. 

MICKOPALAMA  HIMANTOPUS. 

Stilt  Sandpiper. 
ARcropalama  himantopus  B.URD,  Birds  N.  A.;  1858,  726 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  slender.  Size,  medium.  Tongue,  long,  thin,  and  slender,  tapering  toward  tip  which  isslightlyround- 
ed.  Sternum,  stout . 

COLOR.  Adult.  Above,  very  dark-brown,  beaming  lighter  on  the  scapularies  and  upper  wing  coverts,  with  the  feat  h- 
crsofthe  back,  edged  with  reddish  and  white.  Band  from  bill,  meeting  on  occiput,  and  spot  behind  eye,  dull  reddish. 
Upper  tail  coverts,  white,  banded  with  black.  Tail,  white,  broadly  tipped  with  ashy.  Under  parts,  pule  yellowish-red, 
transversely  banded  with  durk-brown. 

Adult  in  winter.  Above,  ashy-brown,  with  the  center  of  the  feathers,  darker.  The  rufou-i  bunds  on  head  are  replaced 
by  some  of  white;  and  the  central  under  portions  are  pure  white,  streaked  on  throat,  breast,  sides,  and  under  tail  covert*. 
with  dusky.  Otherwise,  similar  to  the  above. 

Young.  Very  similar  to  the  winter  adult  but  much  more  rufous  above.  Bill,  brown,  iris,  brown,  and  feet,  greenish ,  in 
all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

• 

Readily  known  by  the  long  legs,  large  basal  toe  membrane,  and  colors  as  described.  Distributed  in  summer,  through- 
out Arctic  America;  not  common  on  the  coast  of  New  England,  in  autumn.  Winters  south  of  the  United  States. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Eastern  North  America.  Length,  fl-07;  stretch,  1C'40;  wing,  5'00;  tail. 
2'15;  bill,  1'60;  tarsus,  1'70.  Longest  specimen,  9-15;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  16-80;  longest  wing,  5'25;  tail.  'J'3.");  hill, 
1-70;  tarsus,  1'85.  Shortest  specimen,  SJ'OO;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  16'00;  shortest  wfijg,  4'75;  tail,  1'90;  bill,  (-50;  tar- 
sus, 1-60. 

I1A151TS. 

The  Stilt  Sandpiper  which  is  not  of  uncommon  occurrence  on  the  New  England  coast, 
during  the  autumnal  migration,  is  called  by  many  gunners,  the  Bastard  Yellow  Leg  and  is 
considered  to  be  a  hybrid  between  the  Red-breasted  Snipe  and  Lesser  Yellow  Leg.  This 
absurd  idea,  without  doubt,  had  its  origin  in  the  fact  that  this  long-legged  Sandpiper  pre- 
sents some  characters  common  to  both  species;  not  only  in  form  and  color  does  it  resemble 
them  but  it  has  some  habits  of  both,  and  also  associates  with  them.  Thus  individuals  are 
met  with  among  the  flocks  of  Red-breasted  Sandpipers  on  the  marshes,  where  they  behave 
much  like  their  larger  companions;  and  others  occur  with  small  companies  of  Yellow  Legs 
and  feed  on  the  borders  of  pools.  I  have  also  seen  solitary  individuals  alight  to  my  de- 
coys, as  I  lay  hidden  in  a  booth,  while  now  and  then,  flocks  consisting  of  half  a  dozen  spec- 
imens, may  be  seen  flying  swiftly  along  the  shore,  uttering  a  chuckling  whistle  as  they  go. 
I  never  had  any  difficulty  in  distinguishing  the  Stilt  Sandpiper  by  its  note  and  form,  for 
the  long  legs  give  it  a  characteristic  appearance.  1  once  started  one  of  this  species  at  Dum- 
mett's,  on  Indian  River,  on  the  twenty-fourth  of  April,  1872.  This  is  the  only  specimen 
that  I  ever  saw  in  the  state,  neither  did  I  ever  meet  with  the  species  in  the  North  in  spring 
I  have  never  seen  an  authentic  specimen  of  the  egg  of  the  Stilt  Sandpiper. 


TR1NGA  PVSJLLA.  37  U 

GENUS  V.    TRINGA.    TUE  SANDPIPERS. 

(!KN.  CM.  Bill,  usually  short,  twice  as  long  as  head,  straight  or  but  little  curved.  Coraeoidi,  exceeding  in  length  the 
l  nl'  tail  Outir  innn/inal  indentations,  deeper  than  inner. 

The  lei'-,  are  variable  in  length  but  are  never  very  long.  The  stomach  is  flat  or  cuboid  in  form,  quite  muscular,  and 
linc'l  with  a  hard,  rugose  membrane.  Proventriculus,  moderate.  Intestines,  largi;  imd  short,  witli  the  cnoca  quit'*  long. 
Strrno-trarhralis,  nut  stout,  and  there  Is  a  slight  hronehialis,  but  no  other  Inryngeal  muscles.  Tympanirunn  membrane, 
pre-ent,  but  there  is  no  os  transversale.  Sexes,  quite  similar.  There  are  ten  species  within  our  limits. 

TRINGA  PUSILLA. 

Semipalmated  Sandpiper. 

Tringa  jnailla  LINN.,  Syst.,  Nat.,  1;  1766,  252. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sr.  Cn.  Form,  slender.  Size,  small.  Tail,  doubly  einarginate.  Tongue,  rather  fleshy  and  wide  at  haw,  narrowing 
toward  tip  which  is  horny  and  pointed.  Bill,  stout  and  widened  at  tip.  Toes,  provided  with  a  basal  membrane.  Outer 
marginal  indentations,  twice  as  deep  as  inner. 

C  .LOIS.  Adult.  Above,  ashy-gray,  each  feather  having  a  dark- brown  center.  Wings,  upper  tail  coverts,  and  two 
central  tail  feathers,  dark-brown,  with  the  remainder  of  latter,  ashy.  Line  from  bill  over  eye  and  entire  under  parts,  white, 
rather  finely  streaked  on  sides  of  head,  on  neck,  across  breast,  and  on  sides  with  dark-brown. 

Youny.  More  uniformly  ashy  above,  with  a  slight  tinge  of  reddish  to  the  edges  of  the  feathers,  and  lacks,  in  a  great 
measure,  the  markings  below.  Bill  and  feet,  black,  iris,  brown,  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS.. 

Readily  known  by  the  small  size,  black  legs,  stout  bill,  and  membrane  between  toes.  Distributed  in  summer,  from  Lab- 
rador, northward;  wintering  from  the  Carolines,  southward. 

DIMENSIONS.         • 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Kastern  America.  Length,  6'73;  stretch,  1T85;  wing,  3'75;  tail,  I-41;  bill, 
•!B;  tarsus  '79.  Longest  specimen,  6'86;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  12-75;  longest  wing,  4'15;  tail,  1'HO:  bill,  1'SM;  tarsus,  -88. 
Shortest  specimen,  5  GO;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  11-14;  shortest  wing,  3'30;  tail,  1-03;  bill,  '60;  tarsus,  -60. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

RJI/S,  placed  on  the  ground  in  a  depression  of  the  soil,  on  a  little  grass.  They  are  from  two  to  four  in  number,  decid- 
edly pyrif.inn  in  shape,  varying  from  greenish  to  yellowish-ash  in  color,  spotted,  blotched,  and  dotted  irregularly  and  thick- 
ly, with  brown  of  varying  shades.  Dimensions  from  '80 x  1  '20  to  '85  x  T25. 

IIABITS. 

The  Semipalmated  Sandpipers,  or  Black-legged  Peeps  as  they  are  known  to  sports- 
men, arrive  from  the  North,  among  the  first  of  the  southward  flying  shore  hirds,  some  mak- 
ing their  appearance  as  early  as  the  first  week  in  July.  They  come  slowly  at  first  but  soon 
the  flocks  increase  in  size,  until  every  creek,  river  mouth,  and  bay,  along  the  coast,  is 
swarming  with  them,  while  they  are  often  found  in  the  interior,  and  I  once  shot  several  that 
were  feeding  around  a  small  pool,  left  by  the  rain,  at  Watsontown,  Pennsylvania.  Al- 
though this  species  occurs  on  the  marshes,  they  have  a  predilection  for  beaches  which  bor- 
der on  rivers  or  the  open  sea,  where  they  may  be  seen  with  the  larger  wading  birds,  and 
often  accompany  them  in  their  flights.  These  birds  are  very  abundant  in  the  South  and  I 
luivi!  frequently  observed  flocks  of  this  and  the  succeeding  species  on  Indian  River,  Flori- 
da, which  numbered  among  the  thousands,  occupying  a  stretch  of  shore  nearly  as  far  as  the 
eye  could  reach.  They  linger  during  their  autumnal  migration  until  the  first  of  October, 
but  when  on  their  way  north  in  spring,  like  all  shore  birds,  move  quite  rapidly,  passim:  a 
given  point  in  a  few  days.  These  Sandpipers,  like  many  of  the  genus,  breed  in  the  far 
North,  placing  their  eggs  on  the  ground,  usually  choosing  some  marshy  locality  as  a  breed- 
ing ground. 


330  LEAST  SANDPIPER. 

TRINGA  MINUT1LLA. 

Least  Sandpiper. 
Trinya  minulil/a  VIEILL.,  Nouv.  Diet.,  XXXIV;  1819,  452. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  slender.  Size,  very  small.  Tail,  doubly  einarginate.  Tongue,-  long,  tliin,  and  slender,  narrowing 
gradually  to  tip  which  is  pointed.  Bill,  slender,  not  widened  at  tip.  Outer  marginal  indentations,  twice  as  d<;i>p  ;is  inner. 
Toes,  without  basal  membrane. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Above,  dark-brown,  with  the  feathers,  excepting  primaries,  bordered  with  yellowislijash,  rufous, 
and  white.  Tail  feathers,  excepting  middle  pair  which  are  dark-brown,  ashy.  Line  from  bill  over  eye  and  entire  under 
parts,  white,  tinged  on  sides  of  head,  across  breast,  and  on  sides  with  yellowish-ash,  and  these  parts  are  finely  streaked 
with  dark-brown 

Young.  Similar  to  the  adult  but  much  more  rufous  above  and  lacks,  in  a  great  measure,  thestreakings  below.  Bill, 
black,  iris,  brown,  legs,  greenish-yellow,  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  by  the  small  size,  slender  bill,  greenish  legs,  and  absence  of  basal  toe  membrane.  Distributed,  in  summer, 
from  Labrador,  northward;  wintering  from  the  Carolinas,  southward. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Eastern  North  America.  Length,  6' 13;  stretch,  12'08;  wing,  3'63;  tail,  1-62; 
bill,  '85;  tarsus,  '72.  Longest  specimen,  6'76;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  12' 17;  longest  wing,  3'80;  tail,  1'85;  bill,  '95;  tar- 
sus, '80.  Shortest  specimen,  o-60;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  1TOO;  shortest  wing,  3'58:  tail,  T50;  bill,  'H5;  tarsus,  '05. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Eggs,  placed  on  the  ground  in  a  slight  depression  of  the  soil,  on  a  little  grass,  etc.,  three  or  four  in  number,  decided- 
ly pyriform  in  shape,  varying  from  creamy  to  buff  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  irregularly,  and  quite  thickly,  with  brown 
of  varying  shades.  Dimensions  from  '70  x  '90  to  '75x  1-00. 

HABITS. 

Least  Sandpipers  or  Peeps  of  sportsmen  are,  perhaps,  the  best  known  of  game  birds, 
for  they  are  the  legitimate  prey  of  every  one,  from  the  ragged  urchin  who  chooses  to  en- 
danger his  life  by  burning  gunpowder  in  a  dilapidated  tube  which  was  formerly  a  gun,  to 
the  city  exquisite  who,  armed  with  costly  breech  loader,  sallies  out  to  make  havoc  among  the 
Curlew  and  Plover  but  whose  greatest  actual  achievement  consists  in  knocking  over  a  few 
Peeps  as  they  sit  by  the  pools  on  the  marshes.  In  habits,  these  pretty  little  shore  birds 
do  not  differ  from  the  majority  of  the  members  of  the  genus.  They  are  fond  of  the  marsh- 
es and  it  is  not  uncommon  to  start  solitary  individuals  or  small  flocks  consisting  of  three 
or  four  specimens,  from  out  the  grass,  when  they  will  rise  with  a  feeble  cry  and  make 
their  way  swiftly,  in  an  eccentric  flight  across  the  flats.  They  may  also  often  be  seen  on 
the  beaches  in  company  with  larger  wading  birds,  and  it  is  noticeable  that  the  small  species 
are  seldom,  if  ever,  molested  by  the  larger.  Thus  I  have  frequently  observed  a  number  of 
Peeps  running  about  among  a  flock  of  Sickle-billed  Curlew,  without  the  latter  appearing 
to  pay  the  slightest  attention  to  the  little  birds,  even  when  they  passed  directly  beneath  their 
long  bills.  In  time  of  migration,  these  birds  closely  resemble  the  preceding  species. 

TRINGA  BAIRDI. 

Baird's  Sandpiper. 

Trinya  Bairdi  SCL.,  P.  Z.  S.;  1807,  332. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Si'.  On.  Form,  slender.  Size,  rather  small.  Bill,  slender,  but  little  shorter  than  the  head,  and  slightly  widened  at 
tip.  Toes,  without  basal  membrane.  Tongue,  long,  thin,  and  slender,  tapering  toward  tip  which  is  pointed.  Outer  mar- 
ginal indentations,  twice  as  deep  as  inner. 


TKL\OA  MACULATA.  381 

COI,,R.  Adult.  AW,-,  dark-hrown,  with  ail  tho  feathers.  excepting  primaries.  edged  with  pale  brownish-yellow  bo- 
eommg  brighter  ..n  BOapolariau.  Outor  upper  tail  c  .voris,  .- lg;:d  with  white.  Central  mil  leathers,  dark-brown;  remain- 
cl.T,  ashy.  Sides  ,,1' neck,  upper  breast,  and  sides,  a-hy-yellow,  finely  streaked  with  dark-brown.  Remainder  of  under 
parts,  white. 

\'.nin;/.  Quit,-  similar  to  the  adult,  but  ashy  abjve,  where  the  edgings  are  much  more  rufous  and  the  tinging  below 
is  imlcr,  with  the  spots  very  indistinct  or  obsolete  Bill  brown,  yellow  at  base,  feet  greenish,  and  iris,  brown,  in  all 

OBSERVATIONS. 

This  species  resembles  the  preceding  in  general  coloration,  but  may  be  readily  known  by  the  larger  size,  black  legs, 
and  '4  -n.T.illy  paler  colors  as  described.  Distributed  in  summer,  throughout  Arctic  America;  abundant  in  the  West  dur- 
ing the  migrations;  rather  rare  on  the  coast  of  New  England  in  autumn.  Winters  south  of  the  United  Suites. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Eastern  North  America.  Length,  7'25;  stretch,  15'flO:  wing,  4-85;  tail, 
->•!">;  bill,  •!«);  tarsus,  -A5.  Longest  specimen,  7'50;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  16'00;  longest  wing,  S'OO:  tail,  2'30;  bill,  -«5; 
tarsus,  -'JO.  Shortest  specimen,  7'00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  15'CO;  shortest  wing,  4'50;  tail,  2'00;  bill,  -85;  tarsus'  -80! 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Eyg»,  placed  on  the  ground  in  a  slight  depression  of  the  soil,  on  a  little  crass,  etc.  They  are  from  two  to  four  in  num- 
ber, pyriform  in  shape,  varying  i'r>m  ashy-yellow  to  buff  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  with  brown  of  varying  shades.  Di- 
nirn-i,)as  from  '90  x  1"^8  to  '!)5x  T35. 

HABITS. 

Although  Baird's  Sandpiper  was  taken  by  many  of  the  earlier  scientific  expeditions  in 
the  West,  It  was  not  described  as  a  species  until  1861,  when  Dr.  Coues  discovered  that  it 
was  difl'crent  from  either  Bonaparte's  Sandpiper  or  the  common  Grass  Bird,  with  which  it 
had  been  previously  confounded.  It  is  a  perfectly  distinct  species,  found  commonly  in  the 
West  during  the  migrations,  and  visiting  the  Atlantic  coast  rather  rarely,  but  regularly,  in 
autumn,  usually  quite  late,  either  in  September  or  October.  While  here,  it  frequents  the 
sides  of  lulls  or  high  marshes  but  is  occasionally  found  near  the  pools.  The  note  is  quite 
dill'civut  from  that  of  other  Sandpipers,  insomuch  so,  as  to  be  at  once  distinguishable;  but 
in  general  habits,  this  bird  resembles  other  members  of  the  genus,  like  many  or  them,  breed- 
ing in  the  Arctic  Regions. 

TEINGA  MACULATA. 

Pectoral  Sandpiper. 

Tringa  maculata  VIEILL.,  Nouv.  Diet.,  XXXIV;  1819,  465. 
DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  robust.  Size,  medium.  Bill,  slender,  a  little  longer  than  head,  arid  slightly  rounded  at  tip.  Toes, 
without  basal  membrane.  Tongue,  long,  thin,  and  fleshy,  tapering  toward  tip  which  is  rounded.  Outer  marginal  inden- 
tations, at  least  twice  as  deep  as  inner. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Above,  dark-brown  with  every  feather,  excepting  primaries,  edged  with  yellowish-ash  and  rufous. 
Tail,  ashy-lirown,  becoming  darker  in  the  em  tor,  and  tipped  with  white  and  yellowish.  Line  from  bill  to  eye,  brown.  Sides 
.  neck  all  around,  upper  breast,  and  sides,  yellowish-ash,  streaked  with  dark-brown.  Remainder  of  under  parts, 
white. 

Yotiny.  Similar  to  the  adult  but  decidedly  rufous  on  the  edges  above  and  brighter  on  the  ashy  below.  Bill  and  iris, 
brown,  and  feet,  greenish,  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Readily  known  from  the  preceding  species,  by  the  large  size,  greenish  legs,  and  darker  colors;  and  from  the  micceed- 
ing,  by  the  dark-brown  upper  tail  coverts;  and  from  all  others,  by  the  colors  as  described.  Distributed,  in  summer,  from 
Labrador,  northward;  wintering  south  of  the  United  States. 

D1MKNSI 

Average  niiM-iireinciit-  of -pi-riMien-  from  Eastern  North  America.  Length,  H-fl<);  stretch,  Hi'.'t.V  winu',  ">'.Vj.  tail,  •_'•  1.1: 
bill,  1'lfl;  tarsus,  MM).  Longest  specimen,  8'?f>;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  lfi-7.r>;  lonnest  wing,  .V'MI;  tail,  2  .'!«';  hill,  I  •£>; 
tarsus,  1-10.  ShortiM  -p<vimen.  H'25;  -mallot  extent  of  wing,  lli'lKl;  -h,.rt.M  wing.  .V2<>;  mil,2l)0;  bill,  '«);  tarsus.  -'Ml 


382  BONAPARTE'S  SANDPIPER. 

HABITS. 

The  Pectoral  Sandpipers,  known  to  many  as  Grass  Birds,  arc  common  autumnal  mi- 
grants along  our  coast,  frequenting  the  marshes  and  feeding  about  the  pools  or  on  the  flats 
in  the  grass.  They  are  not  shy  birds  as  a  rule  and  will  often  lie  close  and  start  suddenly, 
like  the  common  Snipe;  hence,  they  are  sometimes  called  Jack  Snipe.  The  note  is  a  rath- 
er feeble  whistle  and  their  flight  is  swift  and  eccentric.  They  appear  from  the  North  late 
in  July  and  remain  until  October,  then  reappear  in  May  but  are  not  common  at  this  season. 
These  birds  seem  to  be  quite  uncommon  in  the  Southern  States  below  New  Jersey  and  I  do 
not  now  recall  an  instance  of  their  capture  in  Florida,  nor  do  I  think  that  any  remain  in  the 
United  States  during  winter.  They  are  said  to  breed  in  Labrador  and  northward  but  I 
have  never  met  with  a  well  authenticated  egg. 

TRINGA  FUSCICOLLIS. 

Bonaparte's  Sandpiper. 
Trirujafuscicollis  VIEILL.,  Nouv.  Diet.,  XXXIV;  1819,  461. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sr.  Cn.  Size,  rather  small.  Form,  slender.  Bill,  slender  and  but  slightly  widened  at  tip.  Toes,  without  basal  mem- 
brane. Tongue,  not  long,  white  in  color,  thin  and  narrow,  tapering  gradually  toward  tip  which  is  rounded  and  the  sides 
of  the  terminal  portion  are  provided  with  very  tine  cilia,  while  the  liyoid  bones  are  curved  upward  behind  the  occiput.  The 
outer  marginal  indentations  are  more  than  twice  as  deep  as  inner;  botli  are  narrow  and  inclosed  in  the  adult. 

COLOR.  Adult  in  summer.  Above,  dark-brown,  every  feather,  excepting  primaries,  bordered  with  ashy-yellow  and 
yellowish-rufous,  the  latter  color  being  more  prominent  on  top  of  head,  on  a  spot  behind  eye,  and  on  back.  Sides  of  head, 
neck  all  around,  and  sides,  pale  yellowish-ash,  finely  streaked  with  dark-blown.  Line  from  bill  over  eye  and  remaining 
under  portions,  pure  white. 

Adult  in  winter.  Ashy  above,  with  the  centers  of  the  feathers  dusky.  White,  beneath,  and  more  finely  streaked  than 
in  summer,  otherwise  similar. 

Youny.  Similar  to  the  winter  adult  but  show  considerable  rufous  above  and  are  more  finely  streaked  below.  Bill, 
dark-brown,  flesh  colored  at  base  of  lower  mandible,  iris  and  feet,  brown,  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

I  have  'given  above,  a  description  of  the  summer  plumage  of  this  species  which  I  have  never  seen  in  print  before.  Two 
specimens  in  this  dress,  kindly  loanel  me  by  my  friend,  Mr.  W.  B.  Dowse,  one  from  his  own  cabinet  and  the  other  from 
that  of  Mr.  Hapgood,  the  well-known  sportsman,  vary  somewhat.  That  belonging  to  Mr.  Dowse,  has  the  colors  very  dark, 
consequently  the  brown  markings  are  well  defined.  The  streakings  below  are  extended  over  the  entire  lower  portions,  even 
the  under  tail  coverts  are  streaked  and  the  upper  are  banded.  Known  from  all  others  by  the  straight  bill,  white  upper 
tail  coverts,  and  colors  as  described.  Distributed,  in  summer,  throughout  Arctic  America;  the  majority  wintering  south 
of  the  United  States,  but  occasionally  one  may  be  found  in  Florida  at  this  season. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Eastern  North  America.  Length,  7'13;  stretch,  IS'OO;  wing,  4'22;  tail,2'05; 
bill,  "92;  tarsus,  -!)5.  Longest  specimen,  8-00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  15'25;  longest  wing,  5'00;  tail,  2  20;  bill,  '95;  tar- 
sus, 1-00.  Shortest  specimen,  7'ir>;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  14'75;  shortest  wing,  4-35;  tail,  1'9D;  bill,  '90;  tarsus,  90. 

HABITS. 

The  first  specimen  of  Bonaparte's  Sandpiper  that  I  ever  saw,  I  shot  on  some  rocks, 
left  exposed  by  the  out-going  tide,  in  the  mouth  of  Essex  River,  where  they  were  feeding 
in  company  with  "the  Turnstones.  This  was  in  the  autumn,  many  years  ago,  and  during 
following  seasons,  I  could  always  find  them  there  whenever  I  went  in  search  of  them.  Al- 
though these  birds  have  many  habits  in  common  with  other  Sandpipers,  they  appear  to  be 
unique  in  some  particulars,  the  above  mentioned  predilection  for  rocks  between  tide  marks, 
being  one  characteristic  of  the  species;  then  they  are  fond  of  haunting  springy  places  on  the 


TR1NGA  MARITIMA.  383 

uplands.  Their  notes  arc  also  peculiar,  one  cry  in  particular,  being  loudly  given  and  great- 
ly prolonged,  resembling  the  scream  of  a  rapacious  bird  more  than  the  whistle  of  a  Sand- 
piper. As  will  be  seen  by  the  description,  they  present  some  anatomical  features  not  .shared 
in  common  with  any  other  species  of  the  group  which  I  have  examined. 

Bonaparte's  Sandpipers  arrive  from  the  North,  a  little  later  than  the  general  flight  of 
shore  birds,  appearing  in  September;  then  soon  depart  for  the  South.  I  once  shot  a  spec- 
imen in  Florida  in  winter,  but  this  was  the  only  one  I  ever  saw  in  the  State,  neither  did 
I  ever  see  them  further  north  at  this  season,  so  judge  that  they  pass  the  winter  south  of 
the  United  States.  They  are  quite  rare  in  New  England  during  spring;  insomuch  so,  that 
the  only  specimens  that  I  ever  saw  in  the  full  summer  plumage,  were  the  two  from  the 
cabinets  of  Messrs.  Dowse  and  Hapgood,  which  they  procured  at  Chatham  in  the  spring  of 
1880.  I  think  that  authentic  specimens  of  the  eggs  of  this  species  are  unknown. 

THING  A  MARITIMA. 

Purple  Sandpiper. 
Tringa  maritima  BRCX.V.,  Orn.  Bor.;  1764,  54. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cii.  Form,  robust.  Size,  medium.  Bill,  straight,  about  as  long  as  head,  slender,  and  not  widened  at  tip.  Legs, 
short.  UMR,  without  baad  membrane.  Tongue,  long,  thin,  and  slender,  tapering  toward  tip  wliich  is  pointed.  Outer  mar- 
ginal indentations,  twice  as  deep  as  inner. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Above,  dark  smoky  brown,  becoming  ashy  on  the  neck  and  having  a  violet  tinge  on  the  back.  All 
tin-  feathers,  excepting  primaries,  are  edged  witli  dark  bluish-ash  which  becomes  whitish  on  tin:  wings.  Outer  tail  feaih- 
ers,  ashy,  tipi>ed  with  white.  Sides  of  head,  neck  all  around,  and  upper  breast,  bluisli-asli.  Kcmaindcr  of  under  parts, 
white,  streaked  with  ashy  everywhere,  excepting  on  abdomen.  Lower  eyelid  and  spot  in  front  of  eye,  white. 

Youny.  Similar  to  the  adult  but  some  of  the  feathers  al>ove  are  edged  with  yellowish  and  rufous.  Bill,  dark-brown, 
lighter  at  base,  iris,  brown,  legs  greenish-yellow,  in  nil  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  by  the  general  dark  bluish-ash  color,  violet  tinging  above,  and  short  legs.  Distributed,  in  summer,  through- 
out the  Arctic  Regions.  Winters  along  the  coast  of  the  Northern  and  Middle  States. 

DIMENSION'S. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Eastern  North  America.  Length,  8'50;  stretch,  1 1'5<);  wing,  .V25;  tail,  9*90; 
bill,  I'  1'2;  tarsus,  -8.r).  L'inge<t  sp2cimen,  9  00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  I5'00-  longest  wing,  5  50;  tail,  2'50;  bill,  1-Jj;  tar- 
sus, TOO.  Shortest  specimen,  8-00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  14'00;  shortest  wing,  5'00;  tail,  3'00;  bill,  TOO;  tarsus,  '75. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

E'/'/s,  placed  on  the  ground  in  a  slight  depression  of  the  soil,  on  a  little  grass,  etc.,  three  or  four  in  number,  decided- 
ly pyriform  in  shape,  varying  from  yellowish-ash  to  greenish  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  irregularly,  and  rather  coarse-' 
ly,  with  brown  of  varying  shades.  Dimensions  from  '90x  T30  to  1'OOx  1'40. 

HABITS. 

The  plumage  of  the  Purple  Sandpipers  is  particularly  long  and  full,  proclaiming  that 
they  are  inhabitants  of  a  boreal  clime,  and  they  are  most  emphatically  birds  of  the  North, 
few  being  found  south  of  New  Jersey  and  they  are  rare  even  that  far  south;  in  fact,  the 
greater  portion  pass  the  winter  north  of  Massachusetts,  peopling  the  rocky,  Inhospitable 
shores  oi'Maine  and  New  Brunswick.  They  arrive  on  Grand  Menan  late  in  October  and  grad- 
ually push  their  way  southward.  They  appear  to  be  somewhat  limited  in  distribution  in 
Massachusetts;  thus  they  are  not  common  north  of  Cape  Ann  but  always  occur  in  numbers 
ou  the  rocky  islands  of  Beverly  Harbor.  The  note  of  the  Purple  Sandpipers  is  a  feeble 


384  RED-BREASTED  SANDPIPER. 

\ 

whistle,  not  unlike  that  given  by  Peeps.  They  feed  upon  small  mollusks  which  they  pick 
off  the  rocks,  when  they  are  left  exposed  by  the  falling  tide.  On  one  or  two  occasions,  I 
have  seen  specimens  flying  along  the  hill  sides  near  the  ocean  but  it  is  rare  to  find  them 
even  thus  far  from  the  waves.  One  or  two  cases  are  on  record  of  their  occurrence  in  the 
interior  but  they  are  so  decidedly  maritime  that  such  instances  are  quite  exceptional.  I 
also  find  that  there  is  a  specimen  in  the  Smithsonian  Institution,  which  was  taken  on  Key 
Biscayne,  Florida,  but  this  is  quite  beyond  their  usual  range.  The  Purple  Sandpipers 
depart  northward  in  early  spring. 

TRINGA  ALPINA. 

Red-backed  Sandpiper. 

Trintja  A/pina  LINN.,   Syst,  Nat.,  1;  1766,  249. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cu.  Form,  slender.  Size,  medium.  Bill,  slender,  longer  than  head,  slightly  curved  and  widened  at  tip.  Out- 
er marginal  indentations,  twice  as  deep  as  inner.  Toes,  without  basal  membrane.  Tongue,  long,  thin,  and  slender,  narrow- 
ing gradually  to  tip  which  is  pointed, 

COLOR.  Adult  in  summer.  Above,  dark-brown,  each  feather,  excepting  primaries,  hrondly  edged  with  bright  rufous. 
Base  of  secondaries,  edges  of  inner  primaries,  and  tips  of  greater  wing  coverts,  white.  Tail,  excepting  middle  pair  of  feath- 
ers which  are  dark-brown,  ashy.  Middle  of  belly,  black.  Remainder  of  under  parts,  white,  finely  streaked  on  sides  of 
head,  on  neck,  across  breast,  and  on  side-s  with  dark-brown. 

Adult  in.  winter.  Uniform  yellowish-ash  above,  with  the  feathers  slightly  mettled  with  dark-brown.  White,  beneath, 
tinged  across  breast  and  on  sides  with  ashy,  and  these  parts  are  very  finely  streaked  with  dark-brown. 

Youny.  Similar  to  the  winter  adult,  but  some  of  the  feathers  above  are  slightly  edged  with  rufous.  Bill  and  feet, 
black,  and  iris,  brown,  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Readily  known  by  the  long,  curved  bill  and  black  patch  beneath,  in  summer;  and  at  other  seasons  by  the  uniform  ashy 
colors  as  described.  Distributed  in  summer,  throughout  the  Arctic  Regions;  wintering  from  Maryland,  southward. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Kastern  America.  Length,  8'32;  stretch,  15-25;  wing,  4'80;  tail,  21 15;  bill, 
1-35;  tarsus,  I'OO.  Longest  specimen,  8'75;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  15'75;  longest  wing,  5'00;  tail,  2-30;  bill,  1'50;  tarsus, 
1-05.  Shortest  specimen,  8-00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  H'50;  shortest  wing,  4'75;  tail,  2-00;  bill,  '90;  tarsus,  -95. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Eyys,  placed  on  the  ground  in  a  depression  of  the  soil,  on  a  little  grass.  They  are  from  two  to  four  in  number,  decid- 
edly pyrifbrm  in  shape,  varying  from  greenish  to  yellowish-ash  in  color,  spotted,  blotched,  and  dotted  irregularly  and  thick- 
ly, with  reddish-brown  of  varying  shades,  and  more  sparcely  with  umber.  Dimensions  from  '95  x  )  '30  to  TOO  x  T35. 

HABITS. 

When  the  first  cold  blasts  come  sweeping  down  from  the  North,  driving  great  waves 
of  southward  flying  shore  birds  before  them;  when  the  honk  of  the  Wild  Geese  is  heard,  and 
the  sand  spits  are  whitened  with  Gulls,  the  little  Red-backed  Sandpipers,  or  Dunlins,  ap- 
pear. Late  as  they  are,  they  do  not  seem  to  be  in  any  hurry  but  linger  about  the  sandy 
shores  of  Massachusetts,  from  early  October  until  late  in  November,  indeed,  the  first  snow 
often  finds  them  here.  I  found  them  very  common  on  the  eastern  shore  of  Chesapeake  Bay, 
on  the  second  of  November,  1878,  and  from  this  point,  south,  as  far  as  Indian  River,  Flor- 
ida, (hey  were  abundant  but  always  appeared  to  prefer  the  sandy  beaches  to  the  muddy  flats. 
At  this  season,  the  birds  were  all  in  gray  attire  but  I  found  them  in  the  bright  summer 
plumage  at  Duimne,tt's,  late  in  May,  at  which  time,  they  were  preparing  to  migrate  north- 
ward. Occasionally  stragglers  of  this  and  oilier  species  of  shore  birds  which  breed  in  the 
far  North,  will  remain  in  Massachusetts  durkig  summer. 


TRINGA  SUHARQUATA.  385 

TRINGA  SUBARQUATA. 

Curlew  Sandpiper. 
Trinya  sultanjuata  TKKM.,  Mnn.,  I;  1815,  393. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sr.  Cn.  Form,  "lender.  Size,  medium.  Bill,  slender,  longer  tlmn  head,  slightly  curved  and  widened  at  tip.  Toes, 
without  basal  membrane.  Outer  marginal  indentations,  less  than  twice  as  deep  as  inner. 

<  '<  'Lou.  Advil.  Above,  dark-brown  becoming  ashy  on  the  rump  and  wings;  every  feather,  excepting  primaries,  edged 
with  bright  yelUvish-nifms.  Upper  tail  coverts,  white,  transversely  banded  with  dark-brown,  Secondaries,  tip|H«l  with 
white.  Tail,  ashy.  Beneath,  dark  yellowish-rufous,  with  the  under  wing  coverts,  axillaries,  under  tail  coverts,  sides,  and 
Hanks,  white. 

Youny.  Ashy,  above,  with  few  red  markings.  Under  parts,  ashy-white  tinged  on  breast  nnd  sides,  with  yellowish. 
Then-  is  ;i  whitish  line  from  lull  over  eye,  and  the  tail  feathers  are  also  whitish;  otherwise  similar  to  the  adult.  Iris,  brown. 
bill  and  feet,  greenish,  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Readily  known  by  the  slightly  curved  bill,  white  banded  upper  tail  coverts,  unspotted  lower  portioas,  and  colors  asde- 
scribed.  Distributed  throughout  the  Old  World.  Rare  on  the  Eastern  coast  of  the  United  States. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Eastern  North  America.  Length,  8-35;  stretch,  15-50;  wing,  4'50;  tail,  2'85; 
bill,  1  35;  tarsus,  T12.  Longest  specimen,  8'75;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  IG'OO;  longest  wing,  5'00;  tail,  2  50,  bill,  1'60; 
tiirsus,  \-2~t.  Shortest  specimen,  8'00:  smallest  extent  of  wing,  15'00;  shortest  wing,  4'00;  tail,  8'00;  bill,  T25;  tarsus,  1-00. 

HABITS. 

The  Curlew  Sandpiper  has  been  known  as  an  inhabitant  of  the  United  States  for  muny 
years,  yet  it  has  never  been  taken  in  any  numbers.  Specimens,  however,  have  been  ob- 
tained from  New  Brunswick  to  Florida  but  more  have  been  found  in  New  Jersey  than  else- 
where. It  is  a  well-known,  widely  distributed,  European  species, 'the  breeding  place  of 
which  appears  to  be  unknown;  consequently  the  eggs  have  never  been  taken.  It  is  an  op- 
en question  whether  the  birds  taken  with  us  are  merely  stragglers  from  across  the  Atlan- 
tic, or  whether  they  breed  on  this  continent  in  high  latitudes.  The  Curlew  Sandpiper 
appears  to  frequent  the  muddy  flats  or  beaches  covered  with  debris,  in  company  with  oth- 
er Sandpipers  having  similar  habits. 

TRINGA  CANUTA. 

Red-breasted  Sandpiper. 

Trinya  canuta  LINN.,  Syst.  Nat.  I;  17C6,  251. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  Bill,  stout,  but  little  longer  tlmn  head,  and  slightly  widened  at  tip.  Legs,  short 
and  stout.  Toes,  without  basal  membrane  but  widely  margined.  Tongue,  rather  wide,  and  tapering  toward  tip  which  is 
rounded  and  provided  with  a  tuft  of  coarse  cilia.  The  outer  marginal  indentations  are  twice  as  deep  an  inner. 

COI.OR.  Adult  in  summer.  Ab.ive.  pale  bluish-ash,  lined  and  spotted  with  bUick  and  pale  reddish.  Rump  and  upjier 
tail  coverts,  white,  transversely  banded  with  black.  Tips  of  greater  wing  covert*,  white.  Primaries,  dark-brown,  edged 
with  white.  Tail,  ashy.  Under  portions,  pale  chestnut-red,  lighter  on  abdomen.  Axillarics,  under  wing  and  tail  cov- 
erts, flanks,  and  tibia,  white,  banded  with  dark-brown. 

Adult  in  winter.  Alxive,  pale  bluish-ash  with  each  feather  edged  with  whitish  preceded  by  a  Imnd  of  black.  Line 
over  eye,  whitish.  Beneath,  white  tinged  with  yellowish,  finely  mottled  across  breast  and  on  sides  with  bluish-ash.  Oth- 
erwise, similar  to  the  above. 

Youny.  Similar  to  the  winter  adult  but  lacks,  in  a  great  measure,  the  yellowish  tinging  below.  Bill,  black,  iris,  brown 
and  feet,  greenish,  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Kea'lilv   kn<  wn  bv  tin-  larger  -i/.e.  ;md  |«ile  bluish-a.sh  colors  above.     Distributi'd,  in  summer,  throughout  the  Autic 
o~.     Winters  south  of  the  United  Ssiat<:s. 


'  386  SAKDEKL1NG 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Eastern  North  America.  Length,  10*50;  stretch,  20*50;  wing,G'22,  tail.2'65; 
bill,  1*35;  tarsus,  1*20.  Longest  specimen,  1 1*00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  31*00;  longest  wing,  0  50;  tail,  2  80;  bill,  1*  10, 
tarsus,  1*40.  Shortest  specimen,  lO'OO;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  20*00;  shortest  wing,  6-00;  tail,  2*50;  bill,  1*25;  tarsus,  TOO. 

II A  HITS. 

In  former  years,  the  Red-breasted  Sandpipers,  Knots  or  Gray  Backs,  as  they  are  more 
commonly  called,  were  very  abundant  along  our  borders,  appearing  in  immense  flocks,  but 
now  they  are  far  from  numerous  and  it  is  rare  to  see  more  than  a  dozen  together.  These 
handsome  birds  frequent  the  beaches  and  probe  in  the  mud  at  low  tide,  then  at  high  tide, 
return  to  the  long  sand  spits  to  rest.  I  have  always  found  them  very  shy  in  autumn  and 
difficult  to  obtain.  This  is  a  maritime  species,  seldom,  if  ever,  being  found  in  the  interior. 
Audubon  states  that  some  spend  the  winter  in  Florida  but  I  have  never  seen  one  in  the  State 
nor  do  I  think  that  they  occur  there  now.  In  autumn,  they  seem  to  be  generally  distrib- 
uted along  the  coast,  appearing  in  August  and  remaining  until  late  in  September,  but  in 
spring,  they  move  northward  very  quickly,  entering  Massachusetts  in  May  with  the  other 
returning  shore  birds.  At  this  season,  they  occur  commonly  on  the  South  Shore  but  I  nev- 
er met  with  them  north  of  Cape  Ann,  nor  do  I  think  that  they  are  found  there,  at  least,  in 
any  numbers. 

GENUS  VI.    CALIDRIS.    THE  THREE-TOED  SANDPIPERS. 

GEN.  CH.  Bill  about  as  /any  as  head,  slraiyh  t  and  sliyhlly  expanded  at  tip.  Coracoids,  exceeding  in  lenytli  thn  hciyht  of 
keel.  Marginal  indentations  four;  outer  twice  as  deep  as  inner.  Hnid  toe,  absent. 

The  legs  are  never  very  long.  The  stomach  is  cuboid  in  form,  quite  muscular,  and  is  lined  with  a  hard  rujre.st1  mem- 
brane. Proventriculus  moderate.  Intestines,  large  and  short  with  the  coeca  quite  long.  Sterno-trachealis  not  stout  aud 
there  is  a  slight  bronchialis,  but  no  other  laryngeal  muscles.  Tympaniform  membrane,  present  but  there  is  uo  os  trans- 
versale.  Sexes,  quite  similar.  There  is  but  one  species  within  our  limits. 

CALIDEIS  ABENARIA. 

Sanderling. 
Calidris  arenaria  ILL.,  Prod..  1811,249. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  Tongue,  rather  fleshy,  not  horny,  about  the  same  width  for  two  thirds  its  ter- 
minal length,  then  abruptly  pointed. 

COLOR.  Adult  in  summer.  Above,  dark-brown,  every  feather,  excepting  primaries,  edged  with  white  and  rufous. 
Tail,  ashy,  tipped  with  white  and  with  middle  feathers,  darker.  Tips  of  greater  wing  coverts  and  base  of  wing  feathers, 
white.  Under  parts,  white,  strongly  tinged  anteriorly  with  yellowish-rufous,  spotted  with  dark-brown. 

Adult  in  winter.  Pale  ashy  above,  spotted  with  dark-brown  and  in  patches  with  yellowish-rufous.  Beneath,  white, 
with  some  spots  of  rufous  on  the  anterior  portions,  otherwise  as  in  the  summer  adult. 

Youny.  Dark-brown  above,  spotted  with  white  and  tinged  with  yellow  which  extends  to  sides  of  breast,  otherwise, 
similar  to  the  winter  adult.  Bill  and1  feet,  black,  iris,  brown,  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  from  all  others  by  the  absence  of  the  hind  toe  and  general  pale  colors  as  described.  Distributed,  in  summer, 
throughout  Arctic  America;  wintering  from  the  Carulinas,  southward. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Eastern  North  America.  Length,  8*25;  stretch,  15*65;  wing,  4*90;  tail, 
2*05;  bill,  1*05;  tarsus,  -95.  Longest  specimen,  8*75;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  16*25;  longestwing,  5'5<):  tail. 2*25;  bill,  l'2fl; 
tarsus,  1*10.  Shortest  specimen,  7'75;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  15'00;  shortest  wing,  4*40;  tail,  1*85;  bill,  '90;  tarsus,  -80. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Eyy*,  placed  on  the  ground  in  a  slight  depression  of  the  soil,  on  a  little  grass,  etc.  They  are  from  two  to  four  in  num- 
ber, pyriform  in  shape,  varying  from  dark  ashy-yellow  to  greenish-brown  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  with  brown  of  va- 
rying shades.  Dimensions  from  *  10  x  1*35  to  '45 x  1*  15. 


PH1LOMACHUS  PUONAX.  387 

11. UMTS. 

Tho  Sanderlings  aro  among  the  most  abundant  of  our  shore  birds  and  arc,  in  fact,  the 
most  ( oiiinion  of  those  which  frequent  the  sandy  beaches,  they  being  almost  exclusively 
confined  to  sandy  shores.  Their  pale  colors  render  them  quite  conspicuous,  when  living 
over  the  green  waves  or  against  the  black  sky;  but  when  they  alight  on  the  sand,  they  cor- 
respond so  nearly  with  the  ground,  that  when  they  are  quiet,  it  is  almost  impossible  to  dis- 
tinguish them  a  short  distance  away.  It  is  seldom,  however,  that  they  remain  inactive, 
for  they  are  lively  birds  and  are  constantly  chasing  the  waves  out,  in  search  of  food  left  by 
that  great  store  house  of  Nature, — the  sea.  Then  when  the  huge  billows  come  rushing  in 
and  expend  their  fury  on  the  shelving  beach,  in  a  long,  wide  sheet  of  seething  foam,  the 
little  Sanderlings  run  so  quickly  before  the  advancing  water,  that  the  spray  seldom  wets 
their  delicate  feathers.  After  a  storm,  hundreds  of  these  birds  may  be  seen  thus  engaged, 
spreading  out  in  long  lines  in  order  that  they  may  not  interfere  with  one  another,  and  many 
lonely  reaches  of  sea-board,  from  Maine  to  Florida,  are  enlivened  by  the  presence  of  these 
true  children  of  the  sand.  The  Sanderlings  arrive  in  New  England  in  August,  remain  un- 
til quite  late,  then  gradually  move  southward.  They  are  abundant  from  the  Carolinas  to 
Key  West  during  winter  but  migrate  northward  in  May. 

GENUS  VII.    PHILOMACHUS.    THE  RUFFS. 

(IKN.  Cn.  Bill,  about  as  long  as  head,  straight  and  slightly  expanded  at  lip.  Hind  toe,  present.  Feathers  of  neck, 
yreatly  elonyated. 

PHILOMACHTJS  PUONAX. 

Huff. 
Philumachus  pugnax  GRAY,  List;  1841. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  Bill,  straight,  about  as  long  as  head,  slender,  and  widened  at  tip.  Legs,  stout. 
Tucs,  without  luis;\l  membrane.  Tip  of  closed  wing,  reaching  to  end  of  tail.  Tertiaries,  nearly  as  long  as  primaries. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Above,  ashy,  darkest  on  rump,  palest  on  head,  mottled,  sprinkled,  and  banded  irregularly,  with  ru- 
fous and  dark-brown.  Outer  upper  tail  coverts,  white.  Under  parts  white,  molded  to  a  greater  or  letw  extent  with  black. 
Youny.  Head  and  neck  all  around,  ashy,  finely  streaked  with  dusky.  Remainder  of  up|«r  parts,  dark-brown,  each  feath- 
er, exei-ptiiig  primaries,  broadly  edged  with  ashy  and  yellowish-rufous.  Upper  tail  coverts,  white,  with  a  central  line  of 
dark-lirown.  Tail,  ashy-brown,  tipped  with  white.  Remainder  of  under  parts,  ashy-white,  darkest  across  breast.  Bill, 
dark-brown,  lighter  at  base,  iris,  brown,  legs,  greenish-yellow,  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

This  nan  exceedingly  difficult  bird  to  describe  as  the  colors,  especially  in  the  adult  stage,  are  extremely  variable.  Thus 
the  elongated  neck  feathers  vary  from  nearly  white,  slightly  marked  with  black,  to  black,  sprinkled  with  white,  and  the 
other  colors  are  equally  changeable.  The  young  are  more  uniform.  Readdy  known  by  the  large  size,  straight  bill,  stout 
leurs  :»nd  white  upper  tail  covert-*,  centrally,  lined  with  dark-brown.  Distributed,  in  summer,  throughout  Northern  Eu- 
rope, llure  in  Eastern  North  America. 

ni.MKNSIoNS. 

Average  measurements.  Length,  10'50;  stretch,  21'50;  wing,  6'H2;  taiI,2-62;  bill,  T55;  tarsus,  1'85.  Longest  speci- 
men, 11-00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  22-00;  longest  wing,  7  J*S;  tail,  2-75;  bill,  1'75;  tarsus,  2'00.  Shortest  specimen,  10  00; 
smallest  extent  of  wing,  Sl'OO;  shortest  wing,  6'40:  tail,  2'50;  bill,  1'40;  tarsus,  1'75. 

DIvSCRtl'TION  OF  NESTS  AND  E(i<iS. 

K,';/s,  J>la 1  on  the  ground  in  n  slight  depression  of  the  soil,  on  a  little  grass,  etc.,  three  or  four  in  nuuilwr,  decidti!- 

ly  ].yril<.r:n  i"  shapi-,  varying  from  yellowish-ash  to  greenish  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  irregularly,  and  rat!n-r  c-'>ar-«- 
ly,  with  hniwn  of  varying  sliaclc-.     Dimension*  from  Max  1  6<>  to  l'25x  1'bO. 


3S8  BARTRAM'S  XAWDP1PKR. 

HABITS. 

The  occurrence  of  the  Ruff  which  is  a  well-known  European  bird,  in  North  America, 
is  quite  rare  but  it  has  now  been  taken  here  too  often  to  be  regarded  as  a  mere  straggler, 
and  the  same  remarks  may  refer  to  this  species  that  I  have  applied  to  ih<;  Curlew  Sand- 
piper, regarding  its  breeding  on  our  side  of  the  Atlantic  but  in  high  latitudes.  Nuttall, 
in  1834,  was  the  first  to  record  it  from  North  America.  Then  Mr.  Geo.  N.  Lawrence, 
writing  in  Birds  of  North  America,  in  1858,  gives  it  as  accidental  on  Long  Island,  and 
again  records  it  in- his  Birds  of  New  York  in  1866.  Mr  G.  A.  Boardman  found  one  or  two 
at  Calais  but  on  the  New  Brunswick  side  of  the  St.  Croix.  Mr.  William  Brewster  obtained 
a  female  from  the  Newburyport  marshes,  on  the  twentieth  of  May,  1871.  This  is  given, 
upon  Prof.  Baird's  authority,  as  being  the  sixth  specimen  ever  obtained  in  North  America. 
Mr.  Brcwster's  bird  had  the  ovaries  quite  well  developed  and  would  have  laid  within  two 
or, three  weeks.  On  the  tenth  of  November,  1872,  Dr.  Theo.  Jasper  took  one  thirty  miles 
east  of  Columbus,  Ohio,  which  is,  I  think,  the  only  specimen  ever  taken  so  far  in  the  in- 
terior. Mr.  Brewster,  on  the  eighth  of  September,  1874,  Avas  fortunate  enough  to  obtain 
another  female  at  Upton,  Maine.  As  I  write,  I  have  a  fine  specimen  before  me,  obtained  at 
Chatham,  Massachusetts,  about  the  fifteenth  of  September  of  the  present  year,  1880.  This 
is  a  female  of  the  year  and  Mr.  Gordon  Plummer  has  secured  it  for  his  fine  collection  of 
North  American  birds.  At,  the  suggestion  of  Mr.  W.  B.  Dowse,  Mr.  Plummer  has  kindly 
forwarded  the  specimen  to  me  for  examination  and  identification,  and  I  have  based  my 
above  given  description  of  the  young,  upon  this  specimen  which  I  believe  is  the  ninth  re- 
corded as  having  been  taken  in  North  America,  the  third  from  New  England,  and  the  sec- 
ond from  Massachusetts.  It  is  worthy  of  note,  that  none  of  the  specimens  yet  taken  on  the 
continent,  have  the  peculiar,  elongated  feathers  about  the  neck  as  seen  in  European  male 
birds. 

GENUS  VIII.     ACTITURUS.     THE  HIGHLAND  SANDPIPERS. 

GEN.  Cn.  Bill,  about  as  long  as  head,  a  little  curved,  slender,  and  not  expanded  at  tip.  Gape,  wide.  Head,  large  and 
neck,  small. 

The  sternum  is  narrow,  about  as  wide  as  height  of  keel  which  doe-;  not  exceed  the  length  of  coracoids.  Outer  margin- 
al indentations,  wide  and  three  times  as  deep  as  inner.  Legs,  long  and  stout.  Tail,  long  and  rounded.  The  stomach  is 
oval  in  form,  quite  muscular,  and  lined  with  a  hard,  finely  rugose  membrane.  The  proventriculus  is  large.  The  intestines 
are  small  but  long,  and  the  coeea  rather  short,  with  blind  end-i  dilatad.  The  sterno-treachealis  is  quite  stout  and  there  is 
a  weak  bronchialis,  but  no  other  laryngeal  mascles.  Tympaniform  membrane,  present  but  there  is  no  os  transversale.  Sex- 
es similar.  There  is  but  one  species  within  our  limits. 

ACTITURUS  BARTRAMIUS. 

Bartram's  Sandpiper.     f 
Actiturus  Bartramius  LINN.,  Box.,  Saggio;  1831. 

,  DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  rather  slender.  Size,  large.  Tongue,  not  long,  thin,  wide  at  base,  then  narrowing  gradually  to  tip 
which  is  pointed. 

Coum.  Adult.  Above,  dark-brown,  having  a  greenish  gloss,  with  every  feather,  excepting  primaries  which  are  m.it- 
tled  and  banded  with  whitish  on  the  inner  webs,  edged  with  yellowish-ash  and  rufous.  Rump,  unmarked.  Outer  upper 
tail  coverts,  banded  with  yellowish-ash.  Tail,  ashy-buff,  darker  in  the  center,  tipped  with  white  and  banded  with  dark- 
brown.  Beneath,  yellowish-white,  banded  on  under  wing  coverts  and  axillnrics,  and  spotted,  in  arrow-shaped  murks,  on 
neck,  breast,  and  sides,  with  dark-brown. 

Young.  Similar  to  the  adult,  but  more  yellowish  above,  the  secondaries  and  inner  primaries  are  tipped  with  white. 
Bill,  iris,  and  feet,  brown,  in  all  stages. 


ACTITI'RUS  HARTKAMIUS.  389 

OBSERVATIONS. 
Readily  known  hy  the  larger  size,  slightly  curved  bill,  the  handed  inner  webs  of  primaries,  imd  yellowish  colors  aliove. 

Distributed,  in  summer,  from  Pennsylvania,  northward.     Winters  south  of  the  United  States. 

• 

DIMENSIONS. 

Avrnnri-  measurements  of  specimens  fmm  Eastern  North  America.  Length,  11-80;  stretch,  21  -50;  wing,  6-02;  tail, 3-25; 
bill,  1- 10;  tarsus,  1'80.  Unrest  specimen,  I2-2S;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  33-00;  longest  wing,  6'75;  tail,  3'35;  hill,'  1-vJO; 
tarsus,  3-00.  Shortest  specimen,  11  50;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  JJl'00;  shortest  wing,  8-50;  tail,  3-20;  bill,  1'05;  tarsus,  l-«5. 

DESCRTPHON  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Eyys,  placed  on  the  ground  in  a  depression  of  the  soil  on  a  little  grass.  They  are  from  two  to  four  in  number,  rather 
pyriform  in  shn|>e;  pale  buff  in  color,  spotted  and  dotted  irregularly  and  sparcely  with  yellowish-brown  of  varying  shades. 
Dimensions  from  T05x  1'75  to  l'35x  T90. 

HABITS. 

Late  in  summer  or  early  in  autumn,  two  or  three  species  of  small  locusts  become  very 
abundant  on  the  elevated  tracts  of  country  along  the  coast  of  Massachusetts;  in  fact,  they 
occur  in  such  swarms,  that  the  hills  become  quite  brown,  for  nearly  every  green  tiling  is  de- 
voured by  these  pests.  There  is  no  great  evil,  however,  which  is  not  productive  of  some 
good,  and  the  sportsman  has  reason  to  bless  the  locusts,  for  Bartram's  Sandpipers,  or  Up- 
land Plovers,  as  they  are  more  commonly  known,  are  very  fond  of  these  insects  and  con- 
sequently visit  the  hills  in  numbers,  to  feed  upon  them.  Early  in  the  morning,  the  clear, 
mellow  whistle  of  the  Sandpipers  can  be  heard,  as  they  fly  across  the  intervening  country, 
to  reach  their  feeding  grounds.  When  coming  to  the  hills,  they  generally  fly  up  the  wind 
and  alight  under  the  brow  of  the  elevations,  where  they  will  settle,  giving  a  chuckling  note 
as  they  do  so,  after  which  they  are  silent,  for  the  cry,  so  often  given  when  on  the  wing,  is 
seldom  repeated  when  the  birds  are  on  the  ground.  Bartarm's  Sandpipers  are  now  very 
shy  in  Massachusetts  and  it  is  almost  impossible  to  approach  near  enough  to  obtain  a  shot,  by 
walking  in  an  upright  position,  but  by  creeping  on  all  fours,  one  can  go  quite  near  them,  as 
they  do  not  appear  to  recognize  a  man  when  he  is  in  this  attitude.  Their  favorite  resorts 
on  the  hill  tops,  appear  to  be  the  little  ravines  where  the  grass  is  greenest,  and  where,  con- 
sequently, the  locusts  are,  if  anything,  more  numerous.  When  startled,  the  birds  almost 
always  rise  into  the  wind,  uttering  their  note  as  they  go.  About  noon,  they  will  occasion- 
ally leave  the  more  elevated  spots  and  visit  the  marshes,  but  do  not  remain  on  them  long. 
The  endeavors  of  the  sportsman  to  decoy  these  wary  birds  within  gun  shot,  by  imitating 
their  cries,  seldom  proves  successful  and  the  only  sound  that  will  attract  their  attention,  is 
the  peculiar  noise  which  the  birds  give  when  alighting. 

I  found  Bartram's  Sandpipers  breeding  in  Pennsylvania  in  June,  and  when  the  nest 
was  approached,  the  female  quietly  left  it,  but  afterwafd,  both  birds  would  circle  about, 
uttering  loud  cries.  The  young  are  fledged  by  the  middle  of  August  and  accompany  their 
parents.  At  this  time,  the  birds  are  fond  of  resorting  to  particular  fields  and  if  driven  from 
one,  will  fly  to  another.  The  sportmen  take  advantage  of  this  fact,  and  by  lying  behind 
some  convenient  stone  wall  or  clump  of  bushes,  intercept  them  as  they  fly  from  one  feed- 
ing ground  to  another.  Bartram's  Sandpipers  migrate  from  the  iniil.lle  of  August  to  the 
middle  of  September  in  autumn,  and  return  north  in  May,  breeding  throughout  the  more 
unsettled  districts  of  the  Eastern  and  Middle  States. 


390  BUFF-BREASTED  SANpPlPEK 

GKNUS  IX.    TRYNGITES.     THE  BUFFY  SANDPIPERS. 

GEN.  CH.  Bill,  about  as  lony  as  head,  st'raiyht  and  slender,  but  not  expandrd  at  tip.  Coracoids,  excetdini/  in  length  thr. 
height  of  keel.  Marytnal  indentations,  four;  outer,  twice  as  deep  as  inner.  Hind  toe,  present. 

Members  of  this  genus  are  quite  small  in  size  when  compared  with  those  of  the  preceding,  but,  excepting  the  slight 
differences  given  above,  resemble  them  in  anatomical  and  other  characters.  Sexes,  quite  similar.  There  is  but  one  spe- 
cies within  oar  limits. 

TRYNGITES  RUFESCENS. 

Buff-breasted  Sandpiper. 
Tryngitcs  rufescens  CAB.,  Journ.;  1819,  470. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form, slender.  Size, medium.  Bill,. slender  and  feathered  to  nostrils.  Tail,  long  and  well  rounded.  Wings, 
long  and  pointed. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Above,  pale  ashy-brown,  every  feather  lined  and  spotted  centrally  with  black,  glossed  with  green- 
ish. Primaries,  dark-brown,  with  innner  webs  ashy,  marbled  with  black.  Tail,  ashy-brown,  darker  on  middle  feathers, 
tipped  with  white  and  transversely  banded  with  wavy  lines  of  black.  Under  portions,  pale  buffy-red,  lighter  on  Hanks  and 
abdomen,  with  partly  concealed  spots  of  dark-brown  on  breast.  Axillaries,  white. 

Youny.  Similar  to  the  adult  but  the  feathers  beneath  are  edged  with  whitish.  Bill,  black,  iris,  brown,  and  feet,  green- 
ish-yellow, in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  from  all  others  by  the  slender,  straight  bill,  uniform  huffy  tints  below,  peculiar  marblings  to  the  inner  webs  of 
primaries,  and  colors  as  described.  Distributed,  in  summer,  throughout  the  Arctic  Regions;  wintering  south  of  the  United 
States. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Eastern  North  America.  Length,  8'45;  stretch,  16'65;  wing,  5'20;  tail, 
2  39;  bill,  '80;  tarsus,  1'25.  Longest  specimen,  8-90;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  17'40;  longest  wing,  5'43:  tail.2'64;  bill,  "85; 
tarsus,  1  35.  Shortest  specimen,  8'00;  smallest  extentof  wing,  15'75;  shortest  wing,  4'95;  tail,  2'15;  bill,  '75;  tarsus,  1-15. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Eyg*,  placed  on  the  ground  in  a  slight  depression  of  the  soil,  on  a  little  grass,  etc.  They  are  from  two  to  four  in  num- 
ber, pyriform  in  shape,  varying  from  ashy-yellow  to  greenish-brown  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  irregularly  and  thickly 
with  umber-brown  of  varying  shades.  Dimensions  from  l'02x  P40  to  1'lOx  1'50. 

HABITS. 

The  Buff-breasted  Sandpipers  occur  during  the  autumnal  migration,  in  New  England, 
and  although  they  cannot  be  called  rare,  they  are  never  very  common.  They  make  their 
appearance  from  the  North,  about  the  middle  of  August,  frequenting  the  elevated  sections 
near  the  coast.  Occasionally  a  flock  of  half  a  dozen  of  these  birds,  may  be  seen,  flying 
swiftly  along  the  hill  sides,  but  it  is  more  common  to  find  solitary  individuals  in  company 
with  the  preceding  species  which  they  somewhat  resemble  in  habit;  or  they  may  sometimes 
be  seen  with  Black-breasted  and  Golden  Plover,  and  like  all  this  class  of  birds,  appear  to 
be  attracted  to  the  hill  tops  by  the  locusts,  upon  which  they  feed,  though  I  have  found  bee- 
tles, as  well  as  other  insects,  in  their  crops.  These  handsome  Sandpipers  do  not  appear  to 
be  found  south  of  New  Jersey ,  and  north  of  this  point,  they  occur  as  autumnal  migrants, 
the  last  one  disappearing  by  the  first  of  October.  As  they  winter  quite  south  of  the  Uni- 
ted States,  they  must,  consequently,  pass  over  the  more  southern  portion  of  our  country, 
and  they  either  do  so  without  alighting,  or  their  presence  has  been  overlooked  by  the  orni- 
thologists who  have  collected  there.  The  note  of  the  Buff-breasts  is  a  clear  whistle,  given 
at  intervals  as  they  fly.  They  breed  along  the  coast  of  Arctic  America,  from  Anderson 
River,  eastward. 


TKJNGOWF.S  MACULAK1US.  3!)1 

(iENTS  X.     TRINGOIDES.     TIIK  TILTING  SANDIMPKKS. 

GKN.  C'n.  Bill,  about  as  /««//  as  head,  slender,  not  curved  nor  expan-tedaltip.  Gape,  not  untie.  Head,  not  lari/f,  and 
neck,  moderate.  Marginal  indentations,  two. 

The  sternum  is  narrow,  alxnikas  wide  as  height  of  keel  which  does  not  exceed  tlic  length  of  eoracoids.  Tin-  two  mar- 
ginal indentations  are  wide  and  deep.  Lejjs,  short  and  there  U  a  prominent  membrane  between  tlie  uuternnd  middle  toes. 
Tail,  moderate.  Other  characters  do  not  differ  .strikingly  from  those  given  under  the  two  preceding  genera.  Sexes,  sim- 
ilar. There  is  but  one  species  within  our  limits. 

TEINGOIDES  MACULAKIUS. 
Spotted  Sandpiper. 

Tringoides  mandarins  GRAY,  List;  1849. 

DESCRIPTION. 
Si1.  Cn.     Form,  rather  slender.    Size,  medium.    Tongue,  long,  thin,  not  horny,  narrowing  gradually  to  tip  which  is 

pointed. 

COU>R.  Atlu/t.  Almve,  dark  greenish-brown,  having  a  greenish  gloas,  handed  and  s|>otted,  excepting  on  primaries, 
with  dark-brown,  liase  and  tips  ot  'secondaries,  inner  primaries,  tips  of  greater  wing  coverts,  line  from  bill  ovrr  e\e,  and 
under  parts,  white,  the  latter  marked  everywhere  with  rounded  spots  of  greenish-brown.  Tail,  tipped  with  whiteand  hand- 
ed on  outer  feathers  with  dark-brown. 

Youny.  Ashy-brown  above,  with  every  feather  edged  with  white,  preceded,  excepting  on  primaries,  by  abandofdark- 
br»wn.  Beneath,  white,  tinged  with  ashy  across  breast. 

Nestlinys.  Above,  ashy,  marked  with  black,  and  beneath,  white.  Bill,  brown,  yellow  at  base,  iris,  brown,  and  legs, 
greenish-yellow,  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Rcailily  known  by  the  presence  of  the  membrane  between  the  outer  and  middle  toes,  straight  bill,  the  ]>cculiar  ashy 
color  above,  glossed  with  greenish,  and  round  spotting*  below.  Distributed,  in  summer,  from  the  Carolinas,  northward; 
wintering  from  this  point,  southward. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Eastern  North  America.  Length,  7'60;  stretch,  13'35;  wing,  4'25;  tail,  'J  ().r>; 
bill,  1OO;  tarsus,  -'J2.  Longest  specimen,  8-(X);  greatest  extent  of  wing,  13'75;  longest  wing,  4MO;  tail,  2  30;  bill,  I- 10;  tar- 
sus, TOO.  Shortest  specimen,  7'40;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  IS'OO;  shortest  wing,  4'1D;  tail,  I  80;  bill,  ''JO;  tarsus,  -85. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Kfjijs,  placed  on  the  ground  in  a  slight  depression  of  the  soil,  on  a  little  grass,  etc.,  three  or  four  in  number,  decided- 
ly pyriforrn  in  shape,  varying  from  creamy  to  buff  in  color,  spotted,  blotched,  and  dotted,  with  reddish-brown  of  varying 
shades,  with  the  usual  shell  markings  of  lilac.  Dimensions  from  -UOx  1'30  to  '95x  1'40. 

HABITS. 

There  are  few  who  do  not  recognize  the  peculiar  pect-wect  of  the  spotted  Sandpipers, 
as  they  skim  about  the  fields  with  their  peculiar  flight,  or  stand  on  some  stone  in  the  brook, 
teetering  briskly  up  and  down,  as  they  examine  the  intruder.  I  have  always  found  them 
common  wherever  I  have  been,  whether  on  the  sandy  beaches  at  the  foot  of  the  high  (-lifts 
on  the  Magdalen  Islands,  in  the  fields  of  New  England,  along  the  water  courses  of  the  Mid- 
dle and  Southern  States,  or  on  the  partly  submerged  islands  which  lie  in  the  Gulf  of  Mex- 
ico, and  they  always  appear  as  much  at  home  when  running  along  the  sandy  shores  of  the 
far  North,  or  jumping  from  root  to  root  of  the  mangroves  in  the  South,  as  they  do  in  the 
cultivated  fields  of  Massachusetts.  The  Spotted  Sandpipers  are  common  during  winter, 
from  the  Carolinas  to  Key  West,  but  migrate  northward  in  spring,  arriving  in  Massachu- 
setts about  the  first  of  May.  They  breed  early  in  June,  often  placing  the  nest  on  the  mar- 
gin of  a  grain  field,  in  a  potato  patch  or  strawberry  bed.  On  Grand  Mt-nan,  where  (hey 
are  very  numerous,  they  nest  in  the  grassy  fields  near  pools,  and  along  the  sen  coast  ,,!' 
Massachusetts,  they  build  in  the  beach  grans,  just  above  high  watermark.  The  females  .sit 


392  SOLITARY  TATTLER. 

closely  and  when  driven  from  the  nest,  will  often  feign  lameness.  The  young  appear  dur- 
ing the  latter  part  of  June  and  follow  their  parents  as  soon  as  hatched.  Later  in  the  sen- 
son,  little  groups  gather  on  the  banks  of  .the  rivers,  or  may  be  seen  with  the  southward-going 
shore  birds  on  the  coast,  in  company  with  which  they  depart  early  in  September. 

GENUS  XI.  TOTANUS.  THE  TATTLERS. 

GEN.  Cn.  Bill,  much  longer  than  head,  slender ,  but  not  expanded  at  lip.  Hind loe,  present.  Marginal  indentations, 
four. 

The  sternum  is  narrow,  about  as  wide  as  height  of  keel  which  does  not  exceed  the  length  of  the  coracoids.  The  outer 
marginal  indentations  are  at  least  twice  as  deep  as  inner.  Legs,  long  and  slender,  with  tibia  feathered  fur  less  than  half 
its  length.  The  stomach  is  oval  or  cuboid  in  form,  quite  muscular,  and  lined  with  a  hard,  finely  rugose  membrane.  The 
proventriculus  is  large.  The  intestines  are  short  and  large,  and  the  eoeca  short,  or  rather  long,  with  blind  ends  dilated. 
The  sterno-treachealis  is  quite  stout  and  there  is  a  weak  bronchialis,  but  no  other  laryngeal  muscles.  Tyuipaniforni  mem- 
brane, present  but  there  is  no  os  transversale.  Sexes,  simlar.  There  are  four  species  within  our  limits. 

TOTANUS  SOTLITAKIUS. 
Solitary  Tattler. 

Totanus  solitarius  AUD.  Syn.;  1839,  242. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  slender.  Size,  small.  Tongue  very  long,  thin,  and  gradually  tapering  toward  tip  which  is  pointed. 
Membrane  between  toes,  small.  Inner  marginal  indentations,  small,  inclosed  in  adult.  Coeca,  1-30  long. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Above,  dark-brown,  streaked  on  head  and  neck,  spotted  on  back,  and  widely  banded  on  tail,  witli 
white.  Beneath,  white,  streaked  on  neck  and  breast,  and  banded  on  sides,  under  wing  coverts,  abdomen,  and  under  tail 
coverts,  with  dark-brown. 

Young.  Similar,  but  more  ashy,  and  the  head  and  neck  are  spotted,  not  streaked.  There  is  a  white  line  from  bill  to 
eye,  and  the  neck  and  breast  are  tinged  in  obscurely  defined  spots  of  ashy.  Bill,  black,  iris  and  fret,  brown,  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Readily  known  from  the  preceding  by  the  large  size  and  absence  of  spots  below,  and  from  the  succeeding  by  the  small- 
er size  and  broad  bandings  on  tail.  Distributed,  in  summer,  from  Massachusetts,  northward;  wintering  south  of  the  Uni- 
ted States. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Eastern  North  America.  Length,  9'00;  stretch,  17'00;  wing,5-00;  tail,2'00; 
bill,  1'12;  tarsus,  1'35.  Longest  specimen,  lO'OO;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  18-00;  longest  wing,  5-^5;  tail,  2'25;  bill,  1-25; 
tarsus,  1'40.  Shortest  specimen,  8'00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  16-00;  shortest  wing,  4'75;  tail,  T75;  bill,  TOO;  tarsus,  1-30. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Eygs,  placed  on  the  ground  in  a  slight  depression  of  the  soil  on  a  little  grass,  etc.;  from  two  to  four  in  number,  vary- 
ing from  creamy  to  pale  buff  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  with  umber-brown  of  varying  shades,  with  the  usual  pale  shell 
markings.  Dimensions  from  -95x  1'35  to  1'OOx  T40. 

HABITS. 

The  Solitary  Tattlers  are  rightly  named,  for  it  is  quite  rare  to  see  more  than  two  to- 
gether, especially  in  spring;  and  in  autumn,  single  individuals  are  frequently  met  with, 
feeding  along  the  border  of  some  pool  in  the  interior.  They  are  always  unsuspicious  and 
will  sit  and  gaze  at  the  intruder,  until  he  approaches  within  a  few  feet,  when  they  will  rise 
with  a  shrill  cry,  fly  a  short  distance,  and  leisurely  settle  down  again  to  resume  their  avo- 
cations. On  the  sea  shore,  where  they  are  very  common  in  fall,  they  seldom  mingle  with 
other  shore  birds,  but  feed  by  themselves,  either  by  the  borders  of  pools  or  on  the  beaches. 

There  are  few  birds,  the  eggs  of  which  have  remained  so  long  unknown,  as  the  pres- 
ent species.  At  first  ornithologists  were  inclined  to  believe  that  these  birds  would  be  found 
breeding  in  the  deserted  nests  of  Crows  or  Huvks,  after  the  manner  of  the  closely  allied, 


PLATE  XX. 


HELOSPIZA  LINCOLN!. 

Lincoln's  Spanrow.Atlt. 


TOTAHUS  FLAV1PES.  393 

European  species,  and  such  may  be  the  case  at  times.  I  am  inclined  to  think,  however, 
(hat  these  Solitary  Tattlers  generally  place  their  eggs  on  the  ground.  The  late  Dr.  T.  M. 
Brewer  described  an  authenticated  egg,  in  the  Bulletin  of  the  Nuttall  Ornithological  Club, 
taken  about  the  middle  of  May,  1878,  by  Mr.  Jenness  Richardson,  in  Castleton,  Vermont. 
The  bird  which  was  sitting  on  the  nest,  was  secured;  thus  the  identification  of  the  egg  was 
proved  beyond  a  doubt,  yet  I  think  from  the  description,  that  the  specimen  will  prove 
unique  among  its  kind.  The  eggs  from  which  I  have  taken  my  description,  came  from  Utah 
and,  as  I  have  every  reason  to  believe,  are  authentic.  The  Solitary  Sandpipers  make  their 
appearance  in  the  North,  about  the  first  of  May,  remain  a  week  or  two,  then  pass  to  their 
breeding  grounds.  They  reappear  early  in  September  but  shortly  after  migrate  south. 

TOTANUS  FLAV1PES. 

Lesser  Yellowlegs. 
Totanus  Jlavipei  VIEUL.,  Nouv.  Diet.;  1816,  400. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sr.  Cn.  Form,  slender.  Size,  medium.  Tongue,  long,  thin,  and  horny,  tapering  gradually  toward  the  tip  which  is 
rounded.  Membrane  between  toes,  small.  Inner  marginal  indentations,  small,  inclosed  in  adult.  Legs,  very  long.  Co> 
ca,  1-20  lon.i:. 

Cou>R.  Adult.  Above,  dark-brown,  lined,  spotted,  and  banded,  with  white.  Hump  and  upper  tail  coverts,  white, 
faintly  banded  with  dark-brown.  Tail,  finely  banded  with  white.  Beneath,  white, .streaked on  neck  and  breast  and  band- 
ed on  sides,  with  dark-brown. 

Yifuny.  Similar  to  the  adult,  but  more  ashy  above,  and  the  streakings  beneath  are  not  as  well  defined.  Bill,  black, 
iris,  brown,  a*d  feet,  yellow,  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  from  the  preceding  species  by  the  larger  size  and  white  rump,  ami  from  the  succeeding  by  the  smaller  size,  and 
from  all  others  by  the  colors  as  described.  Distributed,  in  summer,  from  Labrador,  northward;  wintering  from  the  Car- 
ulinas,  southward. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurement!  of  specimens  from  Eastern  North  America.  Length,  10'25;  stretch,  30-  12;  wins,  6'35;  tnil,2-£5; 
bill,  1'42;  tarsus,  2'15.  Longest  specimen,  10'80;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  31-00;  longest  wing,  6'80;  tail,  2  75;  bill,  1-00; 
tarsus,  2'25.  Shortest  specimen,  9'50;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  19'25:  shortest  wing,  5-90;  tail,  2'00;  bill,  1-25;  tarsus,  1'itO. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Eyys,  placed  on  the  ground  in  a  depression  of  the  soil  on  a  little  grass.  They  are  from  two  to  four  in  number,  decid- 
edly pyriform  in  shape,  varying  from  creamy  to  ashy-buff  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  irregularly  with  umber-brown  of 
varying  shades,  with  the  usual  shell  markings  of  lilac.  Dimensions  from  TlSi  rfiO  to  I'SOx  1'80. 

HABITS. 

The  clear  whistle  of  the  Lesser,  or  Summer,  Yellowlegs,  is  heard  early  in  July,  for 
these  birds  are  among  the  first  of  their  kind,  to  bid  adieu  to  their  northern  home  and  pro- 
ceed southward.  They  are  very  abundant  and  may  often  be  seen  flying  in  large,  strag- 
gling flocks,  but  they  also  associate  with  other  shore  birds.  They  are  fond  of  the  marshes 
and  at  low  tide,  may  be  found  feeding  in  the  creeks  which  intersect  the  low  lands;  then 
when  the  rising  water  forces  them  to  leave  their  banquet,  they  will  proceed  to  the  dryer 
spots  to  rest,  when  they  will  occasionally  catch  a  few  grasshoppers,  but  generally  remain 
quiet,  until  the  next  ebb  exposes  their  feeding  grounds,  covered  with  a  fresh  supply  of 
small  molhisks,  aquatic  worms  and  many  other  insects.  I  found  these  birds  very  coininoii 
from  the  Carolinas,  southward,  even  to  Key  West;  and  in  the  interior  of  Florida,  they 
were  ,-u-eusiomed  to  wade  in  the  shallow  pools,  in  company  with  the  Black-necked  (Stills. 

oo 


394  GREATER  YELLOWLEGS. 

The  Lesser  Yellowlegs  remain  in  Massachusetts  until  late  in  September,  when  they  all  de- 
part southward,  and  although  very  abundant  in  autumn,  they  are  seldom  seen  in  this  sec- 
tion in  spring,  evidently  reaching  their  northern  breeding  grounds  by  migrating  through 
the  interior.  They  are  not  strictly  confined  to  the  coast  in  autumn,  however,  but  are  found 
throughout  the  West. 

TOTAWUS  MELANOLEUCTJS. 

Greater  Yellowlegs. 
Totanus  mclanoleucus  VIEILL.,  Nouv.  Diet.;  1816,  400. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn  Form,  slender.  Size,  large.  Tongue,  long  and  thin,  tapering  toward  tip  which  i«  horny  and  pointed.  Mem- 
brane between  toes,  not  large.  Inner  marginal  indentations  large  and  never  inclosed.  Legs,  very  lung.  Cocoa,  small,  on- 
ly -40  long. 

Coum.  Adult.  Above,  Jark-brown, streaked, spotted,  and  handed,  with  white.  Rumpand  uppertail  coverts,  white, 
faintly  banded  with  dusky.  Tail,  finely  banded  with  white.  Beneath,  white,  streaked  on  neck  and  breast  and  banded  on 
sides,  with  dark-brown. 

Young.  Similar  to  the  adult,  but  more  ashy  above,  and  the  streakings  beneath  are  not  as  well  defined.  Iris,  brown, 
bill,  black,  and  feet,  yellow,  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS: 

Readily  known  from  all  others  by  the  large  size,  straight,  slender  bill,  long  yellow  legs,  white,  slightly  banded  rump, 
and  colors  as  described.  Distributed,  in  summer,  throughout  Arctic  America.  Winters  from  the  C:irolinas,  southward. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Eastern  North  America.  Length,  13"20;  stretch,  24'25;  wing,  7'95;  tail,  3  15; 
bill,2'30;  tarsus,2'45.  Longest  specimen,  14'25;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  25'50;  bngestwing,  8'70;  tail. 3-30:  bill,  2'0(>;  tnr- 
sus,  2  70.  Shortest  specimen,  12' 15;  smallest  extentofwing,  23'5ll;  shortest  wing,  7"  15;  tail,  2'95;  bill,  2'05;  tarsus,  2  25. 

HABITS. 

Although  resembling  the  preceding  species  in  many  habits,  the  Greater  Yellowlegs  do 
not  appear  in  Massachusetts  until,  at  least  six  weeks,  after  the  first  Summer  Yellowleg  has 
come,  and  they  remain  late  in  the  season;  consequently  are  sometimes  termed  Winter  Yel- 
lowlegs. They  frequent  much  the  same  grounds  as  the  smaller  species  and  associate  with 
them;  but  are  much  shyer  birds  and  when  approached,  will  sound  their  loud,  whistling  cry, 
raise  their  long  wings  once  or  twice,  then  rise,  whistling  as  they  go,  generally  followed  by 
all  their  smaller  companions.  In  the  South,  they  are  particularly  abundant,  and  may  be  seen 
wading  in  the  pools  or  shallow  margins  of  the  rivers  and  lagoons,  feeding  upon  small  fish- 
es, crustaceans,  etc.  On  their  way  north,  the  Greater  Yellowlegs  pass  Massachusetts,  and 
their  loud,  cheery  whistle,  coming  to  the  ear  from  over  the  marshes,  which  are  just  show- 
ing a  tinge  of  green,  proclaims  that  the  pleasant  summer  days  are  rapidly  approaching. 
Although  both  Yellowlegs  are  classed  among  the  game  birds,  I  cannot  say  that  I  consider 
their  flesh  particularly  fine  eating,  as  it  is  apt  to  be  dry  and  strong.  Well  authenticated 
eggs  of  the  Greater  Yellowlegs,  appear  lo  be  rare  and  I  have  never  had  an  opportunity  of 
examining  one. 

TOTANUS  SEMIPALMATUS. 

Willet. 
f  Totanus  semipa/malus  TEMM.,  Man.  Orn.  II;  637. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  Bill,  stout.  Tongue,  long,  thin  andslender,  tapering  gradually  toward  tip  which 
is  pointed.  Membrane  between  toes,  largo.  Leg-;,  long  and  .stout.  Marginal  indentations,  small,  but  never  inclosed. 


W1LLF.T.  896 

Ariull  in  summer.  Above,  yellowish-ash,  lined,  spotted,  and  handed  with  <]iirk-hrown.  Tail,  ashy,  and  aKo 
hnnded.  I'pper  tail  coverts,  vrliite,  handed  on  tips  with  brown.  Secondaries  and  primaries,  white,  Hie  outer  of  tin-  for- 
nior,  and  all  of  the  latter,  broadly  tipped  with  dnrk-brown,  while  the  greater  upper  coverts  and  spurious  wins  »re  of  the 
same  color.  JVneath,  white,  tinged  witli  reddish,  spotted  on  neck  and  banded  everywhere,  excepting  on  abdomen,  with 
dark-brown.  AxiOuMB  and  under  wins  coverts,  very  dark-brown. 

AHult  in  irintrr.  Clear  ashy-gray  above,  unspotted;  and  white  beneath,  without  bandings,  bat  tinged  on  breast  and 
sides  with  ashy.  Ihicly  streaked  with  darker;  otherwise  similar  to  the  above. 

Young.  Similar  to  the  winter  adult,  but  slightly  mottled  with  white  above  and  tinged  on  both  surfaces  with  yellow- 
ish. Bill  and  iris,  brown,  and  feet  bluish,  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  from  all  others  by  the  large  size,  straight  bill,  prominent  wehs  between  toes,  white  rump,  and  very  dark-brown 
under  wing  coverts  and  axillaries.  Distributed,  in  summer,  from  New  Jersey,  southward;  rather  rare  in  Massachusetts 
in  autumn.  Winters  from  the  Carolinas,  southward, 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Eastern  North  America.  Length.  H'OO;  stretch,  26'25;  wing,  8'55;  tail,  3'27; 
bill,  2'45;  tarsus,  2'35.  Longest  specimen,  15-00:  greatest  extent  of  wing,  28-00;  longest  wing,  8'UO;  tail,  3-56;  bill,  2'UO; 
tarsus,  2'GO.  Shortest  specimen,  13'50;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  24-50;  shortest  wing,  7-i5;  tail,  3'00;  bill,  2J00;  tarsus,  r«5. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Eyy*,  placed  on  the  ground  in  a  slight  depression  of  the  soil,  on  a  little  grass,  etc.  They  arc  from  two  to  four  in  num- 
ber, rather  pyriform  in  shape,  varying  from  creamy  to  greenish-ash  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  irregularly  and  thickly 
with  brown,  umber,  and  lilac,  of  varying  shades.  Dimensions  from  I'45x2'10  to  rSOxii'25. 

HABITS. 

Of  all  our  shore  birds,  the  Willets  are,  perhaps,  the  most  noisy  and  restless,  for  they  are 
not  only  constantly  on  the  move  themselves  but  endeavor  to  communicate  their  uneasiness 
to  other  species.  I  have,  on  many  occasions,  been  creeping  cautiously  to  some  rare  Heron 
or  other  wading  bird,  when  some  wandering  Willet  would  discover  me;  up  it  would  start, 
screaming  loudly,  then  not  satisfied  with  this,  off  it  would  go,  over  the  heads  of  the  very 
birds  that  I  wished  to  secure,  vociferating  loudly  all  the  while,  and  thus  starting  them;  then 
would  not  rest  contented  until  it  had  flown  along  the  entire  beach,  inducing  every  bird  on 
it  to  rise  .and  join  in  the  out-cry.  This  much  is  often  accomplished  by  a  single  bird,  and 
a  flock  of  a  half  dozen  Willets,  keep  a  mile  of  shore  in  a  constant  uproar,' and  as  they  are 
very  common  in  the  South,  the  collector  is  constantly  wasting  words  and  often  shot  upon 
these  disturbers  of  his  peace.  Willets  are  particularly  abundant  in  Florida  and  I  have  seen 
them  equally  common  on  both  coasts.  I  even  found  them  feeding  about  the  small  ponds 
in  the  piney  woods,  and  have  observed  that  these  birds  had  a  singular  habit  of  perching  on 
the  limbs  of  pine  trees,  forty  or  fifty  feet  from  the  ground,  and  sometimes,  a  dozen  birds 
would  sit  side  by  side  on  a  single  branch,  presenting  a  novel  appearance. 

These  birds  were  changing  from  the  gray  winter  plumage  to  the  mottled  summer  dress, 
at  Dummett's,  about  the  first  of  April,  at  which  time  they  became  more  quiet,  and  a  little 
later,  appeared  to  be  mating.  During  the  first  week  of  May,  I  found  them  breeding  among 
the  low  scrub,  just  back  of  the  beach  ridge,  and  secured  the  eggs.  The  nests  were  placed 
in  the  midst  of  low  bushes  and  were  quite  difficult  to  find.  When  approached,  the  birds 
quietly  left  them  and,  quite  unexpectedly,  did  not  appear  at  all  solicitous  for  the  safety  of 
their  e<;gs.  Further  north,  the  Willets  breed  a  week  or  two  later.  This  species  is  now 
quite  rare  in  Massachusetts  but  is  said  by  old  gunners,  to  have  been  much  more  common 
in  years  past. 


396  LIMOSA  HUDSON ICA. 

GENUS  XII.    LIMOSA.    THE  GODWITS. 

GEN.  On.  Dill,  more  than  twice  as  long  as  head,  slender,  not  expanded  at  tip,  but  sliyhtly  curved  upward.  Coracoids, 
exceeding  in  lenyth  the  heiyht  of  keel.  Marginal  indentations,  four  in  youny,  two  in  adult. 

The  stomach  is  cuboid  in  form,  quite  muscular,  and  is  lined  with  a  hard  rugose  membrane.  The  legs  are  stout  and 
there  are  prominent  membranes  between  toes;  but,  excepting  these  differences  and  those  given  above,  members  of  this  ge- 
nus resemble  the  preceding  in  anatomical  and  other  characters.  Sexes,  quite  similar.  There  are  two  species  within  our 
limits. 

LIMOSA  HUDSONICA. 

Hudsonian  Godwit. 
Umosa  Hudsonica  Sw.,  F.  B.  A.,  II;  1831. 

DESCRIFnON. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  robust.  Size,  medium.  Toes,  slightly  margined.  Tongue,  long,  somewhat  fleshy,  narrowing  grad- 
ually to  tip  which  is  pointed. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Above,  dark-brown,  spotted-and  banded  with  reddish.  Wings,  dark-brown,  with  base  of  primaries 
and  secondaries,  and  tips  of  greater  wing  covert",  white.  Smaller  wing  coverts,  ashy.  Upper  tail  coverts  and  base  of  tail, 
white,  remainder  of  latter  very  dark-brown,  tipped  with  reddish-ash.  Beneath,  yellowish-red,  bande-1  on  breast,  sides, 
and  ui|der  tail  coverts,  with  dark-brown.  Axillaries  and  under  wing  coverts,  black. 

Youny.  Yellowish-ash  above,  streaked  and  spotted  with  dark-brown.  Beneath,  ashy-white,  darkest  across  breast; 
otherwise  similar  to  the  adult.  Bill,  brown,  yellowatbase,  iris  and  legs,  brown,  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Winter  birds  are  sometimes  mottled  beneath  with  red.  Readily  known  by  the  white  upper  tail  coverts,  very  dark  tail, 
long,  upturned  bill,  and  black  axillaries  and  under  wing  coverts.  Distributed,  in  summer,  throughout  Arctic  America. 
Not  uncommon  on  the  coast  of  the  Northern  States  in  autumn.  Winters  south  of  the  United  States. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Eastern  North  America.  Length,  14'82;  stretch,  26'40;  wing,  8-25;  tail, 
2'75;  bill,  2'25;  tarsus,  2  92.  Longest  specimen,  15-25;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  27'80;  longest  wing,  8'50;  tail,  3  00;  bill, 
2'30;  tarsus,  3  05.  Shortest  specimen,  14'50,  smallest  extent  of  wing,  2«'0();  shortest  wing,  8'00;  tail,  2'50;  bill,  2'20;  tar- 
sus, 2-80. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Egys,  placed  on  the  ground  in  aslight  depression  of  the  soil,  on  a  little  grass,  etc.,  three  or  four  in  number,  pyriform 
in  shape,  very  dark  greenish-brown  in  color,  somewhat  obscurely  spotted  and  blotched  with  dark-brown.  Dimensions 
from  1-35x2-15  to  l-40x2'20. 

HABITS. 

The  Hudsonian  Godwits  are  not  of  uncommon  occurrence  along  our  New  England  coast 
in  autumn,  generally  arriving  late  in  September  and  often  remaining  until  November. 
They  frequent  sandy  shores,  resting  on  sand  spits,  from  which  they  rise  when  approached, 
with  a  loud  cry,  characteristic  of  both  members  of  the  genus,  and  fly  swiftly  away,  when 
the  white  upper  tail  coverts  appear  quite  prominently,  gaining  for  them  the  name  of  Spot 
Rumps  among  sportsmen.  Birds  found  with  us,  are  either  plain  ashy  white  below  or  mot- 
tled with  red,  but  when  in  their  full  spring  dress,  in  which  they  never  visit  us,  however, 
as  they  pass  to  their  far  northern  breeding  grounds,  through  the  West,  they  are  very  hand- 
some birds.  I  have  never  met  with  Hudsonian  Godwits  in  Florida,  and  if  they  occur  there 
at  all,  it  is  as  rare  migrants. 

LIMOSA  FEDOA. 

Marbled  Godwit. 

Limosafedoa  OKD,  ed.  Wils.,  VII;  1825. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  Toes,  well  margined.  Tongue,  very  long,  thin,  and  slender,  gpidiially  taper- 
ing toward  tip  which  is  pointed. 


MARBLED  GOD  WIT.  397 

COLOR.  Adult.  Above,  dark-brown,  streaked  and  bunded  with  reddish-yellow.  Wings,  reddish-yellow,  with  greater 
coverts  and  outer  webs  and  tips  of  primaries,  brown,  and  remainder  of  feathers  finely  sprinkled  with  the  same  eolor.  Tail, 
also  reddish-yellow,  spotted  and  banded  with  dark-brown.  Beneath,  yellowish-red,  palest  on  throat,  streaked  on  neck  and 
banded  everywhere  below  this,  excepting  on  abdomen,  with  dark-brown. 

Young.  Similar  to  the  adult,  but  mueh  paler,  and  there  are  few  or  no  markings  beneath.  Iris  and  feet,  brown,  and 
bill,  brown,  yellow  on  basal  half,  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Readily  known  by  the  large  size,  upturned  bill,  and  general  reddish  colors  as  described.  Distributed,  in  summer,  in 
North-eastern  Florida  and  throughout  the  region  west  of  the  Mississippi;  wintering  from  the  Carolinas,  southward. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimeas  from  Eastern  North  America.  Length,  18-50;  stretch,  31  '00;  wing,  9-50;  tail,  3  50; 
bill,  4- 10;  tarsus,  2'70.  Longest  specimen,  1!)'50;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  32'OO;  longest  wing,  lO'OO:  tail.4'00;  bill,  4'70;  tar- 
sus, 2-80.  Shortest  specimen,  17'50;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  SO'OO;  shortest  wing,  9'00;  tail,  3'00;  bill,  3'50;  tarsus,  2  60. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  ECUS. 

F.<I<JS,  placed  on  the  ground  in  a  slight  depression  of  the  soil  on  a  little  grass,  etc.;  from  two  to  four  in  number,  long 
oval  in  form,  varying  from  creamy  to  pale  buff  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched,  rather  sparcely,  with  yellowish-brown  of  va- 
rying shades,  with  the  usual  pale  shell  markings.  Dimensions  from  T45x2'20  to  I'50x2'2o. 

HABITS. 

The  Marbled  Godwits  are  very  common  in  the  South  in  winter,  but  they  are  particu- 
larly abundant  in  Florida.  Back  of  Amelia  .Island,  just  south  of  St.  Mary's  River,  thus 
lying  on  the  extreme  northern  confines  or  the  State,  are  extensive  flats,  on  which  are  pools 
that  become  partly  dry  during  winter.  These  were  the  familiar  resorts  of  the  Godwits,  and 
flocks  of  hundreds  would  gather  around  them.  They  were  quite  wild  while  here,  rising 
witli  deafening  clamor  when  approached,  but  they  had  become  so  attached  to  the  locality, 
that  they  would  merely  circle  about  and  alight  on  the  borders  of  some  neighboring  pool. 
From  this  point,  southward  along  the  eastern  coast,  as  far  as  Merritt's  Island,  they  were 
very  numerous,  but  were  not  common  at  Miami,  and  I  did  not  see  them  on  the  Keys.  On 
the  west  coast,  however,  they  occurred  in  large  numbers,  especially  on  the  muddy  flats  about 
Cedar  Keys.  On  Indian  River,  I  found  the  Godwits  very  unsuspicious,  insomuch  so,  that 
I  have  frequently  killed  them  with  dust  shot.  When  one  is  wounded  so  as  to  be  unable  to 
fly,  it  utters  loud  cries  which  attract  the  attention  of  its  surviving  companions,  and  they  will 
frequently  circle  about  until  many  are  killed.  Late  in  spring,  I  found  the  Marbled  God- 
wits  on  the  marshes  of  the  west  side  of  Matanzas  River,  and  at  this  season,  they  uttered 
peculiar,  abruptly  given,  shivering  notes  which,  I  was  assured  by  the  inhabitants,  were  on- 
ly given  when  the  birds  were  about  to  breed,  and  that  they  would  deposit  their  eggs  on  the 
on  the  dryer  portions  of  the  marshes  in  a  week  or  two.  At  this  time,  the  Godwits  were 
accustomed  to  perch  on  the  dead  mangroves,  near  the  edge  of  the  water.  The  eggs  which 
I  have  described  and  which  are  well  authenticated  specimens,  were  taken  near  Salt  Lake 
City,  where  the  birds  appear  to  breed  quite  commonly. 

UENUS  XIII.    NUMEN1US.    THE  CURLEWS. 

GEX.  Cu.  Bill,  longer  than  head,  slender,  not  expanded  at  lip,  and  welt-curved  downward.  Hind  loe,  present.  Mar- 
ginal indentations,  four,  outer  considerably  deeper  than  inner. 

The  stomach  is  oval  and  flat  in  form,  very  muscular,  and  lined  with  a  hard,  rugose  membrane.  Cocca,  long  and 
slender,  with  the  blind  ends  pointed.  With  the  exception  of  the  above  given  characters,  members  of  this  genus  resemble 
those  of  the  two  preceding  genera.  Sexes,  similar.  There  are  three  species  within  our  limits 


398  NVMENIUS  LONG1XOSTR1S. 

NUMENIUS  LONGIROSTRIS. 

Long-billed  Curlew. 
Numenius  lonyirostris  WILS.,  Am.  Orn.,  VIII;  1814,  24. 

DKSCRI1TION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  Bill,  greatly  elongated,  about  four  times  as  long  as  hea<l.  Tongue,  very  short, 
only  1'20  long,  triangular  in  form  with  the  tip  pointed. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Above,  dark-brown,  lined,  spotted,  and  banded,  excepting  on  outer  webs  of  primaries,  with  yellow- 
ish-red. Beneath,  yellowish-red,  darkest  under  wings,  streaked  on  neck  and  breast  and  banded  on  sides  and  flanks,  with 
dark-brown. 

Young.  Similar  to  the  adult,  but  paler  throughout.  Iris  and  feet,  brown,  and  bill,  brown,  lighter  on  basal  third  of 
lower  mandible,  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  from  all  others  by  the  large  size ,  very  long,  curved  bill,  and  colors  as  described.  Distributed,  in  summer, 
throughout  the  West;  wintering  from  the  Carolinas,  southward. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Eastern  North  America.  Length ,  24'  15;  stretch ,  39'UO;  wing,  1(V50;  tail ,  4'00; 
bill,  7-50;  tarsus,  3'50.  Longest  specimen,  26'00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  40'00;  longest  wing,  11 '00;  tail,  4  50;  bill,  9'00; 
tarsus,  4'00.  Shortest  specimen,  22-25;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  38'00 ;  shortest  wing,  10-00;  tail,  3'50;  bill,5-65;  tarsus, 3'00. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Eygs,  placed  on  the  ground  in  a  depression  of  the  soil  on  a  little  grass.  They  are  from  two  to  four  in  numl>er,  rath- 
er oval  in  shape,  varying  from  ashy-yellow  to  greenish  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  irregularly  wjth  brown  and  umber  of 
varying  shades,  with  the  usual  shell  markings  of  lilac.  Dimensions  from  1 '80 x 2*40  to  I'90x2'88. 

HABITS. 

I  well  remember  when  I  first  caught  sight  of  a  living  Long-billed  Curlew.  I  was 
standing  on  a  sandy  shore,  just  north  of  Cape  Ann,  when  a  single  individual  flew  slowly 
past,  along  the  beach  over  the  water,  but  just  out  of  gun-shot.  As  soon  as  it  perceived  me, 
it  uttered  one  of  those  almost  startling  cries,  for  which  these  birds  are  noticeable,  and 
changed  its  course  further  out  to  sea,  then  continued  its  swift  flight  southward.  After  this, 
on  other  occasions,  I  saw  several,  but  was  always  obliged  to  content  myself  with  the  same 
distant  view,  and  it  was  not  until  I  first  went  to  Florida,  that  I  made  a  closer  acquaintance 
with  these  fine  birds.  One  day,  some  thirteen  or  fourteen  years  ago,  I  was  walking  along 
a  lonely  stretch  of  shore,  which  lies  between  the  head  of  Indian  River  and  Mosquito  Lagoon. 
I  had  reached  this  point  which  was  then  quite  distant  from  civilization,  as  there  were  but 
two  houses^  or  rather  shanties,  between  New  Smyrna,  a  small  place  consisting  of  two  or 
three  dwellings,  situated  twenty-five  miles  to  the  northward,  and  the  light-house  at  Cape 
Canaveral,  about  as  far  to  the  southward,  while  below  this  point,  there  was  not  a  single 
residence  on  that  side  of  the  lagoons  and  bays,  for  a  hundred  miles.  Thus  it  may  be  un- 
derstood, that  the  place  of  which  I  am  speaking,  was,  without  exaggeration,  lonely.  I  had 
been  some  time  in  reaching  this  point,  and  in  order  to  do  so,  had  encountered  not  a  .few 
difficulties,  for  travelling  in  Florida  then,  could  not  be  accomplished  with  as  much  ease  as 
at  present.  Although  conscious  that  I  was  in  a  wilderness,  I  did  not  at  first  fully  under- 
stand how  remote  this  particular  place  was  from  settlements,  and  how  seldom  it  was  visited 
by  man,  until  coming  suddenly  to  a  small  creek,  the  banks  of  which  were  high,  I  saw  a 
very  large  Long-billed  Curlew,  not  a  dozen  yards  away,  standing  on  a  sand  bar,  with  his 
head  drawn  in,  apparently  asleep.  When  I  approached,  the  bird  merely  looked  up,  and  it 
was  not  until  I  walked  within,  perhaps,  twenty  feet  of  him,  that  he  concluded  to  fly,  which 


HUDSONIAN  CURLEW.  31)9 

he  did  quite  leisurely,  going  only  a  short  distance  and,  alighting  in  the  shallow  water,  be- 
gan  to  l'ee<l.  1  passed  quite  a  large  number  during  that  tramp,  all  equally  tame, 'besides 
Ducks  and  other  shore  bird*  in  almost  eountless  numbers.  Five  or  six  years  later,  I  walked 
over  the  same  ground,  but  then  it  was  no  unusual  thing  to  hear  the  crack  of  the  breech- 
loader, where  before,  the  sound  of  a  gun  was  scarcely  known,  and  when  I  got  a  Long- 
billed  Curlew  this  time,  it  was  only  by  stalking  it  with  as  much  caution  as  if  it  had  been 
a  deer. 

The  Long-billed  Curlews  are  abundant  from  the  Carolinas,  southward,  in  winter,  fre- 
quenting the  muddy  flats  which  are  left  exposed  by  the  tide,  and  probing  in  them  with  their 
long  bills,  in  search  of  animal  food;  but  how  they  manage  to  eat  with  a  bill,  often  over 
eight  inches  long,  with  the  aid  of  a  tongue  which  but  little  exceeds  an  inch  in  length,  is  a 
mystery.  These  Curlews  migrate  along  the  Atlantic  coast  during  September,  but  I  never 
saw  one  in  the  North  in  spring.  They  breed  throughout  the  West. 

NTJMENIUS  HUDSONICUS. 

Hudson! an  Curlew. 
Numcniui  Hudstmicus  LATH.,  Ind.  Orn,  II.;  17DO,  712. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sr.  CH.  Form,  robust.  Size,  medium.  Tongue,  short,  I "20  long,  somewhat  fleshy,  and  narrowing  gradually  to  tip 
wlii'-h  i-;  pointed. 

COLOR.     Adult.     Above,  dark-brown,  lightest  on  rump,  streaked  and  spotted,  on  neck  and  body,  and  banded  on  tail 

ami  inner  webs  of  primaries,  with  ashy-yellow.     Top  of  head,  dark-brown,  with  a  central  line  and  one  from  bill  over  eye, 

ashy-yellow.     Beneath,  ashy-yellow,  streaked  on  neck  and  breast  and  banded  on  sides  and  under  wings,  with  dark-brown. 

Young.    Similar,  but  paler  and  the  markings  are  not  as  well  delined.     Bill,  brown,  yellow  at  base  of  lower  mandible, 

iris  and  feet,  brown,  in  all  .stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Keadily  knowji  from  preceding  species  by  the  smaller  size  and  paler  colors  and  from  the  succeeding  by  the  large  sine 
and  banded  inner  webs  to  primaries.  Distributed,  in  summer,  throughout  Arctic  America.  Not  uncommon  on  the  coast 
of  the  Northern  States  in  autumn.  Winters  south  of  the  United  States. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Eastern  North  America.  Length,  17'50;  stretch,  3Q-25;  wing,  9'85;  tail, 
2'!K);  bill,  3-50;  tarsus,  i>-25.  Longest  specimen,  18-00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  33'50;  longest  wing,  10-50;  tail,  305;  bill, 
4'iiO;  fcit^us,  sS-35.  Shortest  specimen,  17'00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  33'00;  shortest  wing,  9'25;  tail,  2'80;  bill,  3'00;  tar- 
sus, 2-15. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Eyys  placed  on  the  ground  in  a  slight  depression  of  the  soil,  on  a  little  grass,  etc.,  three  or  four  in  number,  oval  in 
firm, varying'  IV'im  :is|,y-y,.|l,>w  to  greenish  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  irregularly,  and  thickly,  with  brown  and  umber 
of  varying  shades.  Dimensions  from  I'50x2-20  to  I'fi0i2-30. 

11  A  KITS. 

The  Hudsonian,  or  Jack  Curlews  of  Sportsmen,  make  their  appearance  in  Massachu- 
setts, early  in  September,  and  frequent  the  hill-tops,  in  company  with  the  Plovers  and  Es- 
quimaux Curlews.  Although  they  are  far  from  being  abundant,  they  cannot  be  considered 
rare,  as  quite  a  number  are  taken  every  season.  I  do  not  think  that  the}'  are  much  more 
common  than  the  Long-billed  Curlews,  but  many  more  are  killed  each  season,  as  they  are 
not  nearly  as  shy.  The  Iludsonian  Curlews  occur  on  the  coast  of  New  Jersey,  but  do  not 
seem  to  be  taken  regularly  south  of  this  point,  and  I  never  met  with  them  in  Florida.  These 
Curlews  appear  to  resemble  the  Ling-billed  more  than  the  Esquimaux,  in  habits,  being 
rather  solitary,  and  seldom  associating  in  tlocks  of  any  si/e 


400  NL'MENIUS  BOREAL1S. 

NUMENITJS  BOEEALIS. 

Esquimaux  Curlew. 
Numenius  borea/is  LATH.,  Ind.  Orn.  II;  1790,  712. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  robust.  Size,  «mall.  Bill,  but  little  longer  than  head.  Tongue,  short,  thin,  and  gradually  taper- 
ing toward  tip  which  is  acutely  pointed. 

COLOU.  Adult.  Above,  dark-brown,  streaked  on  head  and  neck,  spotted  on  back,  and  banded  on  rump  upper  tail  cov- 
erts and  tail,  with  ashy-yellow.  Primaries,  brown,  without  bandings  on  either  web.  Beneath,  ashy-yellow,  becoming 
reddish  under  wings,  streaked  on  neck  and  breast  and  banded  on  sides  and  flanks  with  dark-brown.  ' 

Youny.  Similar  to  the  adult  but  paler  and  the  markings  are  not  as  well  defined.  Bill,  brown,  yellow  at  base  of  lower 
mandible,  iris  and  legs,  brown,  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  from  all  others  by  the  small  size,  curved  bill,  absence  of  bands  on  primaries,  and  colors  as  described  Distrib- 
uted, in  summer,  throughout  Arctic  America.  Common  in  autumn  on  the  coast  of  the  Northern  States.  Winters  south 
of  the  United  States. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Eastern  Nortli  America.  Length,  1.T50;  stretch,  26'50;  wing,  8'25;  tail,  2'75; 
bill,  2'25;  tarsus,  1'50.  Longest  specimen,  H'OO;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  27'00;  longest  wing,  8'50;  tail,  3'00;  bill,  2'50; 
wrsus,  1'75.  Shortest  specimen,  13'00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  26-00;  shortest  wing,8'00;  tail,  sf'50;  bill,  2'00;  tarsus,  1'25. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Eyy*,  placed  on  the  ground  in  a  slight  depression  of  the  soil,  on  a  little  grass,  etc.  They  are  from  two  to  four  in  num- 
ber, rather  oval  in  form,  varying  from  yellowish-ash  to  greecish-brown  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  coarsely  with  brown 
and  umber  of  varying  shades.  Dimensions  from  l'30x  1'90  to  I'45x2'00. 

HABITS. 

The  Dough  Bird,  as  the  Esquimaux  Curlews  are  almost  universally  called,  are  eager- 
ly sought  after  and,  consequently,  bring  a  high  price  in  the  market.  In  autumn,  they 
are  very  fat  and  are  considered  fine  eating,  being  far  superior  to  either  of  the  other  species, 
the  flesh  of  which  is  apt  to  be  strong  and  dry.  During  certain  seasons,  when  a  severe 
storm  occurs  about  the  middle  of  September,  at  which  time  these  birds  are  migrating,  they 
are  driven  in  from  the  sea  in  large  flocks.  Then  the  hill-tops  are  fairly  covered  with  them 
and  in  years  past,  gunners  would  frequently  reap  a  rich  harvest,  but  of  late  years,  although 
they  occasionally  appear  in  quantities,  they  never  remain  long,  for  they  are  quickly  driv- 
en away  by  the  numerous  sportsmen  who  are  constantly  on  the  lookout  for  them.  The 
Esquimaux  Curlews  feed  upon  berries  and  insects,  especially  grasshoppers  which  they  find 
in  quantities  on  the  hills. 

ORDER  XIV,    HERODIONES.    HERONS  ETC. 

Legs,  long  and  naked  far  above  the  tar  sal  joint.  Posterior  toe,  present,  well-develop- 
ed^ and  always  on  a  level  with  the  anterior  toes.  Keel,  not  exceeding  in  height  the  width.  <>f 
the  sternum.  Marginal  indentations,  two  or  four.  Terminal  expansion,  with  or  without  cen- 
tral projection,  and  it  usually  approximates  very  close!  i/  to  the  tip  of  keel. 

This  Order  includes  the  Ibises,  Herons,  Spoonbills,  etc.,  all  of  which  are  widely  dis- 
tributed, but  are  generally  better  represented  in  the  Tropics  than  elsewhere,  while  the  spe- 
cies are  rare  north  of  the  Temperate  Zone.  Some  of  the  species  vary  considerably  in  ex- 
ternal form,  as  well  as  in  anatomical  characters  but  all  these  points  are  given  under  fam- 
ily and  other  headings. 


WHITE  IBIS.  401 

FAMILY  I.     IBIDID^E.     THE  IBISES  AND  SPOONBILLS. 

Bill,  at  least  twice  as  long  as  the  head  and  grooved  throughout.  Furcula,  short,  well 
arched,  not  projected  backward,  nor  approximating  very  closely  to  the  tip  of  keel.  Mar- 
ijinal  indentations,  four. 

The  head  is  more  or  less  naked  in  adult  specimens.  The  treachea  is  flattened  through- 
out and  the  larynx  is  about  normal  and  provided  with  a  thin  bronchialis.  The  stomach  is 
muscular,  and  there  are  two  small  cceca.  Members  of  this  family  are  widely  distributed 
throughout  the  world,  occurring  mainly,  however,  in  the  Tropics.  The  young  are  covered 
with  down  at  birth,  but  are  comparatively  helpless  and  are  feed  by  regurgitation. 

GENUS  I.    IBIS.    THE  IBISES. 

GEN.  Cu.  Bill,  longer  than  head,  quite  slender,  not  expanded  at  tip,  and  well-curved  downward.  Stemo-treachealu, 
present.  Webs  between  toes,  small. 

The  larynx  is  normal  in  position.    The  intestines  are  large  and  short.    Sexes,  similar.    There  are  two  species  within 

our  limits. 

IBIS  ALBA. 

White  Ibis. 

Ibis  alba  VIEILL.,  Orn.  Diet.;  181B. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Si-.  On.  Form,  robust.  Size,  medium.  Tongue,  short,  '35  long,  somewhat  fleshy,  and  narrowing  gradually  to  tip 
which  is  rounded. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Head,  naked  beyond  eyes.  Pure  white  throughout,  with  the  four  outer  primaries  tipped  with  block 
glossed  with  green.  Bill,  naked  space  about  head,  and  feet,  bright  yellow.  Iris,  pale  blue. 

Youny.  Above,  and  on  head  and  nock,  dark-brown  glossed  with  greenish  on  the  former  and  streaked  on  the  two  latter 
with  ashy.  Lower  back,  rump,  upper  tail  coverts,  and  lower  portions,  white.  Head,  feathered  to  eyes.  Bill,  naked  space 
about  head,  and  legs,  brownish-yellow.  Iris,  brown. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

There  are  all  gradations  in  plumage  between  the  adult  nnd  young,  specimens  being  frequently  mhttled  with  white  o- 
bove.  Readily  known  in  the  adult  stage  by  the  curved  bill  and  pure  white  colors,  and  in  the  young  stage  by  the  white  IXJH- 
terior  portions  above.  Distributed,  in  summer,  from  the  Carolinas,  southward;  wintering  in  Florida.  Stragglers  occasion- 
ally wander  north,  even  as  far  as  New  England. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Florida.  Length,  24'50;  stretch,  37'35;  wing,  H'25;  tail,  4'30;  bill,  5-20; 
tarsus,  3'70.  Longest  specimen,  27'50;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  33'50;  longest  wing,  11'75;  tail,  4  70;  bill,  6'05;  tursus, 
430.  Shortest  specimen,  21'50;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  36'25;  shortest  wing,  10-50;  tail,  3'90;  bill,  4'35;  tarsus,  3"  15. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Wests,  placed  on  trees  or  bushes  and  composed  of  sticks,  somewhat  loosely  arranged.  Eyys,  two  or  three  in  number, 
oval  in  form,  ashy-blue  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  irregularly  with  reddish-brown  of  varying  shades.  Dimensions  from 
1-40x2-15  to  l-«5x2-40. 

II A  HITS. 

The  great  strong-hold  of  the  White  Ibises  in  Florida,  is  the  marshes  which  lie  on  both 
sides  of  the  upper  St.  John's,  above  Lake  George.  Here  the  level  country  stretches  out 
on  either  hand  as  far  as  the  eye  can  reach,  but  as  it  is  nearly  always  inundated,  leaving 
only  the  grass-tops  exposed,  or  wide-spread,  muddy  flats,  which  are  so  soft  that  they  will 
not  bear  the  weight  of  a  man,  this  section  is  nearly  or  quito  inaccessible.  This  prooves 
fortunate  for  the  birds,  and  Herons  and  Ibises  frequent  this  section  in  numbers  which  :ip- 
pcar  astonishing  to  one  who  is  not  accustomed  to  seeing  a  large  number  of  birds  together; 
for  they  gather  in  tlocks  of  hundreds  of  thousands,  fairly  darkening  (lie  air  \\hen  they  rise. 

61 


402  GLOSSY  IBIS. 

This  appears  to  be  merely  the  winter  quarters  of  the  White  Ibises,  for  in  spring,  they  re- 
treat to  the  coast,  mainly  on  the  west  side  of  the  peninsula,  to  breed.  At  this  season,  the 
gular  sac  beneath  the  bill,  undergoes  a  singular  change,  becoming  greatly  thickened  and 
much  brighter  in  color.  The  white  Ibises  now  choose  islands  along  the  unfrequented  por- 
tion of  the  coast  as  breeding  places,  building  their  nests  on  the  low  mangroves  or  bushes. 
They  also  roost  in  similar  places,  flying  into  the  interior  to  feed.  I  have  always  found  this 
species  very  shy  and  difficult  to  approach,  especially  when  feeding,  but  when  they  have" 
had  their  fill  of  crawfish  and  other  small  crustaceans,  of  which  they  are  very  fond,  and  are 
resting  on  the  bushes,  they  may  be  approached  quite  closely  by  using  caution.  They  are 
very  difficult  to  kill  and  when  only  winged,  run  nimbly  through  the  tangled  thickets,  so 
that  it  is  not  easy  to  capture  one  in  this  condition. 

IBIS  FALCINELLUS. 

Glossy  Ibis. 
Ibisfalcinellus  VIEILU,  Orn.  Diet;  1816. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  Tongue,  short,  and  gradually  tapering  toward  tip  which  is  pointed.  Outer 
marginal  indentations,  narrow,  but  as  deep  as  inner. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Rich  chestnut-brown  throughout,  with  top  of  head,  nape,  both  sides  of  wings,  excepting  lower  cov- 
erts, and  tail,  metallic  green  with  a  purplish  iridescence.  Iris,  red. 

Youny.  Similar  to  the  adult  but  the  head  and  neck  are  grayish  and  the  feathers  are  more  or  less  edged  with  white. 
Iris,  brown.  Bill  and  feet,  dark-brown,  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Specimens  of  the  Glossy  Ibis  from  the  East  Coast,  which  I  have  examined,  appear  to  differ  from  the  well-known  Texas 
form  in  having  no  white  on  the  face,  thus  it  remains  to  be  decided  whether  our  birds  are  stragglers  from  across  the  Atliin- 
tic  or  whether  they  come  to  us  from  South  America.  Readily  known  by  the  chestnut  color  as  described  Not  uncommon 
in  Florida  and  rare  in  the  Northern  States. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Eastern  North  America.  Length,  25'00,  stretch,  33'00;  wing,  11'50;  tall, 
4'25;  bill,  4'25;  tarsus,  3'25.  Longest  specimen,  26'00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  36-00;  longest  wing,  12'50;  tail,  4'50;  bill, 
4'50;  tarsus,  3'50.  Shortest  specimen,  24'00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  30-00;  shortest  wing,  10'50;  tail,  4'00;  bill,  4'00;  tar- 
sus, 3-00. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  m  trees  or  low  bushes,  composed  of  sticks,  loosely  arranged.  Eyys,  two  or  three  in  number,  varying 
from  elliptical  to  oval  in  form,  deep  greenish-blue  in  color,  unspotted.  Dimensions  from  T37x  1'85  to  I'SOx  2'15. 

HABITS. 

* 

The  first  time  that  I  ever  met  with  the  Glossy  Ibises,  was  at  Lake  Harney,  many 
years  ago.  I  had  pitched  my  tent  on  the  eastern  shore,  and  taking  my  gun,  walked  out 
into  the  piney  woods.  I  had  not  gone  far,  when  I  saw  a  flock  of  Ibises,  which  I  at  once 
recognized  as  being  the  Glossy,  feeding  around  a  small,  shallow  pool.  I  approached  them 
rather  carelessly,  thinking  that  they  would  be  quite  tame,  as  the  country  was  then  a  per- 
fect wilderness,  but  before  I  had  gone  within  gun-shot,  they  rose,  as  if  by  common  con- 
sent, and  flew  rapidly  away  over  the  lake,  and  I  never  saw  them  again. 

The  next  time  that  I  met  with  them,  I  was  far  up  the  St.  John's,  when  a  flock  con- 
sisting of  a  half  dozen  specimens,  came  dashing  down  the  river,  and  flying  very  irregularly, 
passed  within  a  few  yards  of  me,  but  so  quickly  that  I  did  not  have  time  to  raise  my  gun. 
Thus  my  acquaintance  with  this  species  is  not  very  extended,  but  I  do  not  think  that  they 


PLATALKA  AJAJA.  403 

breed  in  Florida.  Specimens  of  this  species  have  been  taken  along  the  Eas-tern  Section  of 
the  United  States,  as  far  north  as  New  Hampshire,  two  being  taken  at  Orleans,  Massachu- 
setts, during  the  first  week  in  May,  1878,  one  of  which  is  in  the  collection  of  the  Bangs 
Brothers.  These,  and  all  others  which  I  ha\e  examined,  were  evidently  stragglers  from 
the  Old  World  or  from  South  America,  but  whether  the  Florida  birds  which  I  found,  be- 
longed to  this  class,  remains  to  be  proved.  I  am  under  the  impression,  however,  that  I 
have  somewhere  seen  a  specimen,  taken  in  Florida,  which  did  not  resemble  the  Texan  form. 

GENUS  II.  PLATALEA.  THE  SPOONBILLS. 

GEN.  CH.  Bill,  but  sliyhtly  curved,  more  than  twice  as  lony  as  head,  much  flattened,  and  widely  expanded  at  the  round- 
ed tip.  Sterno-trachealis ,  absent.  Webs  between  toes,  larye  . 

Member*  of  this  genus  are  remarkable  fjr  the  singularly  flattened  bill.  The  trachea  is  also  peculiar,  being  elevated, 
•ad  the  bronchial  fefttai  are  greatly  elongated.  The  intestines  are  small  and  long.  Sexes,  similar.  There  is  but  one  spe- 
cies within  oar  limits. 

PLATALEA  AJAJA. 
Roseate  Spoonbill. 
Platalea  ajaja  LINN.,  Syst.  Nat.,  I;  1766,  231. 
DESCRIPTION. 

EP.  Cn.  Form,  robust.  Size, large.  Tongue,  very  short,  only  *25  long,  triangular  in  form,  with  the  tip  pointed. 
Sternum,  stout.  Outer  marginal  indentations,  equal  in  depth  to  inner. 

Hi.  Ailu/t.  llosy-re.l  throughout,  brightest  beneath,  and  much  lighter  on  neck.  Tuft  of  recurved  feathers  on 
neck,  hand  on  wing,  and  upper  and  lower  tail  coverts,  rich  carmine.  Patch  on  sideof  neck,  paleorange.  Tail,  hrownish- 
uranjte,  rosy  at  base.  Head,  naked,  green  in  color,  with  space  around  eye  and  gular  sac,  bright  orange,  while  a  line  of 
bi:u-k  extends  from  bill  to  occiput.  Bill,  bluish,  mottled  with  dusky  at  base.  Feet,  pinkish.  Iris,  deep  carmine. 

Young.  Similar  to  the  adult,  but  much  paler,  and  lack  the  bright  markings,  while  the  tail  is  rosy  and  the  primaries 
are  tipped  with  dusky.  Iris  and  feet,  brown.  Bill,  yellowish,  brown  at  base. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  from  all  others  by  the  spoon-like  bill,  and  rosy  colors  as  described.  Distributed,  as  a  constant  resident,  in  Flor- 
ida. Rare  in  summer,  as  far  north  as  the  Carolinas. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Florida.  Length,  29*35;  stretch,  51  '50;  wing,  14*50;  tail,  4*75;  bill,  6'35;  tar- 
sus, 3*50.  Longest  specimen,  30*75;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  53*00;  longest  wing,  15*00;  tail,  5  00;  bill,  7*00;  tarsus,  4*00. 
Shortest  specimen,  28*00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  48*00:  shortest' wing,  14*00;  tail,  4*50;  bill,  6*75;  tarsus,,  3*00. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  trees,  composed  of  sticks  loosely  arranged.  Egg*,  two  or  three  in  number,  oval  in  form,  ashy-white 
in  color,  spotted  and  blotched,  rather  sparcely,  with  pale  reddish-brown.  Dimensions  from  I*70x2'50  to  1*75x2*60. 

HABITS. 

When  I  first  visited  Florida,  I  was  quite  surprised  to  hear  the  inhabitants  speak  of  the 
Pink  Curlews  as  being  very  common,  and  I  naturally  supposed  that  the  Scarlet  Ibis  was 
the  species  they  had  in  mind;  but  upon  further  inquiries,  I  found  that  this  appellation 
was  applied  to  the  Roseate  Spoonbills,  and  learned  that  the  Scarlet  Ibis  was  entirely  un- 
knewn  in  the  State.  Years  ago,  the  Roseate  Spoonbills  were  found  throughout  Florida, 
lint  as  their  feathers  have  long  been  valuable  for  ornaments,  the  birds  have  been  extermi- 
nated or  driven  away  from  the  Northern,  Eastern,  and  Middle  Sections,  and  now  are  found 
in  numbers,  only  on  the  Western  coast,  even  being  rare  on  the  Keys.  The  Spoonbills  are 
not  unlike  the  White  Ibis  in  general  habits,  but  differ  from  this  species  in  breeding  in  the 
interior.  They  may  be  seen  feeding  on  the  muddy  Hats  of  the  coast,  in  spring  and  winter, 
but  late  in  summer  and  in  autumn,  they  wander  more,  at  which  time  they  are  found  about 
the  lakes  in  the  interior  of  the  State.  These  handsome  birds  are  exceedingly  graceful  in 


404  WOOD  IBIS 

movement,  resembling  the  Herons  in  this  respect;  and  when  wounded,  they  are  very  gen- 
tle, seldom  attempting  to  defend  themselves.  They  are  also  easily  tamed  and  I  once  saw 
one  in  a  cage,  which  was  quite  unsuspicious,  feeding  mostly  upon  small  fishes,  bread,  and 
cooked  sweet  potatoes,  which  it  would  take  from  the  hand.  The  Roseate  Spoonbills  breed 
early,  usually  in  February  or  March,  choosing  islands  in  the  nearly  inaccessible  swamps  or 
lakes  of  the  interior,  as  nesting  places,  where  they  rear  their  young  in  perfect  safety. 

FAMILY  II.     TANTALID^E.     THE  WOOD  IBISES. 

Bill,  about  three  times  as  long  as  head  but  not  grooved.  Furcula,  long,  wide  at  base, 
not  well-arched,  but  projected  backward  until  it  meets  the  tip  of  the  keel.  Marginal  inden- 
tations, two. 

The  head  is  completely  naked  in  adult  specimens.  The  trachea  is  rounded,  and  the 
larynx  is  simple,  with  a  thin  sterno-trachealis,  but  there  are  no  other  laryngeal  muscles. 
There  is  no  tympaniform  membrane  but  the  os  transversale  is  present  and  also  a  small  sein- 
ilunar  membrane.  The  proventriculus  is  large,  globular  in  form,  and  is  provided  with  sim- 
ple, oval  glands.  The  stomach  is  not  very  muscular,  and  the  fold  of  the  duodenum  is  short, 
inclosing  a  small  pancreas.  The  intestines  are  small  and  long,  but  the  coeca  are  very 
short,  being  in  fact  merely  rudimentary. 

GENCJS  I.    TANTALUS.    THE  WOOD  IBISES. 

Members  of  this  genus  are  all  large,  with  the  bill  stout,  otherwise  the  characters  are  the  same  as  are  given  under  Fam- 
ily heading.  Sexes,  similar.  There  is  but  one  species  within  our  limits. 

TANTALUS  LOCULATOK. 

Wood  Ibis. 
Tantalus  loculator  LINN.,  Syst.  Nat.,  I;  1766,  240. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  Tongue,  very  short,  '85  long,  wide  at  base  and  tapering  gradually  to  tip  which 
is  rounded. 

COLOR.  Adult.  White  throughout,  with  wings  and  tail  very  dark-brown,  glossed  with  green.  Head  and  neck,  na- 
ked, the  latter  with  transverse  ridges.  Under  tail  coverts,  greatly  elongated  and  projecting  beyond  tip  of  tail. 

Young.  Similar  to  the  adult,  but  the  neck  and  a  part  of  the  head  are  covered  with  dusky  feathers;  the  under  tail  cov- 
erts are  not  elongated,  and  the  scapularies  are  brownish.  Bill,  horn-color,  iris,  brown,  and  feet,  bluish,  in  all  stages. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Readily  known  by  the  large  size,  and  colors  as  described.  Distributed,  in  summer,  from  Florida  to -the  Carolinas,and 
up  the  Mississippi,  as  far  as  Southern  Illinois.  Winters  in  Florida. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Florida.  Length,  42*50;  stretch,  61'00;  wing,  18'50;  tail,  4'75;  bill,  7'75;  tar- 
sus, 7'25.  Longest  specimen,  45'00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  62'00;  longest  wing,  19'00;  tail.  5'00;  bill,  8'50;  tarsus,  7  50. 
Shortest  specimen,  44'00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  60'00;  shortest  wing,  18-00;  tail,  4-50;  bill,  7*00;  tarsus,  7'00. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  KGGS. 

Nesli,  placed  in  high  trees,  composed  of  sticks  loosely  arranged.  Eygs,  one  or  two  in  number,  rather  elliptical  in  form, 
chalky-white  in  color,  occasionally  spotted  with  pale  reddish-brown.  Dimensions  from  I'70x2-70  to  l'75xS  75. 

HABITS 

The  Wood  Ibises  are  among  the  shyest  birds  found  in  Florida,  and  I  have  many  times 
tried  to  obtain  a  shot  at  them,  but  up  to  the  present  date,  I  have  never  even  fired  at  one. 
I  have  often  marked  down  a  flock  of  a  dozen  or  more  individuals  when  (hey  alighted  in  a 


ARDEA  HERODIAS.  405 

thick  cypress  swamp,  then  paddled  cautiously  toward  the  place,  but  they  always  managed 
to  see  me  before  I  caught  sight  of  them;  one  would  give  a,  harsh  cry  as  a  signal  to  the  rest, 
uhen  oil'  they  would  go,  always  taking  care  to  rise  into  the  dense  swamp,  never  passing 
out  over  the  open  water.  They  feed  in  the  thickest  swamps,  when  in  flocks,  but  it  is  not 
unusual  to  see  solitary  individuals  on  the  marshes.  They  also  perch  on  trees  and  one  will 
frequently  occupy  an  elevated  position  as  a  lookout,  while  the  others  are  feeding,  and  the 
sentinel  takes  good  care  to  give  prompt  notice  of  the  approach  of  an  intruder.  Bartram 
says  that  the  Wood  Ibises  are  solitary  birds  and  Audubon  is  inclined  to  dispute  this,  affirm- 
ing that  they  associate  in  flocks.  I  think  both  are  right,  for  in  the  winter,  it  is  not  rare 
to  see  single  birds  feeding,  or  sitting  on  the  trees,  or  even  circling  about,  high  in  air,  for 
this  is  a  regular  habit  with  the  species,  and  they  often  accompany  the  White  Ibis  in  these 
aerial  gyratiens.  The  Wood  Ibises  breed  about  March,  nesting  in  high  trees  which  bor- 
der lakes  or  rivers.  Ighad  a  Wood  Ibis  brought  to  me,  when  I  was  in  Williamsport,  Penn- 
sylvania, in  June,  1879.  It  was  found  on  the  morning  of  the  twenty-first  instant,  by  a 
farmer  who  was  on  his  way  to  market,  standing  by  the  road-side  in  an  exhausted  condition. 
The  man  easily  killed  it  and  took  it  into  the  city.  A  writer  in  one  of  the  local  papers,  in 
commenting  on  the  instance,  said  that  the  bird  had  doubtless  dropped  from  a  large  flock 
which  passed  over  the  place  during  the  preceding  day.  I  know  not  how  true  this  state- 
ment may  have  been,  but  with  the  exception  of  another  specimen  taken  in  New  York  State, 
about  the  same  time,  which  would,  perhaps,  tend  to  confirm  the  report,  I  do  not  think  a 
single  specimen  of  the  Wood  Ibis  has  ever  been  taken  on  the  east  side  of  the  Alleghany 
Mountains. 

FAMILY  II.     ARDEID^E.     THE  HERONS. 

Bill,  at  least  twice  as  long  as  the  head  and  usually  acutely  pointed.  Furcula,  long,  not 
well  arched,  and  extended  backward,  until  it  meets  the  tip  of  keel,  and  is  provided  with  a 
central  projection.  Marginal  indentations,  two. 

Middle  toe  nail,  pectinated.  Head,  feathered,  excepting  space  in  front  of  eye.  The 
trachea  is  rounded  throughout  and  the  larynx  is  provided  with  a  sterno-trachealis  and  a 
thin  bronchialis,  while  the  tympaniform  membrane  and  os  transversale  are  present.  The 
stomach  is  not  muscular,  and  is  furnished  with  a  medium  sized  pyloric  lobe.  The  intes- 
tines are  short  and  wide,  and  there  is  but  a  single  coecum.  Members  of  this  family  are  dis- 
tributed throughout  the  Temperate  and  Torrid  Zones.  The  young  are  born  blind  and  na- 
ked, and  while  in  this  helpless  state,  are  feed  by  regurgitation.  Sexes,  similar. 

UENUS  I.    ARDEA.    THE  TRUE  HERONS. 

UEN*.  Cn.  Bill,  long  and  quite  slender.  Leys,  very  lony.  Tail  feathers,  twelve,  stiffened.  Head,  back,  or  breast,  pro- 
vided with  lenythen'd  plume-like  feathers. 

Members  of  this  genus  are  conspicuous  on  account  of  the  plumes  which  adorn  either  the  bead,  breast,  or  back,  and 
sometimes  all  three  portions  are  thus  ornamented.  There  are  ten  ^jin-irs  within  our  limits. 


ARDEA  HERODIAS. 

Great  Blue  Heron. 
Ardea  herodias  Lixx.,  Syst.  Nat.,  I;  176«,  237. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sr.  CH.     Form,  robust.     Size,  large.     Tongue,  very  Inns,  thin,  and  gradually  tapering  toward  tip  which  Is  pointed 
Ih  ml,  breast,  ami  back,  furnished  with  long,  lanceolate  plumes.     Lower  third  of  tibia,  naked. 


406  GREA  T  BL  VE  HER  ON. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Above,  and  on  sides,  flanks,  and  under  wings,  bluish-ash,  darkest  on  wings,  ami  palest  on  scapula- 
ries.  Top  of  head,  white,  with  occiput,  and  sides  below  this,  black.  Nock,  red(iish-;ish.  streaked  in  the  center  with  black 
nnd  white.  Central  portions  below,  black  streaked  on  middle  of  belly  with  white.  Under  tail  coverts,  white.  Tibia  and 
edge  of  wing,  chestnut.  Iris  and  bill,  yellow.  Legs,  brown.  Naked  space  about  head,  brownish-yellow. 

Vouny.  Similar  to  the  adult  but  paler  and  tinged  with  reddish;  top  of  head  lacks  the  white;  throat,  white,  neck,  ashy; 
and  there  are  no  plumes.  Iris,  feet,  and  bill,  brown,  the  latter  yellow  at  base. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Florida  specimens  have  the  neck  much  lighter  than  more  northern  birds,  thenpper  portion  of  itbeing  frequently  quite 
white.  Readily  known  by  the  large  size  and  colors  as  described,  See  succeeding  species  for  further  comparison.  Dis- 
tributed, in  summer,  from  Hudson's  Bay  to  Key  West;  wintering  in  the  South. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Eastern  North  America.  Length,  46'25,  stretch,  73'OQ;  wing,  19'50;  tail, 
7-50;  bill,  5'50;  tarsus,  7'25.  Longest  specimen,  48-00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  75'60;  longest  wing,  20'00;  tail,  8'00;  bill, 
G'OO;  tarsus,  7'50.  Shortest  specimen,  44'50;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  70-50;  shortest  wing,  19'00;  tail,  7'00;  bill,  4'25;  tar- 
sus, 7-00. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  trees  or  bushes,  composed  of  sticks,  loosely  arranged.  Eyg*,  two  to  four  in  number,  varying  from 
elliptical  to  oval  in  form,  greenish-blue  in  color,  unspotted.  Dimensions  from  1-66x2  50  to  I'80x2'83. 

HABITS. 

There  are  few  birds  which  understand  how  to  take  care  of  themselves,  better  than  the 
Great  Blue  Herons,  for  there  is  scarcely  an  individual  among  them,  which  does  not  know, 
to  an  inch,  the  range  of  a  shot  gun.  They  are  very  shy,  even  in  Florida,  where  they  are 
extremely  abundant,  and  where  they  spend  their  time,  much  as  they  do  in  the  North,  in 
wandering  singly,  or  in  twos  or  threes,  about  the  beaches  and  on  the  mud  flats.  They  feed 
upon  fish,  and  a  single  blow  from  their  powerful  beak,  is  sufficient  to  kill  a  good  sized 
member  of  the  finny  tribes.  When  one  of  these  birds  is  wounded  and  placed  in  a  situa- 
tion where  it  cannot  use  its  long  legs,  it  can  wield  this  same  weapon  so  dexterously,  that 
it  will  often  cause  a  dog  to  retreat  in  discomfiture,  and  even  a  man  is  often,  at  a  loss  to 
capture  one  living.  These  Herons  are  particularly  pugnacious  and  one  that  I  kept  in  con- 
finement in  Florida,  was  always  ready  for  a  quarrel,  not  only  with  me  and  my  friends,  but 
wa.s  also  constantly  trying  to  get  at  some  beautiful  White  Herons,  which  I  allowed  to  go 
at  large,  in  order  that  he  might  strike  them.  This  bird  would  occasionally  escape  from 
the  inclosure  in  which  he  was  kept,  and  would  wander  out  to  the  neighboring  beach,  in 
search  of  food.  When  I  perceived  that  he  was  out,  I  would  go  in  search  of  him,  provided 
with  a  long,  slender  stick.  The  Heron  would  carefully  watch  my  approach,  with  head 
drawn  in,  until  I  got  quite  near,  when  I  would  exclaim,  "Go  back!  Go  back!"  and  shake 
the  stick  at  him;  then  the  bird  would  suddenly  startup,  and  with  wings  half  extended,  run 
rapidly  to  his  cage,  enter  it,  and  creep  into  a  barrel  which  I  kept  laid  on  its  side  for  him  to 
rest  in  at  night.  This  bird  managed,  after  a  time,  to  kill  one  out  of  three  of  my  White 
Herons,  when  I  gave  him  his  liberty.  He  lingered  about  the  camp  for  a  short  time,  but 
finally  disappeared . 

I  found  the  Great  Blue  Herons  breeding  on  an  island  in  South  Lake,  in  the  interior 
of  Florida,  late  in  February.  The  nests  contained  both  fresh  eggs  and  half-grown  young, 
with  all  stages  between.  Even  at  this  early  age,  the  more  advanced  young  exhibited  the 
peculiar  characteristics  of  which  I  have  spoken,  for  they  would  leave  the  nests,  walk  over 
the  tree-tops,  and  endeavor  to  kill  the  helpless  young  of  some  White  Herons  that  were 


ARDEA   WLKDF.MANNI.  407 

• 

breeding  near.  In  the  North,  where  the  birds  breed  in  May,  the  nests  are  usually  placed 
in  high  trees,  but  in  the  hcnmry  of  which  I  have  been  speaking,  the  birds  often  built  in 
low  hushes,  and  1  have  even  seen  the  nests  on  the  ground.  The  cry  of  the  Great  Blue 
Heron  is  loud  and  harsh,  and  is  more  often  repeated  at  night  than  at  any  other  time,  for 
this  species  is  partly  nocturnal  and  often  fishes  during  the  hours  of  darkness.  These  Her- 
ons are  migratory,  passing  southward  in  autumn,  and  although  none  winter  as  far  north 
as  New  England,  they  often  remain  here  until  late  in  November. 

ARDEA  WURDEMANNI. 

Florida  Heron. 

Ardea  Wurdcmanni  BAIRD,  Birds  N.  A.;  1858,  669. 
DESCRIPTION. 

Sr.  Cu.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  Tongue,  very  long,  slender,  and  narrowing  gradually  to  tip  which  is  pointed. 
Head,  neck,  and  breast,  provided  with  long.  lanceolate  plumes.  Lower  half  of  tibia,  naked. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Above,  bluish-ash,  becoming  lighter  on  neck  and  scapularies,  and  darkest  on  primaries.  Throat, 
white,  centrally  streaked  with  black  and  rufous.  Top  of  head,  white,  edged  on  the  forehead  with  black.  White  beneath, 
stivaknl  on  Mill1"  with  black.  Tibia  and  edge  of  wing,  ashy-chestnut.  Naked  space  about  head,  greenish-brown.  Iris  and 
bill,  yellow.  Feet,  brown. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  from  the  preceding  species  by  the  naked  tibia,  white  top  to  head,  black  forehead,  and  white  under  parts,  and 
from  all  others,  by  the  large  size  and  colors  as  described.  Constantly  resident  on  the  Florida  Keys. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Florida.  Length,  4'J'SO;  stretch,  74'50;  wing,  20'50;  tail,  7'75;  bill,  6-50; 
tarsus,  8"i~>.  Longest  specimen,  SO'OO;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  75'00;  longest  wing,  21'00;  tail,  8-00;  bill,  7'00;  tarsus, 
8-50.  Shortest  specimen,  48'00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  74'00;  shortest  wing,  20-00;  tail,  7'50;  bill,  5'95;  tarsus,  7 -05. 

DESCRIPflON  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  on  trees  and  composed  of  sticks,  somewhat  loosely  arranged.  Kffffs,  two  or  three  in  number,  varying 
from  elliptical  to  oval  in  form,  pale  bluish-green  in  color,  unspotted.  Dimensions  from  I'80x2'60  to  r85xH'90. 

UABITS. 

The  Florida  Herons  have  long  been  a  puzzle  to  ornithologists,  but  that  such  a  species 
exists,  is  now  proved  beyond  a  doubt;  though  they  are  far  from  being  common  and  are,  I 
believe,  restricted  to  the  Florida  Keys,  or  at  best,  are  mere  stragglers  on  the  mainland; 
and  I  do  not  think  that  a  well  authenticated  specimen  has  ever  been  taken  there,  those 
which  are  considered  Xhis  species,  being  merely  Great  Blue  Herons,  with  dark  streaks  on 
the  forehead;  for,  at  least,  two  instances  of  this  kind  have  come  under  my  notice.  Some 
writers  on  the  subject  are  inclined  to  dispose  of  the  Florida  Herons,  by  considering  them 
merely  a  plumage  of  the  Great  White,  but  I  greatly  fear  that  such  conclusions  rest  too 
much  upon  purely  theoretical  grounds.  It  is  true,  that  it  has  been  alleged,  that  birds 
of  both  species  have  been  found  in  one  nest,  and  without  doubt,  this  is  a  fact;  yet  it  proves 
nothing,  unless,  indeed,  the  nestlings  were  too  small  to  go  about  much;  for  any  one  who  is 
familiar  with  Florida  heronries,  knows  that  the  young  birds  leave  the  nest  almost  as  soon 
as  fledged,  and  walk  over  the  branches;  and  if  suddenly  surprised,  will  squat  in  the  near- 
est nest.  I  was  once  on  an  island,  during  the  last  week  in  April,  which  was  covered  with 
a  (ieiist;  growth  of  high  mangroves  and  Imttonwood,  on  which  Great  Blue  Herons,  Florida, 
and  Great  White  were  breeding;  but  I  did  not  find  the  young  mixed  at  all,  simply  because 
they  were  then  too  small  to  move  about,  but  this  might  not  have  been  the  case  two  weeks 


408  GREAT  WHITE  HERON. 

later.  The  flight  of  this  fine  Heron,  resembles  that  of  the  Great  Blue,  being  regular,  with 
each  flapping  of  the  wings,  greatly  prolonged.  They  breed  on  the  Keys  and,  I  think,  al- 
ways prefer  high  trees. 

ABDEA  OCCIDENTALIS. 

Great  White  Heron. 
Ardea  occidentalis  AUD.,  Orn.  Biog,  111;  1H35,  542.' 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  Tongue,  long,  slender,  and  tapering  gradually  to  tip  which  is  pointed.  Head 
and  breast,  provided  with  long,  lanceolate  plumes.  Lower  half  of  tibia,  naked. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Pure  snowy  white  throughout.  Bill  and  iris,  yellow.  Feet  and  naked  space  in  front  of  eyes,  green- 
ish. Voung.  Similar  to  the  adult  but  lacks  the  plumes  and  the  bill  is  dusky  at  tip. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Readily  known  by  the  large  size  and  pure  white  color  as  described.  Constantly  resident  on  the  Florida  Keys.  Rare 
on  the  mainland  as  far  north  as  Lake  George. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Florida.  Length,  47'50;  stretch,  72P50:  wing,  18'50;  tail,  6'50;  bill,  6'50;  tar- 
sus, 7-50.  Longest  specimen,  50'00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  75-00;  longest  wing,  19-50:  tail,  7  00;  bill,  7'00;  tarsus,  8'00. 
Shortest  specimen,  45'00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  70-00:  shortest  wing,  17-00;  tail,  6'00;  bill,  6'00;  tarsus,  7'00. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  BUGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  trees,  composed  of  sticks  loosely  arranged.  Eygs,  two  or  three  in  number,  rather  elliptical  in  form, 
light  bluish-green  in  color,  unspotted.  Dimensions  from  I'80x2'40  to  1  '85x2-45. 

HABITS. 

The  Florida  Keys  are  composed  of  two  distinct  kinds  of  islands;  the  outer,  which  are 
formed  on  the  tops  of  coral  reefs,  and  the  inner,  which  have  grown  up  merely  through  the 
agency  of  the  mangroves,  as  described  on  previous  pages.  These  latter  are  very  low,  be- 
ing frequently  inundated,  and  are  surrounded  by  muddy  flats,  through  which  there  are 
winding  canals  to  a  belt  of  deep  water,  which  nearly  always  surrounds  the  islet..  These 
islands  occupy  a  triangular  section,  the  base  of  which  extends  from  about  five  miles  to  the 
westward  of  Cape  Florida,  quite  to  Cape  Sable,  twenty-five  miles  away,  while  the  apex  is 
at  Indian  Key,  about  the  same  distance  to  the  southward.  These  keys  are  often  close 
together  and  it  has  been  alleged  that  it  is  impossible  to  pass  among  them,  but  there  are 
passages  completely  through;  and  although  there  are  not  a  dozen  men  living,  who  know 
the  intricate  channels  from  Biscayne  to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  I  was  fortunate  enough  to  se- 
cure one  of  these,  and  he  took  out  little  vessel  safely  through.  We  found  many  large  cir- 
cular lagoons,  often  five  or  six  miles  in  diameter,  among  these  keys,  but  they  were  crossed 
and  recrossed  by  old  reefs,  so  that  navigation  was  very  dangerous;  and  then  it  was  exceed- 
ingly difficult  to  find  the  natural  canals  which  connecetd  one  of  these  solitary  sheets  of  wa- 
ter, which  are  seldom  enlivened  by  the  presence  of  even  a  canoe,  with  another;  and  they 
were  so  narrow,  that  our  sails  often  brushed  the  mangroves  on  either  side,  as  we  wound 
our  way  along. 

We  were  just  emerging  from  one  of  these  passages,  into  a  large  expanse  of  water, 
when  I  observed  two  Great  White  Herons  standing  on  the  tops  of  some  mangroves  near, 
and  by  promptly  raising  my  gun  which  lay  near,  managed  to  secure  one  of  the  birds,  be- 
fore it  left  its  perch,  and  the  other,  just  as  it  rose.  These  proved,  however,  to  be  young, 
but  were  fully  grown.  From  this  point,  into  the  Gulf,  we  found  these  birds  common  but 


RAT  K 


DENDR.CECAKIRTLANDI. 
K inland's  Warbler.  Adt.Femafe. 


C  J Mv.,rJ,  Ui. 


ARDF.A  EGKE1TA.  409 

very  shy,  it  being  often  quite  impossible  to  go  within  half  a  mile  of  them.  A  few  days 
after  securing  the  two  young,  I  was  standing  on  a  little  islet  which  was  so  entirely  sur- 
rounded with  mud  flats,  that  we  were  obliged  to  anchor  our  yacht  a  mile  away.  This  small 
key  was  completely  covered  with  nests  of  the  Great  White  Heron,  some  of  which  were 
empty,  and  some  contained  young  nearly  fledged,  while  there  were  eggs  in  one  or  two. 
When  we  cast  anchor,  a  cloud  of  old  birds  rose  up  from  the  place,  and  flew  slowly  away, 
quite  out  of  sight.  They  were  all  snowy  white,  not  a  colored  specimen  of  any  species,  be- 
in^  aiuoiii;  them;  nor  were  there  any  among  the  young,  left  behind,  for  I  carefully  exam- 
ined every  nest,  as  they  were  all  built  low,  some  not  over  five  feet  from  the  ground.  The 
young  were  scattered  about  on  the  branches,  but  when  approached,  retreated  to  their  large 
nests,  and  there  lay  perfectly  flat.  I  waited  here  for  three  hours,  trusting  that  the  old 
binl.s  would  return,  but  none  came,  so  taking  one  of  the  largest  young,  which  was  about 
two  thirds  grown,  away  with  me,  I  left  the  spot.  This  was  the  only  breeding  place  lever 
saw,  devoted  exclusively  to  the  Great  White  Herons.  I  had  found  a  few  breeding  on  high 
mangroves,  a  short  time  previous,  in  company  with  the  Great  Blue  and  Florida  Herons, 
and  had  secured  one  or  two  eggs,  but  this  being  about  the  first  of  May,  was  much  too  late, 
for  they  evidently  begin  to  lay  as  early  as  February.  The  Great  Whites  are,  beyond  all 
doubt,  the  shyest  of  the  Herons;  but  in  spite  of  this,  their  numbers  are  rapidly  decreasing, 
for  they  were  evidently  much  more  abundant  when  the  species  was  discovered  by  Audu- 
bon,  some  forty-five  years  ago;  and  the  total  extermination  of  this  prince  of  Waders, 
on  the  Florida  Keys,  is  a  mere  matter  of  time.  These  majestic  Herons  may  be  recognized 
when  Hying  at  a  distance,  by  the  regular,  prolonged  flappings  of  the  wings.  The  young 
bird  which  I  had  captured,  proved  so  untamable  and  savage,  striking  at  everything  that 

came  near,  that  I  soon  gave  it  its  liberty. 

• 

ARDEA  E.GRETTA. 
White  Heron. 

Ardea  egretta  GM.,  Syst.  Nat.,  I;  1788,  K29. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  robust.  Size,  medium.  Tongue,  very  long,  thin,  and  gradually  tapering  toward  tip  which  is  point- 
ed. Hack,  furnished  with  long,  filamentous  plumes.  Lower  harf  of  tibia,  naked. 

C'ni.oR.  Adult.  Pure,  snowy  white  throughout.  Legs,  black.  Iris,  bill,  and  naked  space  about  head,  bright  yel- 
low. Young.  Similar  to  the  adult,  but  lucks  the  plumes. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Readily  known  by  the  medium  size,  pure  white  color,  yellow  bill,  and  black  legs.  Distributed,  in  summer,  from  New 
Jersey,  southward.  Stragglers  are  occasionally  found  as  far  north  as  New  Brunswick.  Winters  from  the  Carolinas,  south. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Florida.  Length,  38'25;  stretch,  55'00;  wing,  14'25;  tail,5-25;  bill,3'85;  tar- 
sus, .V25.  1/mgfit  specimen,  41'50;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  58'50;  longest  wing,  15'50;  tail,  6'5(>;  bill,  4-60;  tarsus,  6-50. 
Shorti-st  .-.pLTimni,  :!1'7.">;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  53-53;  shortest  wing,  13'00;  tail,  4'00;  bill,  3' 15;  tarsus,  4'00. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  ECUS. 

Nfsls,  placed  in  trc'esor  bushes,  composed  of -sticks  luuscly  arranged.  Eyys,  from  two  to  four  in  number,  varying  from 
elliptical  to  oval  in  form,  )inlc  liluish-green  in  color,  unspotted.  Dimensions  from  l-40x2'20  to  r65x2'35. 

HAI'.ITS 

One  of  the  most  abundant  Herons  in  Florida,  are  the  White,  and  they  are  constantly 
resident  throughout   the  State,  not  only  in  the  interior,  but  also  on  the  coast;  tllough  1 


410  SNOWY  HERON. 

think  they  rather  prefer  the  islands  in  the  fresh  water  lakes,  as  breeding  places.  They 
nest  about  the  middle  of  March,  placing  their  domiciles  in  trees  or  bushes,  at  no  great 
height  from  the  ground.  The  birds  are  quite  shy  and  will  seldom  alight  near  the  intruder, 
even  when  they  have  young.  These  fine  Herons  are  not  in  the  least  nocturnal,  and  will  al- 
ways resort  to  particular  places,  usually  islands  in  the  interior  waters,  to  roost,  assem- 
bling in  large  numbers  at  sunset,  and  departing  by  day-break.  They  are  easily  tamed,  if 
taken  young,  and  become  quite  intelligent.  The  Seminole  Chief,  Tiger,  brought  me  a  half 
grown  young  from  the  Everglades,  and  it  accompanied  me  on  my  trip  through  the  Keys, 
feeding  readily  on  fish  which  my  man  caught  for  it.  This  bird  was  accustomed  to  sit  on 
the  prow  of  a  canoe  which  was  towed  astern  of  the  yacht,  and  when  hungry,  the  Heron 
would  walk  deliberately  along  the  rope,  by  which  the  smaller  vessel  was  fastened  to  the 
larger,  and  which  was  some  ten  feet  long,  and  thus  come  on  board.  One  day  when  it  was 
making  this  trip,  a  sudden  flaw  struck  the  sail,  causing  the  rope  to  sway,  and  the  bird  was 
thrown  into  the  water.  We  were  moving  at  the  rate  of  ten  or  twelve  miles  an  hour,  and 
the  bow  of  the  little  boat  swept  past  the  Heron  in  an  instant,  but  it  appeared  to  know  just 
what  to  do,  for,  without  making  any  useless  struggles,  it  merely  reached  out  and  caught 
the  edge  of  the  rapidly  passing  stern  with  its  bill,  gave  a  flap  or  two,  and  in  a  moment  re- 
gained its  perch  on  the  prow.  This  bird  was  afraid  of  strangers  and  whenever  we  landed 
near  a  settlement,  it  would  never  wander  far  from  its  boat,  taking  refuge  in  it  when  any 
one  approached.  When  it  saw  me  returning  and  wished  to  come  to  me,  if  a  stranger  was 
about,  it  would  take  a  wide  circle,  in  order  to  avoid  him,  and  run  to  meet  me,  with  half 
extended  wings,  chattering  loudly.  This  note  is  used  as  an  answer,  even  after  the  birds 
become  fully  grown,  and  two  which  I  possessed  and  brought  North,  would  give  it,  even 
when  called  at  night.  In  spite  of  their  gentle  disposition,  I  am  sorry  to  record  that  these 
birds  possess  the  same  tyrannical  disposition  which  characterizes  their  larger  relatives,  for  the 
first  bird  that  I  had,  constantly  tormented  a  half  grown  Anhinga  that  I  owned  and  which  was 
accustomed  to  wander  about  with  the  Heron;  and  besides  this,  he  killed  one  or  two  young 
Louisiana  Herons,  while  one  of  those  that  I  brought  North,  performed  a  like  service  for  a  pet 
Least  Bittern  which  was  quietly  sunning  itself  on  a  porch.  The  ordinary  note  of  these 
Herons  is  a  harsh  scream  given  as  they  fly.  The  White  Herons  are  partly  migratory,  some 
going,  at  least,  as  far  north  as  New  Jersey  to  breed. 

ARDEA  CANDIDISSIMA. 

Snowy  Heron. 
Ardea  candidissima  GM.,  Syst.  Nat.,  I;  1788,  633. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  slender.  Size,  small.  Tongue,  long,  and  tapering  gradually  toward  tip  which  is  pointed.  Head, 
back,  and  breast,  furnished  with  long,  recurved,  (iliuneutous  plumes. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Pure,  snowy  white  throughout.  Iris,  naked  space  in  front  of  eye,  legs,  and  base  of  bill,  orange-yel- 
low. Bill  and  feet,  black.  Youny.  Similar  but  lacks  the  plumes,  and  the  feet  are  black. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  by  the  white  color,  black  bill,  and  small  size.  Distributed,  in  summer,  from  New  Jersey  to  Key  West;  winter- 
ing in  Florida,  Stragglers  occasionally  occur  as  fur  north  as  New  England. 


ARDBA  PEAL1.  411 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Eastern  Nortli  America.  Length,  23'75,  stretch,  38-00;  wing,  10'35;  tail, 
3-45;  bill,  3'70;  tarsus,  3'55.  Longest  specimen,  26'00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  44'00;  longest  wing,  11'75;  tail,  3'60;  bill, 
3-80;  tarsus,  3'65.  Shortest  specimen,  21-50;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  35-00;  shortest  wing,  HVOO;  tail,  3'40;  bill,  2'90;  tar- 
sus, 3'30. 

DF.SCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

AV.s/s,  placed  in  trers  or  bushes,  composed  of  sticks,  loosely  arranged.  Eyyo,  two  to  four  in  number,  varying  from 
elliptical  to  oval  in  form,  pale  greenish-blue  in  color,  unspotted.  Dimensions  from  l'2<)x  ISO  to  P25x  1'85. 

II. \1HTS. 

The  Snowy  arc  among  the  most  agile  of  all  the  Herons,  rising  very  lightly  and  quick- 
ly from  the  ground;  then,  when  on  the  wing,  moving  quite  swiftly.  They  may  always  be 
distinguished  from  the  White  Heron,  by  this  peculiarity;  then  their  wings  are  moved  more 
rapidly  than  those  of  that  species,  for  the  wing-beats  of  the  larger  bird,  are  given  quite 
slowly  but  not  as  deliberately  as  are  those  of  the  Great  White.  The  Snowy  Herons  are 
distributed  throughout  the  entire  extent  of  Florida,  but  prefer  the  inland  waters  to  those 
of  the  coast.  They  breed  in  March,  about  the  same  time  as  the  larger  species,  often  in 
company  with  them.  When  the  nests  of  either  of  these  Herons  are  approached,  the  birds 
silently  leave  them  and  fly  about,  without  uttering  a  cry,  or  settling  on  the  neighboring 
trees,  quietly  watch  the  proceedings.  These  little  Herons  assemble  in  large  flocks,  in  win- 
ter, and  I  think  I  never  witnessed  a  finer  sight,  than  that  presented  by  a  large  number  of 
these  beautiful  birds,  when  flying  swiftly  through  the  air,  and  when  they  turn,  which  they 
do  with  graceful  ease,  the  sunlight  glancing  upon  their  plumage,  reveals  its  snowy  white- 
ness to  perfection. 

ABDEA  PEALI. 

Peale's  Egret. 
Ardea  Ptali  BON,  Syn.;  1828,  304. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Si>.  CD.  Form,  robust.  Size,  medium.  Tongue,  very  long,  slender,  and  narrowing  gradually  to  tip  which  Is  point- 
ed. Ilcail,  neck,  and  breast,  provided  with  slightly  curled,  lanceolate  plumes  and  there  are  long,  filamentous  ones  on  the 
back.  Lower  half  of  tibia,  naked. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Pure  snowy  white  throughout.  Naked  space  in  front  of  eyes,  and  basal  half  of  bill,  bright  purple, 
the  latter,  black  terminally.  Iris,  yellow.  Feet,  bluish.  Youny.  Similar  to  the  adult  but  lack  the  plumes. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Readily  known  by  the  lanceolate  feathers  on  head,  neck,  and  breast,  and  pure  white  color  as  described.  Constantly 
resident  in  Southern  and  Middle  Florida. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurement  of  specimens  from  Florida.  Length,  29-70;  stretch,  42'00;  wing,  14-25;  tail,  4'70;  bill,  3'95; 
tarsus,  5'45.  Longest  specimen,  30-35;  greatest  extent  of  'wing,  54"50;  longest  wing,  I.V50;  tail,  5'flO;  bill,  4'25;  tiirsus 
5  75.  Shortest  specimen,  27'50;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  48'00;  shortest  wing,  13'00;  tail,  4-00;  bill,  3'60;  tarsus,  4'90. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Neils,  placed  on  trees  and  composed  of  sticks,  somewhat  loosely  arranged.  Eyys,  two  to  four  in  number,  varying 
from  elliptical  to  oval  in  form,  pale  bluish-green  in  color,  unspotted.  Dimensions  from  1-50x2-05  to  1  '55x2-25. 

\  HABITS. 

Nearly  all  the  Herons,  when  in  full  plumage,  are  beautiful,  but  to  my  mind,  the  pres- 
ent species  surpasses  them  all;  indeed,  it  would  be  difficult  to  find  a  more  lovely  bird  than 
a  living  Peale's  Egret, -and  no  one  who  has  seen  a  specimen  in  good  plumage,  will  consid- 
er this  opinion  exaggerated.  I  made  my  first  acquaintance  with  these  fine  birds,  on  Indian 


412  REDDISH  EGRET. 

River,  where  they  are  as  common  as  anywhere  in  the  State,  excepting,  perhaps,  on  the 
Keys.  Just  north- of  Haulover  Canal,  between  Indian  River  and  Mosquito  Lagoon,  is  a 
series  of  hummocks,  above  which  are  low  marshes  that  contain  a  few  fresh  water  ponds. 
Numerous  wild  mammals  have  resorted  to  these  pools,  from  time  immemorial,  to  satisfy 
their  thirst;  so  that  the  ground,  for  some  distance  around  their  margins,  is  destitute  of  veg- 
etation, and  spoors  lead  out  from  them  in  all  directions.  Near  these  denuded  belts,  are 
bushes,  and  by  creeping  up  behind  them,  one  has  an  uninterrupted  view  of  the  entire  mar- 
gin which  surrounds  the  water.  I  never  approached  one  of  these  places,  but  what  it  was 
full  of  Herons  of  several  species,  and  it  was  here,  that  I  secured  my  first  Peale's  Egret; 
and  I  afterward  found  that  this  locality  was  a  regular  resort  for  them.  They  generally 
came  pouring  in  from  the  southward,  in  loose,  straggling  flocks,  during  the  morning,  and 
departed  in  the  same  direction,  when  disturbed  or  at  night;  but  I  never  found  them  breed- 
ing on  Indian  River,  although  I  searched  carefully  for  their  heronries.  A  few  years  later, 
however,  I  discovered  the  strong-hold  of  this  species,  and  secured  not  only  the  eggs,  but 
also  the  young  in  all  stages.  This  was  among  the  interior  keys,  where  I  found  fresh  eggs 
as  late  as  the  twentieth  of  April;  and  the  nests  were  built  on  low  mangroves  which  over- 
hung the  water.  Peale's  Egret  does  not  appear  to  be  migratory,  but  merely  wanders  about 
during  winter. 

ARDEA  Rt/FA. 
Reddish  Egret. 

Ardea  rufa  BODD.,  Tabl.  PI.  Enl.;  1784. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.     Form,  robust.    Size,  medium.    Tongue,  long,  slender,  and  tapering  gradually  to  the  tip  which  is  pointed. 
Head,  neck  and  breast,  provided  with  lanceolate  plumes,  and  those  on  back  are  long  and  filamentous.    Ilalf  of  tibia,  naked. 
COLOB.    Adult.     Dark  bluish-a«h  throughout,  with  head  and  neck  reddish,  tinged  with  violet.     Naked  space  about 
head  and  basal  half  of  bill,  bright  purple,  while  the  remainder  of  latter  and  feet  are  black.     Iris,  yellow. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  by  the  reddish  neck  and  dark  bluish-ash  color  us  described.  Constantly  resident  throughout  Southern  and  Mid- 
dle Florida. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Florida.  Length,  29-50;  stretch,  47'25;  wing,  13'25;  tail,  4'50;  bill,  4  25;  tar- 
sus, 5-50.  Longest  specimen,  SO'OO;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  49'25;  longest  wing,  13'75;  tail,  5  00;  bill,  4'50;  tarsus,  G'OO. 
Shortest  specimen,  29-00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  44'50;  shortest  wing,  12-50;  tail,  4'00;  bill,  3'80;  tarsus,  5'00. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  trees,  composed  of  sticks  loosely  arranged.  Eygs,  two  to  four  in  number,  rather  elliptical  in  form, 
light  bluish-green  in  color,  unspotted.  Dimensions  from  l'40x  1'85  to  I450x2'00. 

HABITS. 

Audubon  considered  this  species,  which  had  hitherto  been  regarded  as  distinct,  as  the 
young  of  Peale's  Egret,  but  Prof.  Baird,  in  the  Birds  of  North  America,  having  the  un- 
doubted young  of  the  Reddish  Egret  at  hand,  re-described  it  as  a  separate  species;  but  of 
late,  writers  are  again  inclined  to  regard  these  two  birds  as  one,  affirming  that  the  individ- 
uals are  either  red  or  white,  when  hatched,  and  remain  so  through  their  entire  lives.  Now 
this  hypothesis  rests  upon  the  fact,  that  one  or  two  ornithologists  have  found  the  young  of 
different  colors,  in  the  same  nests,  but  as  I  have  already  related,  under  the  head  of  Flori- 
da Heron,  this  proves  nothing,  unless  the  young  were  very  small. 


ARDF.A  LVDOV1CIANA.  413 

While  I  do  not  positively  assert  that  ornithologists  arc  wrong  in  deciding  that  Pcale's 
and  the  Reddish  Egrets  arc  one  species,  I  must  say  that  I  cannot,  at  present,  believe  that 
(hey  arc  right  in  this  declaration;  simply,  because  my  experience  with  these  birds,  tends 
to  show  that  the  species  are  quite  distinct.  During  my  first  season  in  Florida,  although  I 
found  Pcale's  Egret  very  abundant  on  Indian  River,  I  did  not  see  a  single  Reddish,  nor  did 
I  ever  find  them  at  all  common  there;  in  fact,  I  have  taken  but  one  bird,  the  only  speci- 
men I  ever  saw,  in  this  section,  and  this  was  two  or  three  years  after  my  first  visit.  I  did 
not  find  the  red  birtls  at  Miami,  nor  on  the  outer  Keys,  where  the  white  ones  were  not  un- 
common. The  first  that  I  met  with,  were  on  Card's  Sound,  one  of  those  peculiar  bodies 
of  water,  among  the  interior  Keys,  of  which  I  have  spoken.  Here  a  flock  of  three  flew 
slowly  past  me,  but  I  did  not  see  any  more  on  that  trip,  while  Peale's  Egrets  were  partic- 
ularly abundant.  On  the  contrary,  while  on  the  West  coast  of  Florida,  below  Tampa  Bay, 
we  found  nothing  but  Reddish  Egrets,  and  here  they  fairly  swarmed,  breeding  in  company 
with  other  Herons,  at  John's  Pass,  early  in  April.  I  do  not  doubt  but  what  the  white 
birds  occur  on  the  West  coast,  but  they  are  certainly  rare  there.  Such  are  the  results  of 
my  observations  and  they  surely  go  far  toward  proving  that  these  Egrets  are  both  good  spe- 
cies. The  Reddish- Egrets  do  not  differ  from  Peale's  in  general  habits;  neither  are  migra- 
tory, but  wander  some  in  winter. 

ARDEA  LUDOVICIANA. 

Louisiana  Heron. 

Ardea  Ludoviciana  WILS.,  Am.  Orn.,  VIII;  18H,  13. 
DESCRIPTION. 

Sr.  Cn.  Form,  slender.  Size,  rather  small.  Tongue,  long,  and  tapering  gradually  toward  tip  which  in  pointed. 
Head  and  breast,  furnished  with  lanceolate  plumes  and  those  of  the  back  are  long  and  filamentous.  Bill,  very  long. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Above,  ashy-blue  tinged  on  the  neck  with  deep  chestnut-red.  Occipital  plumes  and  line  down  neck, 
rufous  and  white.  Throat,  creamy.  Pure  white  beneath.  Iris,  naked  space  in  front  of  eye,  legs,  and  base  of  bill,  green- 
ish, the  latter  dusky  at  tip.  Youny.  Similar  to  the  adult,  but  lacks  the  plumes  and  are  tinged  with  rufous  above. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Readily  known  by  the  comparatively  small  size,  pure  white  color  beneath  and  ashy-blue  above.  Distributed,  in  sum- 
mer, from  the  Carolina.*  to  Key  West;  wintering  in  Florida. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Florida.  Length,  25-50;  stretch,  35'30;  wing,  10'50;  tail,3'75;  bill,  3-85;  tar- 
sus,3'7:j.  I.on-'t  •-(  specimen,  26'5U;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  38-50;  longest  wing,  1POO:  tail.  4'ld;  bill,  4'10;  tarsus,  4'00. 
Shortest  specimen,  23  (10;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  33' 15;  shortest  wing,  10-00;  tail,  3'50;  bill,  3'75;  tarsus,  3'50. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  KGGS. 

N'a/s,  placed  in  trees  or  bushes,  composed  ofsticks  loosely  arranged.  Eyys,  from  two  to  four  in  number,  varying  from 
elliptical  to  oval  in  form,  bluish-green  in  color,  unspotted.  Dimensions  from  1'SOx  1'75  to  l'40x  1'80. 

HABITS. 

The  Louisiana  Herons  are  rather  inclined  to  be  solitary  in  habit,  frequenting  the  shal- 
low waters  of  the  coast,  in  preference  to  the  margins  of  the  inland  streams  and  lakes.  They 
are  extrcmclv  agile  while  fishing,  running  rapidly  after  their  prey  when  it  endeavors  to 
escape.  They  are  also  good  flyers,  rising  quickly,  and  when  on  the  wing,  moving  rapid- 
ly, or  will  occasionally  dart  downward,  something  like  a  Tern  or  Gull.  They  are  quite 
unsuspicious,  being,  in  fact,  the  tamest  of  all  the  Herons,  for  they  may  be  approached  quite 
closely,  even  when  they  have  a  full  view  of  the  intruder.  While  breeding,  they  will  often 


414  LITTLE  BLUE  HERON. 

remain  on  the  nests,  until  one  is  quite  near  them,  and  I  once  saw  a  female  sit  perfectly 
still,  until  I  had  climbed  quite  up  to  her  abode,  when  she  struck  at  me  several  times,  before 
attempting  to  fly.  I  found  these  birds  breeding  in  willow  trees,  which  stood  in  small  ponds 
that  were  surrounded  by  a  thick  growth  of  saw  grass,  on  the  marshes  of  Indian  River. 
Gathering  the  eggs  in  these  places  is,  however,  not  a  pleasant  operation  for  one  who  is  not 
accustomed  to  water  moccasins  and  alligators,  as  all  these  heronries  swarm  with  these  rep- 
tiles, which  feed  upon  the  young  birds  that  fall  from  the  nests;  and  the  collector  is  obliged 
to  exercise  great  care,  or  he  will  find  himself  in  closer  proximity  to  these  disagreeable  ani- 
mals than  is  desirable.  I  was  once  in  a  rookery  with  a  cracker  who  was  in  my  employ, 
and  we  had  lingered  until  nearly  dark,  when  the  man,  who  wore  no  stockings  and  had  his 
pants  rolled  up  to  his  knees,  turned  to  go  out  of  the  swamp,  through  a  path  made  by  the 
bears  and  deer.  He  had  made  only  a  single  step,  when  I  who  was  closely  behind  him, 
chanced  to  glance  down  at  his  feet,  when  I  saw  a  very  large  moccasin,  coiled  directly 
where  he  was  about  to  place  his  foot.  The  reptile  was  ready  to  strike  and  in  another  in- 
stant, would  have  sprung  forward,  but  before  it  had  time  to  execute  its  purpose,  I  seized 
the  man  who  was  unconscious  of  his  danger,  as  he  was  watching  some  White  Ibises  that 
were  flying  in  to  roost,  by  the  shoulder  and  jerked  him  back  with  one  hand,  and  at  the 
same  time,  fired  my  gun  with  the  other,  completely  demolishing  the  snake's  head.  The 
cracker  who  was  as  stoical  as  an  Indian,  merely  uttered  an  exclamation,  and  stepped  on, 
when  I  once  more  drew  him  back  and  discharged  the  other  barrel  of  my  gun,  decapitating 
a  second  moccasin  which  was  lying  about  a  foot  from  the  first. 

In  these  places,  the  birds  were  breeding  rather  low,  building  their  nests  not  over  a 
dozen  feet  from  thn  water,  but  I  found  them  breeding  on  high  mangroves,  thirty  or  forty 
feet  from  the  ground,  on  the  Keys.  These  Herons  are  partly  migratory,  some  passing 
North,  as  far  as  the  Carolinas,  but  the  greater  portion  breed  in  Florida,  where  large  num- 
bers congregate  in  winter. 

ARDEA  C-ERULEA. 

Little  Blue  Heron. 

Ardea  aeru/ea  LINN,  Syst.  Nat.,  I;  1766,  239. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  slender.  Size,  rather  small.  Tongue,  ^ery  long,  thin,  and  gradually  tapering  toward  tip  which  is 
pointed.  Back,  head,  and  breast,  furnished  with  long,  lanceolate  plumes.  Lower  halt' of  tibia,  naked. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Dark  slaty-blue  throughout,  with  the  neck  reddish,  tinged  with  violet.  Iris,  yellow.  Naked  space 
about  head,  legs,  and  basal  half  of  bill,  greenish,  the  latter  black  terminally.  Youny.  Pure,  snowy  white  throughout, 
with  tips  of  primaries  and  top  of  head  tinged  with  bluish. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

There  are  all  stages  of  coloration  between  the  blue  adult  and  white  young,  some  specimens  being  completely  mottled. 
The  adult  may  be  known  by  the  dark  blue  colors  and  lanceolate  plumes  on  back,  and  the  young  by  the  bluish  tinging  on 
primaries  and  top  of  head.  Distributed,  in  summer,  from  the  Carolinas,  southward.  Winters  in  Florida.  Stragglers  are 
occasionally  found  as  far  north  as  Massachusetts. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Florida.  Length,  21-75;  stretch,  38-00;  wing,  UV75;  tail,  3'75;  bill,  S"27; 
tarsus,  3  65.  Longest  specimen,  23'00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  40-00;  Ion-jest  wing,  11-50;  tail,  4*50;  bill,  3'55;  tarsus, 
375.  Shortest  specimen,  20'50;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  36'00;  shortest  wing,  lO'OO;  tail,  3'00;  bill,  3'00;  tarsus,  3'50_. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  trees  or  bushes,  composed  of  sticks  loosely  arranged.  Egys,  from  two  to  four  in  number,  varying  from 
elliptical  to  oval  in  form,  dark  bluish-green  in  color,  unspotted.  Dimensions  from  1'25  x  P60  to  1'35  x  l'8a. 


ARDEA    V1RESCENS.  415 

I1AIUTS. 

The  Little  Blue  Herons  are,  without  exception,  the  most  agile  of  the  family,  springing 
into  air  when  startled,  with  the  ease  of  a  Snipe,  anil  when  once  on  the  wing,  moving  with 
great  rapidity.  These  birds  exhibit  a  decided  predilection  for  inland  waters,  running  about 

1  lie  margins  of  the  lakes  and  rivers,  or  walking  over  the  aquatic  plants  which  float  on  the 
surface,  in  order  to  catch  fishes,  frogs,  or  insects.     It  is  a  noticeable  fact,  that  birds  in  the 
white  plumage  are  much  tamer  than  those  in  the  blue,  but  this  may  be  accounted  for,  by 
fact,  that  the  light  colored  specimens  are  all  young.     It  is  also  quite  rare  to  see  a  blue  bird 
without  companions,  while  the  while  are  more  solitary,  and  a  single  individual  will  often 
haunt  a  certain  spot  for  months.     Thus,  there  was  one  at  Blue  Spring,  which  was  accus- 
tomed to  fish  in  a  small  stream  that  was  about  half  a  mile  long,  and  the  bird  never  lei't  it, 
even  roosting  at  night  in  the  high  trees  that  overhung  the  water.     These  Herons  breed 
while  in  the  white  plumage,  and  also  when  passing  from  one  stage  to  the  other.     There 
can  be  no  doubt  but  what  the  white  birds  are  all  comparatively  young,  for  although  they 
often  acquire  the  long  plumes  when  thus  colored,  they  invariably  assume  the  blue  livery, 
as  a  final  dress;  but  on  the  other  hand,  I  do  not  think  that  any  are  blue  from  birth,  they 
all,  according  to  my  experience  which  has  been  very  large,  for  I  have  examined  hundreds 
of  specimens,   pass  through  the  white  phase  of  plumage.  .  These  little  Herons  are  accus- 
tomed to  wander  considerably  and  I  have  even  met  with  them  in  Massachusetts,  where, 
however,  they  are  only  stragglers. 

ARDEA  VIBESCENS. 

Little  Green  Heron. 
Ardea  vircicens  LINN,  Syst.  Nat.,  I;  17fi6,  238. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  robust.  Size,  very  small.  Tongue,  very  long,  slender,  and  narrowing  gradually  to  tip  which  is  point- 
ed. Head,  neck,  hack,  und  breast,  provided  with  lanceolate  plumes.  Lower  fourth  of  tibia,  nuked. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Top  of  head  and  upper  parts,  dark-brown,  glossed  with  green  on  all  but  quills  which  are  tinged  with 
bluish  as  are  also  the  plumes  on  back.  Wing  feathers,  edged  with  reddish  and  tipped  with  white.  Neck,  chestnut-red, 
streaked  in  a  line  in  front,  with  white  and  dusky.  Beneath,  ashy,  tinged  with  yellowish.  Iris  and  feet,  yellow.  Naked 
space  in  front  of  eyes  and  bill,  brown  and  yellow. 

Youny.  Similar  to  the  adult  but  lack  the  plumes;  the  feathers  of  the  upper  parts  are  edged  with  reddish,  and  the 
neck  aud  lower  parts  are  streaked  with  dusky. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Readily  known  by  the  small  size  and  greenish  glossing  above.  Distributed,  in  summer,  throughout  the  United  States. 
Winters  in  Florida. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Eastern  North  America.  Length,  17'50,  stretch,  24'25;  wing,  7'25;  tail, 
•J  7">;  bill,  2  20;  tarsus,  2'45.  Longest  specimen,  I1I-30;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  28  00;  longest  wing,  7P85;  tail,  3'00;  bill, 

2  40;  tarsus,  2'90.     Shortest  specimen,  15'50;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  20-oO;  shortest,  wing,  6'75;  tail,  2-35;  bill,  2'00;  tar- 
sus, 2-00. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  trees  or  bushes,  compoM-d  of  sticks,  luo«cly  arranged.  Eyy*,  three  to  five  in  number,  elliptical  in 
form,  greenish-blue  in  color,  unspotted.  Dimensions  from  1'lOx  1'45  to  l'25x  T60. 

II.  MUTS. 

The  Little  Green  Herons  are  known  to  all  who  have  ever  rowed  a  boat  on  any  of  our 
creeks  or  rivers,  or  walked  along  their  margins,  for  these  birds  are  common  from  Canada 


416  NIGHT  HERON. 

to  Key  West.  They  wade  about  the  shallows,  in  search  of  fishes  or  frogs,  and  when  dis- 
turbed, will  rise  with  a  shrill  cry,  which  they  repeat  several  times  as  they  (ly  along  the 
water,  to  alight  on  some  favorite  tree,  from  which  point  of  observation,  they  will  anxiously 
scan  the  intruder,  with  out-stretched  necks.  In  the  North,  where  they  arrive  early  in 
May,  they  build  their  nests  in  some  secluded  thicket,  in  the  neighborhood  of  ponds  or 
streams,  depositing  their  eggs  about  the  first  of  June.  Here  the  birds  are  rather  solitary 
during  the  breeding  season;  but  in  Florida,  where  they  lay  in  March  and  April,  they  often 
assemble  in  small  heronries,  and  I  have  taken  as  many  as  fifteen  nests,  from  one  small  is- 
land which  was  only  a  few  yards  in  diameter.  Among  the  Keys,  they  often  place  their 
domiciles  on  the  roots  of  the  mangroves,  frequently  not  over  six  inches  above  high  water 
mark. 

The  Little  Green  Herons  are  not  very  shy  birds,  when  not  persecuted,  and  in  Florida, 
they  are  very  tame,  allowing  one  to  walk  within  a  few  yards  of  them.  They  make  inter- 
esting pets  and  I  once  kept  three  which  I  had  captured  when  quite  young,  all  one  summer. 
These  birds  which  were  allowed  to  go  and  come  as  they  chose,  always  spent  the  night  in 
a  barrel  which  was  laid  on  its  side  in  a  loft,  the  Herons  gaining  access  to  it,  by  passing 
through  a  partly  opened  window.  These  birds  would  always  come  to  me  when  called,  and 
remained  about  the  place  until  antumn,  when  they  departed,  evidently  migrating  with  oth- 
ers of  the  same  species. 

GENUS  II.    NYCTIARDEA.    THE  NIGIIT  HERONS. 

GEN.  Cu.  Bill,  quite  short  and  thick.  Leys,  not  very  lony.  Tail  feathers,  twelve,  stiffened.  Head  or  back,  provided 
with  lenthened  plume-like  feathers. 

Members  of  this  genus  are  conspicuous  on  account  of  their  nocturnal  habits,  their  eyes  being  remarkably  large.  There 
are  two  species  within  our  limits. 

NYCTIARDEA  GRISEA. 

Night  Heron. 
Nyctiardea  yrisea  Sw.,  Classif.  Birds,  II;  1837,  354. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cu.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  Tongue,  long,  slender,  and  tapering  gradually  to  tip  which  is  pointed.  Head, 
provided  with  three  or  four  Jong,  slender  plumes.  Lower  fourth  of  tibia,  naked. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Top  of  head  and  back,  black,  glossed  with  green;  remainder  of  upper  surface,  yellowish-ash.  Fore- 
bead  and  under  surface,  creamy-white.  Naked  space  about  head,  greenish.  Bill,  black,  yellow  at  base  of  lower  mandi- 
ble. Iris,  deep  carmine.  Legs,  yellow. 

Young.  Similar  to  the  adult,  but  the  black  above  is  replaced  by  yellowish-rufous;  the  wings  are  strongly  tinged  with 
rufous,  and  the  plumes  are  lacking. 

Youny  of  the  year.  Dark-brown  throughout,  with  the  feathers  streaked  with  yellowish-rufous  and  the  wings  are  tipped 
with  white.  Ashy  below,  streaked  with  dusky.  Iris,  yellow,  and  feet,  greenish.  This  plumage  is  retained  until  the  fol- 
lowing spring. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

There  is  a  singular  form  of  this  species  which  occurs  both  North  and  South,  in  which  the  young  become  mueh  bleached, 
being,  in  fact,  pale  brown,  streaked  with  white.  All  stages  of  plumages  occur  between  the  youug  and  adult.  Known  by 
the  peculiar  form,  long  plumes,  and  colors  as  described.  Distributed,  in  summer,  from  Canada  southward;  wintering 
from  Massachusetts  to  Florida. 

'     DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Eastern  North  America.  Length,  24'75;  stretch,  44-60;  wing,  12-25;  tail, 
4  35;  bill,  2  90;  tarsus,  3'15.  Longest  specimen,  25'50;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  45'00;  longest  wing,  12'50;  tail,  4  43;  bill, 
3'15;  tarsus,  3'35.  Shortest  specimen,  84-00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  43'00;  shortest  wing,  12'00;  tail,  4'20;  bill,  2'75;  tar- 
sus, 3-00. 


NVCT1ARDF.A  GRISEA.  417 

> 

DESCIUITION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  on  tree-;  nnd  ivinposeil  , if  sticks,  somewhat  loosely  arranged.     £#'/•'.  three  to  five  in  number,  varying 
from  elliptical  to  ovnl  in  form,  pale  bluish-green  in  color,  unspotted.     Dimensions  from  l'35x  1  '90  to  T55x'.M5. 

I1AIUTS. 

The  Night  Herons  arc  among  the  most  widely  distributed  of  the  family,  uud  their  cries 
may  be  heard  in  almost  any  section,  from  Maine  to  Florida,  as  they  make  their  nightly  ex- 
cursions from  their  roosts  to  their  feeding  grounds.  The  notes  uttered  by  these  birds,  which 
are  loud  and  abrupt,  have  gained  for  them  a  number  of  uncouth  appellations,  among  which 
Quak,  Squak,  and  Gobly-gossit  are  examples.  As  may  be  inferred  from  the  name,  these 
Herons  are  decidedly  nocturnal  in  habit,  seeing  remarkably  well  by  night,  during  which 
time,  they  usually  feed;  but  in  the  breeding  season,  when  they  have  their  young  to  care 
for,  they  fish  by  day-light,  as  well  as  during  the  hours  of  darkness.  It  has  been  affirmed 
by  some,  that  the  Night  Herons  are  furnished  with  a  phosphorescent  light  on  the  peculiar 
powder  patches,  with  which  all  the  Herons  are  provided  and  which  usually  lie  along  the 
breast;  but  I  now  think  that  this,  perhaps,  is  a  matter  of  question,  as  tame  Night  Herons 
which  [  have  kept,  exhibited  no  such  peculiarities.  It  is  probable,  however,  that  the  oily 
powder  which  readily  falls  from  the  short,  downy  feathers,  tends  to  attract  fish,  as  it  is  not 
uncommon  to  find  it  floating  on  the  water  in  which  a  Night  Heron  has  been  standing. 

The  Night  Herons  deposit  their  eggs  in  Florida,  from  the  middle  of  March  to  the  mid- 
dle of  April,  and  in  the  North,  they  breed  from  the  first  of  May  until  June.  Heronries  of 
these  birds  are  particularly  filthly,  when  compared  with  those  of  other  Herons,  as  the  birds 
appear  to  bring  in  a  much  greater  supply  of  fish,  than  is  eaten  by  the  young,  and  this  eith- 
er fidls  to  the  ground  and  decays,  or  is  left  on  the  nests.  Then  the  young  Herons  are 
always  ready  to  disgorge  the  contents  of  their  stomachs,  upon  the  slightest  provocation, 
and  the  half  digested  fish  which  they  throw  up,  has  an  exceedingly  disagreeable  odor. 
These  Herons  are  very  noisy  birds,  even  when  unmolested,  and  both  young  and  old  keep 
up  a  continual  discord,  the  adults  croaking  or  emitting  guttural  cries,  and  the  young  an- 
swering by  chattering.  When  an  intruder  enters  their  abode,  however,  these  sounds  are 
increased  some  ten  fold,  for  then,  every  bird  not  only  joins  in  the  chorus,  but  each  appears 
to  try  to  outdo  the  others,  in  giving  vent  to  the  most  uncouth  and  ear-grating  sounds;  in 
fact,  if  one  wishes  to  acquire  a  good  idea  of  pandemonium,  let  him  visit  a  large  Night  Her- 
onry. 

These  birds  are  not  particularly  wild  wh<  n  they  are  not  shot  at,  and  will  often  alight 
on  the  trees  over  the  head  of  the  collector.  When  taken  young,  they  become  very  tame, 
and  I  once  kept  five  for  a  season.  These  birds  surprised  me,  by  the  variety  of  disposition 
which  they  displayed.  For  example,  one  was  very  affectionate  and  would  always  run  to 
meet  me  before  the  others  saw  me,  and  delighted  in  perching  on  my  knee,  and  in  allow- 
ing me  to  caress  him;  another  was  extremely  neat  and  sleek  in  appearance,  but  this  bird  was 
quite  shy  and  never  allowed  me  to  touch  him.  While  a  third  was  noticeably  untidy,  his 
feathers  always  presenting  a  milled  appearance;  this  bird  was  remarkably  greedy,  and  on 
one  occasion,  when  1  was  chopping  some  fish  for  them  with  a  hatchet,  he  reached  out  tor 
a  morsel,  just  as  the  instrument  was  falling,  and  before  I  could  check  the  blow,  the  upper 
mandible  of  (lie  Heron  was  completely  severed.  This  ftccidenl  did  not  appear  to  troublo 

53 


418  YELLOW-CK OWNED  NIGHT  HERON. 

the  bird  much,  for  after  the  stump  had  healed,  he  could  eat  nearly  as  well  as  usual.  They 
would  all  fish  for  themselves,  and  during  their  nightly  rambles,  would  sometimes  fall  iu 
with  others  of  the  same  species  and  induce  the  strangers  to  return  to  roost  with  them,  in  a. 
small  orchard  back  of  the  house,  so  that  quite  a  company  would  gather  there  at  times. 
But  upon  my  approach,  they  would  all  rise  with  loud  cries,  accompanied  by  the  tame  ones 
who  would  follow  their  friends  some  distance,  but  after  a  time,  would  invariably  return  to 
their  roosts.  These  birds  remained  with  me  until  autumn,  when  they  departed,  evidently 
migrating  with  their  wild  companions,  and  I  never  saw  them  again.  The  Night  Herons 
usually  migrate  from  Massachusetts,  early  in  November,  but  a  few  seasons  ago,  when  the 
weather  was  unusually  mild,  they  remained  in  this  vicinity  all  winter. 

NYCTIARDEA  VIOLACEA. 

Yellow -crowned  Night  Heron. 

Nyctiardea  violacea  Sw.,  Birds,  II;  1837,  354. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  robust.  Size,  rather  small.  Tongue,  long,  thin,  and  gradually  tapering  toward  tip  which  is  point- 
ed. Back  and  head,  furnished  with  long,  lanceolate  plumes.  Lower  third  of  tibia,  naked. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Pale  asliy-blue  throughout,  streaked  on  back  with  black.  Upper  half  of  ncckand  head,  blue-black, 
with  top  of  latter,  and  patch  on  its  side,  pale  straw-yellow.  Iris,  orange.  Naked  space  about  head,  greenish.  Leg-;,  yel- 
low. Bill,  black. 

Ymtny.  Dark  greenish-brown  above,  streaked  and  spotted  with  yellowish.  Ashy-white  beneath  streaked  with  brown. 
Legs,  greenish. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

The  adult  may  be  known  by  the  yellow  crown,  and  the  young  by  the  small  size,  short,  thick  bill,  and  dark  greenish 
color  on  back.  Distributed,  in  summer,  from  the  Carolinas,  southward.  Winters  in  Southern  Florida.  Stragglers  un;  oc- 
casionally found  as  far  north  as  Massachusetts. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Florida.  Length,  22'50;  stretch,  41'00;  wing,  1T50;  tail,  4'25;  bill,  3'(IO; 
tarsus,  3'40.  Longest  specimen,  23'00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  42'00;  longest  wing,  12  00;  tail,  4'50;  bill,  3-10;  t;irsus, 
3'G5.  Shortest  specimen,  22'00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  40'00;  shortest  wing,  ll'OO;  tail,  4'00;  bill,  2-<JO;  tarsus,  3'25. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  trees  or  bushes,  composed  of  sticks  loosely  arranged.  Kyys,  from  two  to  fouv  in  number,  varying  from 
elliptical  to  oval  in  form,  yellowish-green  in  color,  unspotted.  Dimensions  from  T40x  T9O  to  I'50x2'00. 

HABITS. 

The  Yellow-crowned  Night  Herons  do  not  appear  to  be  common  birds  anywhere,  and 
although  they  occur  sparingly  throughout  Florida,  I  found  them  more  numerous  at  Miami 
than  elsewhere,  and  obtained  their  eggs  from  the  Everglades,  early  in  April.  This  species 
is  not  nearly  as  nocturnal  in  habit,  as  the  preceding,  and  although  I  have  seen  them  fly- 
ing at  night,  I  have  also  observed  them  wading  about  the  roots  of  the  overhanging  man- 
groves, in  search  of  fish,  during  daylight.  When  their  hunger  is  appeased,  they  sit  on  the 
low  limbs  of  the  trees  which  project  over  the  water.  They  are  extremely  shy  birds  and 
are  quite  difficult  to  kill,  then  when  slightly  wounded,  run  with  great  speed  among  the  tan- 
gled roots  of  the  mangroves,  always  making  for  the  densest  thickets,  so  that  it  is  quite  dif- 
ficult to  procure  specimens.  The  cry  of  the  Yellow-crowned  Night  Herons  is  loud  but 
differs  from  that  of  the  common  Night  Heron,  and  they  are  not  as  noisy.  These  birds  mi- 
grate northward,  as  far  as  the  Carolinas,  in  summer,  and  stragglers  have  even  been  taken 
iu  Massachusetts. 


BOTAURVS  MINOR.  419 

GENUS  III.    BOTAURDS.    THE  BITTERNS. 

(!KX.  CH.  Bill,  not  long, but  sharply  pointed.  Tail  feathers,  ten  or  twelve,  soft.  Lower  neck,  destitute  of  feathers  be- 
hind. Tarsus,  short,  and  toes,  lony.  Plumes,  absent. 

Member*  of  this  j^cnus  arc:  rather  dull  in  color,  usually  with  the  feathers  of  the  lower  neck  elongated  in  front.  The 
eyes  are  small,  but  the  birds  are  more  or  less  nocturnal  in  habit.  There  Is  but  one  species  within  our  limits. 

BOTAURUS  MINOR. 

American  Bittern. 
Bolaurus  minor  BOIE,  Isis;  1826,  979. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sr.  Cn.  Form, robust.  Size,  medium.  Tongue,  very  long,  slender,  and  narrowing  gradually  to  tip  which  is  acutely 
pointed. 

COLOR.  Atlull.  Above,  dark-brown,  spotted  and  sprinkled  with  yellowish  and  reddish.  Sides  of  head  and  under  sur- 
face, pale  yellow,  lightest  on  throat,  broadly  streaked  with  yellowish-rufous  and  dusky.  Triangular  patch  on  the  sides  tif 
neck,  block.  Iris,  yellow.  Naked  space  in  front  of  eye,  legs,  and  bill,  greenish.  Line  from  eye  and  top  of  bill,  brown. 

Ynu.ni/.  Similar  to  the  adult,  but  Is  much  paler  throughout  and  the  black  patch  on  the  neck  is  nearly  obsolete,  while 
the  bill  is  dusky. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Readily  known  by  the  mixed  yellowish  and  rufous  colors  as  described.  Distributed,  in  summer,  from  Canada  south- 
ward; wintering  in  the  South. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Eastern  North  America.  Length,  28-50,  stretch,  43*2*2;  wins,  11*50;  tail, 
3'50;  bill,  :t  I";  tarsus,  3'75.  Longest  specimen,  34*00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  50*37;  longest  wing,  13  £0,  tail,  4*00;  bill, 
3'50;  tarsus,  3*95.  Shortest  specimen,  23*50;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  37*10;  shortest  wing,  9*50;  tail,  3'00;  bill,  2'50;  tar- 
sus, .3-25. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  on  the  ground  in  marshy  places,  composed  of  sticks,  loosely  arranged,  and  gra«s.  Egg*,  three  to  six 
in  number,  elliptical  in  form,  and  varying  from  greenish-ash  to  brown  in  color,  unspotted.  Dimensions  from  1*65x2  1(1  to 
1*80x2*25. 

HABITS. 

The  peculiar  punc-a-pog  of  the  Bittern  has  been  a  familiar  sound  to  me  from  child- 
hood, as  a  pair  used  to  nest  every  season  in  a  marshy  place,  not  far  from  the  house,  and 
their  singular  cries  could  be  heard  every  evening.  The  notes  which  may  bo  expressed  by 
the  syllables  given  above,  are  emitted  in  a  peculiar  tone,  just  as  though  the  bird  were  un- 
der water,  or  that  it  struck  its  wings  upon  the  surface.  This  sound  is  oftener  uttered  about 
sunset  or  during  the  night  than  at  any  other  time,  but  in  the  breeding  season,  it  may  be 
heard  at  all  times  of  the  day.  The  birds  are  very  solitary  in  habit  and  frequent  those  wet, 
boggy  meadows,  where  it  is  almost  impossible  to  walk  without  sinking  into  the  soft  ooze, 
but  they  will  occasionally  emerge  from  these  retreats  and  alight  upon  the  overhanging 
branches  of  some  neighboring  thicket;  then  if  disturbed,  will  rise  with  a  harsh  croak,  fly  a 
short  distance,  and  plunge  into  the  morass.  If  pursued  at  such  times,  they  are  exceed- 
ingly difficult  to  start,  for  they  will  either  skulk  through  the  grass,  or  hide  beneath  the 
surface  of  the  water,  leaving  only  the  bill  exposed. 

In  Lake  TJmbagog,  Maine,  are  small  islands,,  upon  some  of  which  trees,  thirty  feet 
high,  are  growing,  and  they  are  all  covered  with  a  luxuriant  growth  of  shrubbery  and  grass; 
in  short,  to  nil  appearances,  Hirst-  islots  arc  solid  land,  yet  they  have  no  firm  connection 
with  the  bottom  of  the  water,  but  are  simply  stranded,  and  during  gales  which  occur  at 
high  water,  are  driven  from  place  to  place  at  the  sport  of  the  wind.  The  larger  of  these 
floating  islands  which  often  contain  nearly  hull'  an  acre  of  land,  are  so  buoyant  that  one 


420  LEAST  BITTERN 

may  walk  over  them  in  perfect  safety,  but  the  smaller  ones  sink  beneath  the  weight  of  a 
man,  so  that  it  is  not  safe  to  venture  on  them.  These  isolated  spots  of  land  are  the  chosen 
resort  of  the  American  Bitterns  and  here  they  build  their  nests  of  sticks,  placing  them  on 
the  ground  amid  the  luxuriant  grass,  often  but  a  few  inches  above  the  level  of  the  water. 
The  birds  are  not  particularly  shy  when  sitting,  and  I  have  often  walked  within  a  few  feet 
of  them,  before  they  would  rise;  and  upon  one  occasion,  when  one  had  her  nest  on  one  of 
the  smaller  islands,  where  the  surface  sunk  beneath  my  weight  for  some  distance  around, 
the  bird  clung  to  her  abode,  even  after  it  was  submerged.  This  was  about  the  first  week 
in  June,  and  I  found  from  three  to  six  fresh  eggs,  but  in  Massachusetts,  where  they  build 
on  a  bog  in  wet  meadows,  they  lay  a  little  earlier  than  this;  and  from  observations  made 
in  Florida,  although  I  never  found  an  egg,  I  am  inclined  to  think  that  these  birds  breed 
early  in  March.  During  summer,  these  Bitterns  are  not  found  very  commonly  on  the  sea- 
shore, but  in  autumn,  I  have  frequently  shot  them  on  the  salt  marshes,  and  at  this  season, 
they  are  very  fat.  This  species  is  migratory,  but  some  linger  until  very  late,  and  I  have 
started  them  from  beside  an  open  spring,  late  in  November,  when  the  ground  was  covered 
with  snow.  Bitterns  appear  to  be  subject  to  some  peculiar  disease  which  causes  the  skin 
of  the  neck  to  become  greatly  thickened,  when  it  hangs  in  loose  folds.  During  the  past 
summer,  Mr  Outram  Bangs  called  my  attention  to  the  fact,  that  when  the  Bitterns  alight  in 
the  tall  grass,  they  pull  down  a  quantity,  thus  forming  a  perch  upon  which  they  sit. 

GENUS  IV.    ARDETTA.    THE  LITTLE  BITTERNS. 

GEN.  Cii.  Bill,  quite  short  and  acutely  pointed.  Leys  and  toes,  not  very  long.  Tail  feathers,  either  eiyht  or  ten,  not 
stiffened.  Head  provided  with  sliyhtly  lengthened 'feathers. 

Members  of  this  genus  are  very  small,  with  the  lower  neck  behind  destitute  of  feathers,  butthose  onthesidesand  front 
are  elongated.  There  is  but  one  species  within  our  limits.  Sexes,  not  similar. 

ABDETTA  EXLLIS. 

Least  Bittern. 

Ardetta  exilis  GRAY.,  Gen.  Birds;  1849. 
DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  slender.  Size,  very  small.  Tongue,  wide  at  base,  long,  and  tapering  gradually  toward  tip  which 
is  horny  and  pointed. 

COLOR.  Adult  male.  Top  of  head,  back,  and  tail,  black,  glossed  with  green.  Wings,  brown,  with  outer  edge  of  in- 
ner secondaries,  tips  of  all  and  of  the  greater  coverts,  sides  of  neck  and  stripe  on  sidesof  head  next  the  black,  ohestnut-rol. 
Upper  wing  coverts,  neck,  and  under  surface,  buffy-yellow,  mixed  with  white.  Spot  on  side  of  breast,  brown.  Iris,  na- 
ked space  about  head,  bill,  and  feet,  yellow. 

Adult  female..  Similar  to  the  male  but  the  black  of  the  back  is  replaced  by  brown  and  the  yellow  is  overwashed  with 
ashy  and  streaked  with  brown, 

Youny  of  the  year.  Similar  to  the  adult  female,  but  is  mottled  with  reddish  and  yellowish  above.  In  the  last  two 
stages,  the  top  of  the  upper  mandible  is  brown. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Readily  known  by  the  small  size,  and  colors  as  described.  Florida  birds  have  only  eight  tail  feathers,  whereas  those 
from  the  North  have  ten.  Distributed,  in  summer,  from  Massachusetts,  southward;  wintering  in  Florida. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Florida.  Length,  13-2S;  stretch,  lfi'75;  wing,  4'S5;  tail,  1-70;  bill,  I -85;  tar- 
sus, 1-75.  Longest  specimen,  13-50;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  17-50;  longest  wing,  5'00;  tail.  1-75;  bill,  1'90;  tarsus,  1  80. 
Shortest  specimen,  13'00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  16'00;  shortest  wing,  4'75;  tail,  1  B5;  bill,  1'75;  tarsus,  1-70. 

DESCRIFHON  OF  NESTS  AND  KGGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  tops  of  grass  or  bushes,  composed  of  sticks,  weeds,  and  gra-w.  Eyys,  from  three  to  four  in  nunilier, 
elliptical  in  form,  pale  blue  in  color,  unspotted.  Dimensions  from  ''J5x  1-25  to  l-0()xl  30. 


AKDETTA  EXIL1S.  421 

HABITS. 

The  Least  Bitterns  are  not  uncommon  in  Massachusetts  in  suitable  localities.  They 
are  fond  of  wide-spread  marshes,  being  seldom  found  out  of  them,  and  even  there,  appear 
to  prefer  the  wettest  and  most  inaccessible  portions.  When  disturbed  in  these  retreats, 
they  rise  suddenly  and  fly  with  a  hurried  flapping  motion  of  the  wings,  to  the  nearest  clump 
of  hushes,  and  alighting  in  them,  will  instantly  disappear;  but  unlike  the  common  Bittern, 
they  can  be  readily  started  again.  In  the  North,  these  pigmy  Herons  build  early  in  June, 
placing  the  nests  in  low  bushes,  the  roots  of  which  are  usually  submerged,  only  a  foot  or 
two  above  the  water;  but  in  Florida,  where  these  birds  are  particularly  abundant,  they 
breed  through  the  entire  month  of  April,  and  I  have  obtained  nearly  full  grown  young  and 
eggs,  as  late  as  the  first  week  in  May.  Here  the  nests  were  placed  in  reeds  and  grass, 
often  quite  near  the  ground,  but  at  times  near  the  tops,  and  although  it  is  not  rare  to  find 
a  single  pair  breeding  apart  from  others,  several  usually  build  together  in  the  same  locality, 
in  which  case  the  birds  appear  to  be  on  excellent  terms,  seldom,  if  ever,  quarreling.  When 
their  domiciles  arc  approached,  especially  if  they  contain  young,  the  birds  rise  with  a  shrill 
cry,  ily  a  short  distance,  and  settling  on  the  reed-tops,  watch  the  intruder  with  out-stretched 
necks.  The  young  leave  the  nest  when  only  about  one  third  grown,  and  wander  about  the 
grass  and  reeds,  clinging  to  the  stalks  so  tenaciously  that  it  is  quite  difficult  to  remove 
them. 

The  Least  Bitterns,  unlike  their  larger  relative  which  is  very  untamable  and  fierce, 
even  when  young,  are  quite  gentle  and  readily  become  tame.  Some  young  that  I  took  from 
the  reeds,  on  the  borders  of  Lake  Hartley,  proved  to  be  most  interesting  pets,  especially 
one  that  I  succeeded  in  bringing  North.  This  bird  would  follow  me  about  everywhere, 
and  whenever  he  saw  me,  would  utter  a  lively  chatter.  He  was  very  agile  and  could  climb 
\\itli  great  ease.  I  was  obliged  to  keep  him  in  confinement,  as  he  showed  a  decided  pro- 
pensity to  wander,  but  as  he  had  a  large  room  in  which  to  roam  about,  he  appeared  per- 
fectly contented,  and  fed  readily  upon  small  fishes  which  he,  caught  for  himself  out  of  a 
basin.  lie  would  bathe  regularly  every  day  and,  when  wet  through,  would  climb  to  the 
top  of  a  large  branch  which  was  placed  in  a  corner  of  his  abode,  in  order  to  dry  himself. 
Small  and  gentle  as  he  was,  he  exhibited  the  same  propensity  to  destroy  birds  which  were 
not  as  strong  as  himself,  as  is  shown  in  all  the  Herons.  Having  captured  a  Hummingbird , 
I  placed  it  in  the  room  with  the  Least  Bittern,  where  it  lived  for  some  days.  As  it  ate 
well,  was  quite  tame,  and  appeared  in  excellent  health,  I  was  quite  confident  that  I  could 
keep  it  for  some  time;  but  the  Bittern  settled  the  matter  effectually.  The  Hummingbird 
was  accustomed  to  alight  on  the  top  of  the  branch  on  which  the  Bittern  perched,  and  when- 
ever the  latter  saw  it  in  this  position,  he  would  creep  cautiously  toward  it,  and  endeavor 
to  strike  it,  but  the  Hummingbird,  when  I  was  present,  would  avoid  the  stroke  by  flying. 
Bat  one  day,  after  a  short  absence  from  the  room,  I  went  in  to  feed  the  Hummingbird  but 
could  not  find  it,  and  looking  in  the  Bittern's  bathing  dish,  saw  that  the  surf.ice  of  the  wa- 
ter was  covered  with  feathers.  This  was  all  that  remained,  however,  to  tell  the  story  of 
the  tragedy  which  had  occurred;  yet  the  cause  of  the  disappearance  of  my  little  pet,  was 
too  apparent,  for  the  Bittern  was  accustomed  to  dip  any  food  given  him,  in  water,  belon; 


422  SANDHILL  CRANE. 

eating  it.     This  Bittern  lived  until  cold  weather,  when  he  drooped  and  died.     The  Least 
Bitterns  are  migratory  but  some  winter  in  Southern  Florida. 

ORDER  XV,    ALECTORIDES.    CRANES,  ETC. 

Leys,  long,  and  naked  above  the  tarsal  joint.  Posterior  toe,  present,  and  more  or  Jess 
elevated  above  the  level  of  the  anterior  toes.  Keel,  usually  exceeding  in  height  the  width  of 
the  sternum.  Marginal  indentations,  absent,  or  two  and  deep. 

This  order  includes  the  Cranes,  Courlans,  Rails,  Gullinules,  Coots,  etc.,  all  of  which 
are  widely  distributed,  but  are  better  represented  in  the  Temperate  and  Torrid  Zones  than 
elsewhere.  The  young  are  covered  with  down  and  run  at  birth. 

FAMILY  I.     GRUID^l.     THE  CRANES. 

Bill,  long,  straight,  and  deeply  grooved.  Terminal  portion  offurcula,  joined  firmly 
to  tip  of  keel,  which  is  high,  thick,  and  greatly  exceeds  the  width  of  the  sternum  which  is  nar- 
row and  without  marginal  indentations.  Anterior  portion  of  keel  projected  forward,  widened, 
and  hollowed  to  receive  a  bend  of  the  trachea. 

Members  of  this  family  are  all  very  large,  powerful  birds.  The  stomach  is  muscular, 
and  the  intestines  are  long  and  slender,  but  the  coeca  are  usually  small.  The  legs  are 
long  but  the  toes  are  quite  short. 

GENUS  1.    GRUS.    THE 'TRUE  CRANES. 

GEN.  CH.  Top  of  head,  destitute,  of  feathers  in  adults  and  covered  with  small  scales.  Sternum,  narrow,  with  the  pos- 
terior margin  indented.  Tertiaries,  elongated  and  curved  downward. 

Members  of  this  genus  have  the  sternum  narrow,  equaling  about  one  half  the  width  of  the  coracoids.  The  tibia  is  na- 
ked for  its  lower  half.  Sexes,  similar.  There  are  two  species  within  our  limits. 

GRUS  GANADENSIS. 

Sandhill  Crane. 
Grus  Canadensis  TEMM.,  Anal. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  Tongue,  long,  slender,  and  tapering  gradually  to  tip  which  is  pointed.  Naked 
space  on  head,  scalloped  behind. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Slaty-blue  throughout,  becoming  dark-brown  on  primaries.  Iris,  ruby-red.  Naked  space  about 
head,  lake.  Legs  and  bill,  black.  Youny.  Similar,  but  tinged  with  yellowish  above,  and  the  iris  is  yellow. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Readily  known  by  the  large  size  and  bluish  color.  See  succeeding  species  for  further  comparison.  Distributed,  in 
summer,  throughout  the  West.  Constantly  resident  in  Florida. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Florida.  Length,  41-00;  stretch,  73'00;  wing,  UrSO;  tail,  8-SJ5;  bill,  5-00;  tar- 
sus, 9'50.  Longest  specimen,  42*00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  74-00;  longest  wing,  20*00;  tail,  9  50;  bill,  5'10;  tarsus,  10*00. 
Shortest  specimen,  40*00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  72-00;  shortest  wing,  19-00;  tail,  7'00;  bill,  4*90;  tarsus,  9*00. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  on  the  ground  in  marshy  places,  composed  of  mud,  grass,  weeds,  etc.  Eyys,  two  in  number,  rather  el- 
liptical in  form,  ashy-yellow  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  irregularly  with  reddish-brown  and  umber.  Dimensions  from 
a*  15x3-40  to  2-21x3-65. 

HA  HITS. 

The  first  time  that  I  ever  met  with  a  living  Sandhill  Crane,  was  at  Lake  Harney.  I 
had  wandered  out  into  the  piney  woods  which  at  that  point,  are  quite  low  with  an  occasional 


OR  US  CANADEIVS1S.  423 

small,  circular,  cypress  swamp  which  is  always  surrounded  by  a  more  luxuriant  growth  of 
grass  than  is  found  elsewhere.  I  was  nearing  one.of  these  places,  when  I  was  startled  by 
hearing  loud,  prolonged,  gobbling  cries,  mingled  with  cacklings,  just  as  though  a  number 
of  Turkeys  and  Geese  had  met  and  were  holding  a  most  vociferous  consultation.  At  first, 
I  could  not  make  out  the  exact  point  from  which  all  this  clatter  proceeded,  as  the.  woods 
were  completely  filled  with  the  din  which  echoed  and  re-echoed  through  the  surrounding 
arches  formed  by  the  trees.  But  a  nearer  inspection  discovered  a  single  bird  of  a  large 
size,  stalking  oil' slowly,  and  then  to  my  amazement,  [  perceived  that  he  alone  was  the  au- 
thor of  all  the  noise,  and  that  I,  by  invading  what  he  had  considered  his  especial  posses- 
sions, was  the  innocent  cause  of  all  this  uproar.  I  recognized  the  bird  as  the  Sandhill 
Crane,  at  once,  but  upon  trying  to  make  a  nearer  acquaintance,  off  he  went,  still  keeping 
up  his  continuous  din.  This  clamorousness  is  one  of  the  chief  characteristics  of  these  birds 
when  disturbed,  and  during  early  mornings  they  will  also  gobble,  evidently  for  their  own 
gratification,  while  they  will  do  the  same  thing  when  sailing  high  in  air  in  wide  circles, 
with  out-stretched  legs  and  neck,  and  motionless  wings,  a  habit  to  which  they  are  addicted 
at  times. 

The  Sandhill  Cranes  gather  in  large  flocks  on  the  unfrequented  prairies  of  Central  Flor- 
ida, but  no  matter  how  remote  the  locality  from  settlements,  the  birds  are  always  very 
wild,  but  upon  one  occasion,  I  succeeded  in  creeping  within  a  hundred  yards  of  some  fifty 
or  more,  rifle  in  hand.  The  birds  were  walking  about,  and  I  waited  until  I  had  a  favora- 
ble opportunity,  when  I  fired,  severely  wounding  one.  The  rest  rose  with  loud  cries  and 
were  flying  away,  when,  to  my  surprise,  a  large  Crane,  evidently  perceiving  me,  turned 
and-  came  with  headlong  speed,  directly  toward  me,  gobbling  continuously.  I  waited 
quietly  until  he  was  within  ten  feet  of  my  head,  when  thinking  he  meant  mischief,  I  took  a 
snap  .shot  at  him  with  my  rifle,  but  in  the  excitement  of  the  moment,  missed  his  body,  the 
ball  merely  passing  through  his  feathers.  This  salute  fortunately  turned  him  and  he  fol- 
lowed his  retreating  companions.  I  then  started  after  the  wounded  bird  which  was  using 
his  legs  to  good  effect,  and  although  the  bird  was  a  swift  runner,  I  was  succeeding  in  out- 
stripping him,  when  he  gave  me  the  second  surprise  that  I  had  received  that  day,  by  turn- 
ing in  his  tracks  and  meeting  me  half  way.  The  Crane  came  boldly  up  and  made  a  lunge 
at.  me  with  his  powerful  bill,  but  here  the  contest  proved  too  unequal  for  him,  for  reaching 
out  suddenly,  I  caught  him  by  the  neck,  when  I  soon  terminated  the  conflict. 

Sandhill  Cranes  breed  in  March  in  Florida,  placing  their  nests  in  the  shallow  water 
of  one  of  the  marshes  which  occasionally  occur  m  the  piney  woods.  The  birds  heap  up  a 
mass  of  mud,  roots,  grass,  weeds,  etc.,  forming  a  conical  pile  which  is  elevated  about  six 
inches  above  the  water,  and  which  is  some  eighteen  inches  in  diameter  on  the  top.  This 
is  slightly  hollowed  and  the  two  eggs  are  deposited  on  it,  while  the  female  sits  on  them  in 
the  ordinary  manner  by  doubling  her  long  logs  beneath  her.  She  is  quite  conspicuous  when 
on  this  mound,  but  when  she  perceives  an  intruder,  she  quietly  slips  off  and  skulks  away 
through  the  grass,  taking  care  not  to  rise  until  she  has  gone  sonic  distance,  when  she  flies 
silently  away.  The  dancing  of  this  species  has  frequently  been  described  by  writers,  and  I 
have,  not  only  seen  wild  birds  jumping  np  live  or  six  feet  in  air,  with  partly  extended  wings, 


424  WHITE  WHOOPING  CKANE. 

running  about  in  circles,  or  performing  other  capers,  but  have  also  seen  domesticated  Cranes' 
equally  agile.  One  kept  in  a  yard  at.  Cedar  Keys,  near  our  camp,  not  only  entertained 
his  master  by  his  grotesque  performances,  but  also  took  upon  himself  the  duties  of  a  watch 
dog,  and  whenever  a  stranger  attempted  to  pass  into  Ihe  gate  in  order  to  reach  the  house, 
the  Crane  would  endeavor  to  oppose  his  entrance;  then  if  the  intruder  persisted  in  his  ef- 
forts, the  bird  would  not  hesitate  to  strike  him  with  his  strong  beak,  and  the  only  way  to 
get  by  him  in  safety  was  to  seize  the  bird  by  the  bill  and  drag  him  a  short  distance,  when 
he  would  retreat,  giving  vent  to  his  anger  in  loud  screams. 

GRUS  AMERICANA. 
White  Whooping  Crane. 
Grits  Americana  TEMM.,  Anal. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  robust.  Size,  very  large.  Tongue,  long,  thin,  and  gradually  tapering  toward  tip  which  is  pointed. 
Naked  space  on  top  of  head,  rounded  backward.  Tertiaries,  greatly  elongated. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Pure  white  throughout,  with  the  primaries  imd  spurious  wing,  black.  Sides  of  head,  dusky.  Naked 
space  about  head,  lake.  Legs  and  bill,  black.  Iris,  ruby-red.  Youny.  Similar  to  the  adult,  but  overwashed  with  yel- 
lowish, and  the  iris  is  yellow. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Readily  known  by  the  large  size,  white  color  as  described,  and  rounded  naked  space  on  top  of  head,  this  being  scal- 
loped in  the  Sandhill.  Both  species  have  the  head  fully  feathered  when  very  young.  Distributed,  in  summer,  throughout 
the  West.  Rare  in  South  Central  Florida. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Western  North  America.  Length,  52-00;  stretch,  77'00;  wing,  24'50;  tail, 
9-25;  bill,  5'45;  tarsus,  11-45.  Longest  specimen,  54'00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  TS'OO;  longest  wing,  24  00;  tail,  9  50,  bill, 
5  75;  tarsus,  11'80.  Shortest  specimen,  50'00;  smallest  extentof  wing,  7u"00;  shortest  wing,  23'00;  tail,  9  00;  bill,  5'50;  tar- 
sus, ll'OO. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  on  the  ground  in  marshy  places,  composed  of  mud,  weeds,  and  gra«s.  Egy*,  two  in  number,  elliptical 
in  form,  yellowish-ash  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  coarsely  and  irregularly  with  reddish-brown  and  umber.  Dimensions 
from  2-60  x  3-90  to  2-65  x 4-00. 

HABITS. 

Some  years  ago,  the  late  Capt.  Dummett  assured  me  that  the  White  Whooping  Crane 
occurred  on  the  prairies  which  He  to  the  eastward  of  the  Kissiniee  River  and  Lake  Okeecho- 
bee,  and  this  report  has  also  been  confirmed  by  others.  I  have,  however,  never  been  fortu- 
nate enough  to  meet  with  a  specimen  of  this  fine  Crane  in  Florida,  and  think  that  it  must 
be  confined  to  the  section  mentioned  above. 

There  are  some  differences  in  the  .structure  of  the  trachea  of  the  present  species  when 
compared  with  that  of  the  preceding.  The  keel  in  both  is  wide  and  well  produced  for- 
ward, but  in  the  Sandhill  Crane,  the  trachea  only  enters  it  for  about  two  inches,  bends  up- 
ward to  the  level  of  the  body  of  the  sternum,  then  forward  and  downward,  inclining  back- 
ward, but  once  more  turns  forward,  emerging  just  below  the  point  of  entrance,  and  curving 
downward,  proceeds  in  its  usual  course  to  the  larynx.  Thus  there  is  but  one  convolution 
in  the  keel,  which  occupies  only  about  seven  inches,  whereas  in  the  Whooping  Crane  there 
aiv  said  to  be  two  distinct  convolutions  occupying  some  twenty-eighl  inches.  It  would  bo 
interesting  to  note  the  differences  in  tone  produced  by  these  tracheal  modifications.'  The 
Whooping  Cranes  resemble  the  Sandhills  in  habit,  and  are  common  throughout  the  West. 


ARAMUK  SCOLOPAC'EUS.  425 

FAMILY  ii.    ARAMIDA:.   THE  COURLANS. 

/>///,  pi'i-y  lotiij,  slightly  curved,  and  quite  deeply  grooved  on  basal  third.     Terminal 
r  I  ion  offurcula,  not  widened,  nor  joined  to  tip  of  keel  which  is  not  wide  but  hiijh,  greatly 
'i  i/i/ig  the  width  of  the  sternum  which  is  narrow  and  without  marginal  indentations. 

Members  of  this  family  are  of  medium  size,  with  rather  long  legs  and  toes.  The  up- 
per mandible  is  thick  for  nearly  its  entire  length,  but  gradually  curves  downward  toward 
the  tip;  whereas  the  lower  grows  more  slender  for  its  terminal  third,  tapering  gradually  to 
;in  acute  point.  The  posterior  margin  of  the  sternum  is  indented  with  a  single,  central 
scallop. 

GENUS  I.     ARAMUS.    THE  COURLANS. 

The  generic  characters  are  as  given  under  the  Family  heading,  with  the  following  addition!).  The  oesophagus  is  not 
w  i<lc.  is  without  dilatation, and  opens  into  a  large  proventriculus  provided  with  simple,  oval  glands  arranged  in  a  zonular 
Iwnd.  The  space  between  proventriculus  and  stomach  is  long,  curved,  and  lined  with  a  soft  membrane  which  lies  in  lon- 
gitudinal folds.  The  stomach  is  rounded,  flattened,  very  muscular,  and  lined  with  a  hard,  rugose  membrane.  The  intes- 
tines are  not  very  long  and  the  coeca  are  moderately  well  developed,  with  the  blind  ends  dilated.  The  trachea  is  a  little 
widened  at  top,  hut  the  remainder  is  rounded  and  about  the  same  size  for  its  entire  length.  It  is  straight  for  4 '25,  then 
rii! 'Yes  gradually  around,  passing  upward  for  1'55,  turns  quite  suddenly  downward  for  I'OO,  bends  upon  itself,  laterally  and 
upward  for  '75,  then  curves  down  again  for  1'15  but  passes  upward  in  a  final  curve  for  T50,  turns  down  and  pursues  ifct 
usual  course  to  the  larynx.  Thus  there  are  three  distinct  whorls  of  the  treachea  forming  an  ellipsis  which  measures  about 
I  SO  x  1'30,  while  there  are  about  7  inches  of  the  trachea  in  these  convolutions  which  lie  directly  in  the  fork  of  the  furcu- 
la.  The  entire  length  of  the  treachea  is  20'50  and  it  is  provided  with  lateral  muscles  which  do  not,  however,  follow  tho 
tx'iiils  of  the  treachea,  but  join  together  and  cross  them  in  an  oblique  line,  then  separate  to  form  the  sterno-treachealis  a 
little  further  down.  These  muscles  are  only  7  inches  long.  The  larynx  is  flattened  and  provided  with  a  small  brouchialis. 
Tjmpauiform  membrane,  present.  Sexes,  similar.  There  is  but  one  species  within  our  limits. 

ARAMUS  SCOLOPACEUS. 

Courlan. 
Aramus  scolopaceus  BON,  Am.  Orn,  III;  1828,  111. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Si-.  C'n.  Form,  slender.  Size,  medium.  Tongue,  very  long,  thin,  slender,  and  narrowing  gradually  to  tip  wlrich  is 
rounded.  Head,  large. 

Co LO  11.  Ailu/t.  Dark  chocolate-brown  throughout,  glossed  above  with  greenish.  Throat,  ashy,  and  all  the  feathers, 
excepting  on  jxisterior  portions,  are  centrally  streaked  with  white.  Iris,  and  legs,  brown.  Bill,  brown,  yellow  at  base  of 
lower  mandible  Youny.  Similar,  but  much  paler.  Nesllinys.  Are  covered  with  black  down. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Readily  known  by  the  peculiar  form  and  chocolate-brown  color  streaked  with  white.  Constantly  resident  in  Middle 
and  Southern  Florida. 

DIMENSIONS. 

A  venire  measurements  of  specimens  from  Florida.  Length,  27'00;  stretch ,  4 1 '00;  wing,  12-50;  tail,  5'25;  bill,  5'00;  tar- 
sus, 5-00.  Longest  specimen,  28'00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  42-00;  longest  wing,  13-00;  tail,  5  50;  bill,  5-50;  tarsus,  5'50. 
Shortest  specimen,  2t>"00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  -WI'OO;  shortest  wing,  13-00;  tail,  5  00;  bill,  4'50;  tarsus,  4'50.  * 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AM)  E<i(;S. 

Nests,  placed  in  bushes,  composed  of  sticks,  weeds,  and  grass.  Eyys,  from  ten  to  fifteen  in  number,  rather  elliptical 
in  form,  ii-hy-yellow  in  color,  lined,  sprinkled,  spotted  and  blotched  irregularly  with  reddish-brown  and  umber.  D.imcn- 
sions  from  1-70x2-35  to  1 -75x2-50. 

HA  HITS. 

I  have  spoken  of  the  Sandhill  Cranes  as  being  noisy  birds,  but  they  are  excelled  in 
this  respect  by  the  Courlans,  whose  long,  oft-repeated  notes  have  given  them  the  name  of 
Crying  Birds.  They  are  also  called  Linipkins  in  Florida  and  are  particularly  abundant  in 
the  marshes  on  either  side  of  the  St.  .John's,  from  Blue  Spring  to  the  mouth  of  the  Wekiva, 


426  COURLAN. 

and  also  on  this  stream  and  the  Oclawaha  River  further  north.  I  found  them  common 
about  Lake  Harney,  and  Tiger  brought  me  two  from  the  Everglades  and  assured  me  that 
they  were  plenty  in  certain  sections  of  those  wide-spread  marshes.  I  had  frequently  heard 
the  loud  notes  of  this  species,  as  I  traversed  the  rivers,  but  it  was  not  until  the  first  week 
in  February,  1872,  that  I  saw  a  specimen.  I  was  being  skulled  up  the  river  by  an  assis- 
tant, in  a  gunning  float,  and  had  shot  a  Florida  Gallinule,  when,  at  the  report  of  my  gun, 
the  loud  cries  of  a  Courlan  rang  out  from  a  small  creek  on  the  opposite  side.  We  quickly 
pushed  across  and  made  our  way  into  an  opening  under  some  overhanging  branches,  when 
the  louder  notes  gave  place  to  a  low,  chattering  sound  which  appeared  to  come  from  a  dis- 
tance. After  examining  the  neighboring  shores  for  a  time,  unsuccessfully,  I  chanced  to 
glance  at  the  end  of  a  log  upon  which  I  was  standing,  when  I  discovered  the  Courlan  sit- 
ting there,  jerking  his  head  up  and  down,  much  after  the  manner  of  a  Rail.  I  watched 
him  for  some  time,  when  upon  making  a  motion  with  my  gun,  he  rose  lightly,  when  I  shot 
him.  This  habit  of  standing  and  stupidly  gazing  at  the  intruder,  I  afterward  found  to  be 
characteristic  of  the  species.  When  startled,  they  fly  with  dangling  legs  and  out-stretched 
neck,  dropping,  after  a  short  flight,  into  the  nearest  retreat.  They  appear  to  prefer  the 
more  wooded  sections  of  swamps,  but  I  have,  on  a  few  occasions,  started  them  from  the 
grassy  borders  of  the  streams.  These  birds  have  now  been  nearly  driven  from  the  borders 
of  the  rivers  which  are  navigated,  retreating  to  the  smaller  creeks  and  bayous  which  are  so 
choked  with  aquatic  plants  that  it  is  almost  impossible  to  force  a  boat  through  them.  The 
Courlans  breed  in  February,  placing  the  nests  on  bushes  which  overhang  the  water,  and 
when  their  homes  are  approached,  the  birds  quietly  leave  them.  The  loud  cries  of  this  spe- 
cies are  evidently  produced  by  the  singularly  modified  trachea  which  I  have  described  un- 
der generic  characters.  Audubon  states  that  two  that  he  dissected,  had  this  organ  straight 
and  simple,  measuring  only  ten  inches  in  length,  with  one  hundred  and  eighty-six  rings; 
whereas  a  male  from  which  I  have  taken  my  description,  has  the  trachea  double  this  length, 
with  two  hundred  and  fifty  rings.  It  is  probable  that  Audubon's  birds  were  young,  while 
my  was  an  adult. 

FAMILY  Hi.     RALLID.E.     THE  RAILS,  ETC. 

Sill,  variable  in  form  and  length.  Legs,  rather  short,  but  the  toes  are  long,  and  al- 
though occasionally  margined  or  lobated,  th'eij  are  never  webbed.  Marginal  indentations,  two 
and  deep. 

Members  of  this  family  have  the  oesophagus  straight,  without  dilatation.  Proventric- 
ulus  moderately  large,  with  simple  glands  variably  arranged.  The  intestines  are  not  very 
short,  and  the  coeca  are  well  developed,  being  usually  quite  long.  The  larynx  is  variable. 

GENUS  I.    RALLUS.    THE  LONG-BILLED  RAILS. 

GEN.  CH.  Bill,  much  longer  than  head,  grooved  for  its  terminal  two  thirds,  i/ender.  and  slightly  curved,  out  has  no 
frontal  plate  at  its  base.  Toes,  not  margined  nor  lobated.  Keel,  twice  as  high  as  width  of  sternum.  Marginal  indenta- 
tions, narrow  but  deep. 

Members  of  tliis  genus  have  the  glands  of  the  proventrieulus  arranged  in  a  zonnlar  band  which  has  two  rounded  projec- 
tion)* in  front.  The  atemo-traohealia  is  present,  and  there  is  a  small  bronchialis.  Tympanif'orm  membrane,  also  present. 
Sexes,  similar.  There  are  three  species  within  our  limits. 


RALLL'S  LOXG1ROSTR1S.  427 

RALLUS  LONGIROSTRIS. 

Clapper  Rail. 
Rallui  limgiroslris  BODD,  Tab.  PI.  enl.;  1784. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sr.  Cu.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  Tongue,  long,  thin,  slender,  and  tapering  gradually  toward  tip  which  is  acutely 
pointed. 

('•  IT.OR.  Adult.  Above,  greenish-brown,  becoming  purplish  on  primaries,  with  the  feathers  overwashed  and  edged 
with  ashy.  Sides  of  head,  bluish-ash.  Line  from  bill  over  eye  and  under  surface,  pale  ashy-red,  tinned  with  bluish  on  the 
si<lr-  of  neck.  Sides,  flanks,  under  wing  and  tail  coverts,  brown,  banded  with  white.  Iris,  feet,  and  bill,  brown,  the 
latter,  reddish-orange  at  base.  Youny.  Similar  to  the  adult  but  darker  above  and  paler  below. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Readily  known  by  the  large  size  and  general  ashy-blue  tinting,  especially  below.  Distributed,  in  summer,  from  Mass- 
achusetts, southward;  wintering  from  the  Carolinas  to  Key  West. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Eastern  North  America.  Length,  14'UO;  stretch,  20-30;  wing,  6'00;  tail, 
ji'50:  bill.  2'35;  tarsus,  2'25.  Longest  specimen,  14'50;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  20'75;  longest  wing,  6-50;  tail,  2  70;  bill, 
2-50;  tarsus,  2'50.  Shortest  specimen,  13'50;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  20'00;  shortest  wing,  5'50;  tail,  2-25;  bill,  2'25;  tarsus, 

2-00. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  on  the  ground  in  marshy  places,  composed  of  grass,  weeds,  etc.  Eyy*,  from  eight  to  ten  in  number,  oval 
in  form,  huffy-yellow  in  color,  dotted  and  spotted  irregularly,  but  sparcely,  with  reddish-brown  and  lilac.  Dimensions  from 
l-OSxI-GOto  1-15x1-75. 

HABITS. 

The  coasts  of  South  Carolina  and  Georgia  are  low,  and  many  sounds  make  into  the 
land,  which  receive  the  contents  of  numerous  rivers.  Between  these  sounds,  are  islands, 
buck  of  which  are  creeks  of  varying  widths,  in  which  the  tide  rises  and  falls;  while  between 
ilir>c  bodies  of  water  and  the  mainland,  are  extensive  marshes,  many  miles  in  width. 
These  level  trucfs  are  scarcely  elevated  above  low  water  murk,  consequently  are  overflowed 
by  every  flood  tide,  and  during  the  extreme  high  water  that  occurs  at  the  Cull  of  the  moon, 
even  the  grass  tops  of  all,  but  some  of  the  more  elevated  spots,  are  submerged.  As  re- 
marked,  these  marshes  are  widely  spread,  extending  from  the  islands  to  the  westward,  as 
fur  as  eye  can  reach,  and  stretching  from  the  extreme  northern  confines  of  the  State  of 
South  Carolina,  quite  to  Florida.  Many  aquatic  birds  find  a  home  in  this  lonely  reach  of 
country,  but  by  fur  the  most  abundant,  at  all  seasons,  are  the  Clapper  Rails,  and  their 
harsh  voices  may  be  heard  at  all  hours  of  the  day  and  night,  as  they  skulk  through  the 
grass  or  run  along  the  margins  of  the  creeks  in  search  of  food.  Like  all  the  members  of 
this  genus,  these  Rails  are  difficult  to  start,  and  the  only  way  in  which  they  can  be  secured 
in  numbers,  is  to  watch  the  occurrence  of  a  spring  tide  which,  overflowing  nearly  every- 
thing, forces  the  birds  to  take  refuge  in  the  few  clumps  of  grass  left  uncovered,  or  they 
will  sit  upon  the  flouting  debris  and  quietly  await  the  fulling  of  the  water. 

The  number  of  these  Rails  which  occur  in  this  section,  is  simply  incalculable,  but  it  is 
safe  to  say  that  they  may  be  counted  by  millions.  If  a  gun  be  discharged  at  night-full, 
when  the  birds  are  most  active,  the  Rails  in  the  immediate  vicinity,  will  utter  harsh  screams 
which  will  be  answered  by  others,  and  before  the  echo  of  the  shot  has  died  away,  the 
marsh  for  miles  around,  will  be  resounding  with  their  discordant  cries.  These  Rails  have 
few  enemies;  it  is  true,  that  minks  abound  in  these  marshes,  and  may,  occasionally,  catch 
one,  and  I  have  frequently  seen  the  Marsh  Hawks  attempt  to  capture  these  birds,  but  nev- 


428  A7JVG  RAIL 

cr  saw  one  succeed  in  doing  anything  more  than  to  cause  the  Rail  to  scream  loudly  and 
beat  a  vigorous  retreat  through  the  high  sheltering  grass.  This  species  breeds  in  the  drier 
portions  of  the  marshes,  near  the  islands,  depositing  their  eggs  in  March  and  April.  They 
are  partly  migratory,  those  which  occur  as  far  north  as  New  York  and  New  Jersey,  re- 
treating south  in  winter. 

RALLTJS  ELEGANS. 

King  Rail. 
Kallus  elegant  AUD.,  Orn.  Biog.,  Ill;  1835,  27. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  Tongue,  long,  thin,  and  slender,  gradually  tapering  toward  tip  which  is  acute- 
ly pointed. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Greenish-brown  above,  streaked  with  darker.  Upper  wing  coverts,  deep  ehestnut-red.  Sides  of 
head,  bluish-ash.  Beneath,  chestnut-red,  with  the  sides,  flanks,  and  under  wing  and  tail  coverts,  brown,  banded  with 
white.  Throat  and  under  eyelid,  also  white.  Young.  Similar  to  the  adult,  but  darker  above  and  paler  below 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Readily  known  by  the  pale  chestnut-red  markings  below,  and  absence  of  any  bluish-ash  on  either  surface.  Distribu- 
ted, in  summer,  throughout  the  inland  marshes,  from  New  York,  southward.  Winters  in  the  South. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  the  South.  Length,  18-00;  stretch,  24'50;  wing,  6'35;  tail,  3'25;  bill,  2'50; 
tarsus,  2'45.  Longest  specimen,  19'00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  25  -00;  longest  wing,  6'75:  tail,  3'50;  bill,  3'00;  tarsus,  2  75. 
Shortest  specimen,  17'00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  24'00;  shortest  wing,  fi'OO;  tail,  3-00;  bill,2'00;  tarsus,  2'25. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  KGGS. 

Nests,  placed  on  the  ground  in  marshy  places,  composed  of  grass,  weeds,  etc.  Eygs,  from  eight  to  ten  in  number, 
oval  in  form,  bluish-white  or  creamy  in  color,  dotted  and  spotted  sparcely  with  reddish-brown  and  lilac  Dimensions  from 
1-15x1-55  to  1-25x1-75. 

HABITS. 

Although  the  King  Rails  are  almost  exclusively  fresh  water  birds,  I  have  shot  them 
on  the  salt  marshes  about  Cedar  Keys,  in  company  with  the  Clapper  Rails.  Both  species 
are  confined  to  the  Middle  and  Southern  Sections  but  are  occasionally  taken  in  Massachu- 
setts, although  as  yet,  I  believe,  have  never  been  found  breeding  so  far  north.  The  King 
Rails  evidently  do  not  differ  in  habit  from  the  preceding  species,  being  noisy  birds  and  part- 
ly nocturnal.  They  are  migratory,  passing  southward  with  the  first  frosts,  some  spending 
the  winter  in  Florida. 

RALLUS  VIRGINIANUS. 

Virginia  Rail. 
Ballus  Viryinianus  LINN.,  Syst.  Nat.,  I;  1766,  263. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  rather  slender.  Size,  small.  Tongue,  long,  thin  slender,  and  tapering  gradually  toward  tip  which 
is  pointed. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Above,  dark-brown,  with  all  the  feathers,  excepting  primaries,  edged  with  brownish-yellow.  Upper 
wing  coverts,  deep  chestnut-red.  Sides  of  head,  bluish.  Line  from  bill  to  point  over  eye,  and  throat,  creamy-white.  Un- 
der portions,  chestnut-red,  with  flanks  and  under  wing  and  tail  coverts,  black,  banded  with  white.  Legs,  iris,  and  bill, 
brown  with  the  latter  reddish-orange  at  base  of  lower  mandible.  Young.  Similar  hut  much  darker,  the  earlier  stages  !><•- 
ing  nearly  black.  Nestlinys,  Are  covered  with  black  down  glossed  with  green  and  the  bill  is  white,  with  the  base  of  low- 
er mandible,  line  along  its  side  joining  a  band  across  bill,  black. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Readily  known  by  the  small  size,  long,  curved  bill,  and  colors  as  described.  Distributed,  in  summer,  from  Camilla  to 
Florida.  Winters  in  the  South. 


KALLUS  V]RG1N1ANUS.  429 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  BMMITCnMBteoflfMoiaMB*  from  Eastern  North  America.  Length,  9'2S;  ritretch,  13*50; wing, 3*06; Mil,  l'l.r>; 
hill,  l'-|."i;  t:\rsus,  1-P.-J.  I.<)t)i:<"-t  spr<  iinen,  9'78;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  I4MMI;  longf-st  wing,  4  30,  tail,  1'75;  bill,  1(12; 
tarsus,  r  10.  Shortest  specimen,  9'50;  smallest  extentof  wing,  13-00;  shortest  wing,  3'45;  tail,  1-50;  hill,  1  25;  tarsus,  l-jri. 

DKSdtllTloX  OF  NESTS  AND  EUGS. 

Neits,  placed  on  the  ground  in  marshy  places,  composed  of  grass,  weeds,  etc.  Eygt,  from  eight  to  ten  in  number, 
ovnl  in  form,  creamy  in  color,  sparcely  spotted  and  dotted  with  reddish-brown  and  lilac.  Dimensions  from  '90s  1'20  to  '95 
xl-30. 

HABITS. 

One  hot  July  day,  when  I  was  a  small  boy,  I  was  lying  at  full  length  in  a  meadow, 
in  order  that  I  might  quench  my  thirst  from  a  cool  spring  that  was  so  thickly  surrounded 
by  water  docks,  grass,  and  other  herbage,  as  to  be  nearly  hidden.  I  had  taken  a  long 
draught,  when  a  chuckling  sound  attracted  my  attention,  and  looking  up,  I  saw  what  then 
appeared  to  me  to  be  a  singular  bird,  with  along,  sword-shaped  bill,  standing  by  the  edge 
of  the  spring  within  a  foot  of  my  head,  quietly  gazing  at  me.  As  I  raised  my  head,  he 
gave-  a  ([iiiek  nod  or  two,  as  if  to  say,  "That's  all  right"."  then  turned  and  walked  slowly 
away,  with  a  stately,  swinging  gate,  evidently  satisfied  that  I  was  too  small  to  be  consid- 
ered at  all  dangerous.  It  was  some  years  after  this  event,  that  I  saw  a  Virginia  Rail  with 
his  proper  cognomen  attached,  but  I  at  once  recognized  the  bird  as  being  similar  to  the 
guardian  of  the  spring  in  the  meadow.  The  Virginia  Rails  inhabit  the  wet,  fresh  water 
marshes  from  Canada  to  Florida,  but  appear  to  prefer  those  which  are  partly  grown  up  to 
bushes.  This  propensity  I  could  not  explain,  until  I  saw  one  in  the  aviary  of  Mr.  August 
Koch  who  has  fitted  up  an  abode  for  captive  birds  with  great  care,  having  a  fountain,  mini- 
ature pond,  rock  work  with  grottos,  all  embellished  with  numerous  plants,  among  which 
are  some  vines  that  twine  up  to  the  ceiling.  One  of  the  most  attractive  birds,  among  the 
iiianv  which  lived  in  this  enclosure,  was  the  Rail  mentioned,  which  was  quite  tame,  and 
which  evidently  behaved  much  as  it  would  have  in  its  native  swamp.  It  fed  readily,  wad- 
ed about  in  the  water,  and  when  slightly  alarmed,  would  take  refuge  among  the  surround- 
ing ferns,  etc.;  but  what  surprised  me  most,  was  to  see  it  climb  up  the  vines,  which  it  did 
with  the  utmost  ease,  clinging  to  the  branches  with  its  long  claws,  and  in  this  way,  it  oft- 
en reached  the  top,  some  ten  feet  from  the  ground.  The  bird  was  evidently  hunting  for 
insects  and  this  habit  was  probably  acquired  when  among  the  bushes  in  the  meadows. 

When  only  slightly  alarmed,  the  Virginia  Rails  utter  a  chuckling  sound,  but  if  badly 
frightened  or  greatly  annoyed,  especially  during  the  nesting  season,  when  they  have  young, 
they  will  emit  a  sharp  squeak,  but. their  regular  notes  are  harsh  screams,  usually  given  at 
night.  These  Rails  breed  early  in  June,  building  on  some  slightly  elevated  spot,  either 
in  the  grass  or  among  the  bushes,  and  when  their  domiciles  arc  approached,  the  birds  qui- 
etly leave  them.  The  young  leave  the  nest  as  soon  as  hatched,  and  run  nimbly  through 
the  grass.  They  become  scattered  somewhat  during  the  day,  but  toward  night,  they  will 
utter  sharp  cries,  in  order  that  the  adults  may  know  of  their  whereabouts,  and  then  the 
entire  brood  will  gather  beneath  the  parent  for  warmth.  I  have,  on  sever.il  occasions,  cap- 
tured these  little  black  Rails  in  the  evening,  having  ascertained  where  they  were  by  hear- 
ing them  peeping.  When  taken  young,  they  become  very  tame,  feeding  readily  upon  bits 
of  meat  or  insects,  behaving  much  like  young  chickens.  They  arc,  however,  very  delicate 


430  CAROLINA   RAIL. 

and  difficult  to  rear,  as  they  require  considerable  attention,  especially  at  night,  when  they 
should  be  kept  warm.  The  Virginia  Rails  are  migratory,  disappearing  from  New  England 
by  the  last  of  September. 

GENUS  II.    PORZANA.    THE  SHORT-BILLED  RAILS. 

GEN.  CH.  Si/I,  not  as  /any  as  head,  not  grooved  nor  curved,  is  rather  thick  at  base  but  has  no  frontal  plate.  Toes, 
not  mar<jinf.<l  nor  lobated.  Keel,  twice  as  hiyh  as  width  nf  sternum.  Marginal  indentations,  narrow  but  deep. 

Members  of  this  genus  have  the  glands  of  the  proventriculus  arranged  in  azonularband  which  is  without  rounded  pro- 
jections in  front.  The  sterno-trachealis  is  present,  and  there  is  a  small  bronchialis.  Tympanifonu  membrane,  also  pres- 
ent. Sexes,  similar.  There  are  three  species  within  our  limits. 

POKZANA  CABOLINA. 
Carolina  Rail. 

Porzana  Carolina  CAB.,  Journ.;  !856,  428. 
DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  slender.  Size,  medium.  Tongue,  not  very  long,  rather  fleshy,  and  narrowing  gradually  to  tip  which 
is  rounded. 

Coixm.  Adult.  Line  back  of  eye  and  upper  parts,  brownish-yellow,  broadly  streaked  with  brown  and  dotted  with 
white.  Wings,  brown  with  the  outer  primaries  edged  with  white.  Line  on  top  of  head,  space  around  bill  and  line  down 
throat,  black.  Breast  and  sides  of  head  and  neck,  slaty-blue.  Remainder  of  under  parts,  white,  banded  with  greenish 
and  dusky  on  sides  and  flanks.  '  Under  tail  covert*,  reddish-buff.  Vouny.  Similar,  but  are  overwashed  with  reddish  below 
and  lacks  the  black  markings  about  head  and  throat.  Iris,  brown.  Bill,  yellow.  Legs,  greenish.  Nest/ings.  Are  cov- 
ered with  black  down  and  have  a  tuft  of  orange  colored  bristles  at  base  of  bill. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Readily  known  by  the  medium  size,  short,  thick  bill,  and  colors  as  described.  Distributed,  in  summer,  from  Canada 
southwai-d.  Winters  in  the  South. 

.  DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Eastern  United  States.  Length,  8-75;  stretch,  13'75;  win<r,  4'25;  tail,  T95; 
bill,  "85;  tarsus,  1'35.  Longest  specimen,  9'00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  14-50;  longest  wing,  4'4'<2;  tail,  2  16;  bill,  -90;  tar- 
sus, 1-40.  Shortest  specimen,  8'50;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  IS'OO;  shortest  wing,  4-15;  tail,  1-75;  bill,  '75;  tarsus,  1-25. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placrd  on  the  ground  in  marshy  places,  composed  of  grass,  weeds,  etc.  Eggs,  six  to  ten  in  number,  oval  in 
form,  reddish-buff  in  color,  dotted  and  spotted,  irregularly,  but  sparcely,  with  reddish-brown  and  lilac.  Dimensions  from 
•85x1-20  to  -95x1-25. 

HABITS. 

Although  the  Carolina  Rails  differ  somewhat  in  structure  from  the  Virginia,  they  re- 
semble them  in  many  habits;  both  rise  when  first  disturbed,  fly  in  a  straight  line  a  short 
distance,  with  dangling  legs,  and  drop  into  the  grass,  after  which  it  is  difficult  to  make 
them  start  a  second  time,  and  both  inhabit  similar  places,  but  the  present  species  is  in- 
clined to  prefer  open  meadows  which  are  free  from  bushes.  The  Virginias  are  also  almost 
exclusively  fresh  water  birds,  while  the  Carolinas  are  equally  abundant  on  both  salt  and 
fresh  mashes,  but  prefer  the  latter  as  breeding  grounds.  All  the  Rails  swim  and  dive  well 
but  I  think  the  Carolinas  rather  excel  them  all  in  this  respect,  for  they  will  not  only  take 
readily  to  the  water,  but  will  pass  beneath  it  with  great  facility,  and  I  once  saw  one  run 
nimbly  along  the  bottom  of  a  brook,  the  water  of  which  was  about  a  foot  deep,  by  cling- 
ing to  aquatic  plants,  and  crossing  it  obliquely,  emerged  on  the  other  side,  thus  passing 
over  some  fifteen  feet  while  submerged.  I  have  also  seen  these  Rails  run  rapidly  over  the 
surface  of  the  water,  where  there  were  a  few  plants  to  afford  them  a  slight  support.  These 
Rails  migrate  from  New  England  with  the  first  hard  frosts,  after  which  they  gather  in  im- 
mense numbers  on  the  salt  marshes  of  New  Jersey,  but  gradually  pass  southward,  occuring 


PORZANA  NOVEBORACENS1S.  431 

iii  winter  from  the  Carolina.?  to  Key  West.     They  breed  in  Massachusetts  during  the  last 
week  in  May  or  first  in  June. 

PORZANA  NOVEBORACENSIS. 

Yellow  Rail. 
•  Purzana  Noveboracensis  CASS.,  Baird's  Birds  N.  A.;  1858,  79). 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sr.  Cu.  Form,  slender.  Size,  small.  Tongue,  wide,  thin,  and  horny,  especially  at  tip  which  is  gradually  rounded 
und  billd.  Bill,  ratlier  slender. 

COLOR.  Ai/ult.  Above,  and  on  sides  and  flanks,  dark-brown,  with  all  the  fen  thers,  excepting  primaries,  longitudi- 
nally streaked  with  yellowish  and  transversely  banded  with  white.  Neck,  breast,  and  under  tail  coverts,  reddish-bull'.  lie- 
maindcr  of  under  portions,  and  tips  of  secondaries,  white.  Legs,  iris,  and  bill,  brown,  with  the  latter  yellow  at  base  of 
lower  mandible.  Youny.  Similar  to  the  adult  but  paler  below. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Readily  known  by  the  small  size,  broad  white  banif  on  secondaries,  and  colors  as  described.  Distributed,  in  summer 
from  Hudson's  Bay  to  Massachusetts.  Winters  in  Florida. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Avrrairo  measurements  of  specimens  from  Eastern  North  America.  Length,  tt'75;  stretch,  13-50;  wing,  3-55;  tnil, 
1-65;  bill,  'Kr,  tarsus,  '80.  Longest  specimen,  7'25;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  IS'OO;  longest  wing,  3'80;  tail,  1'75,  bill,  -fiO; 
tarsus,  -85.  Shortest  specimen,  (VO!);  smallest  extent  of  wing,  12-00;  shortest  wing,  3-S25;  tail,  1-50;  bill,  -50;  tarsus,  -75. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  on  the  ground  in  marshy  places,  composed  of  grass,  weeds,  etc.  &/g*,  from  six  to  ten  in  number,  oval 
in  form,  deep  buff  in  color,  dotted  and  spotted  irregularly,  but  very  sparcely,  with  reddish-brown  and  lilac.  Dimensions 
from -85x1-15  to -80x1-05. 

HABITS. 

"September  eighth,  1868,  walking  with  a  young  lad  over  a  squash  field  on  high  land, 
but  within  twenty  or  thirty  rods  of  a  meadow;  suddenly  I  heard  the  boy  who  was  on  the 
lookout  for  speciinens,  exclaim,  'Ilere's  a  Sparrow  with  white  wings!'  'Shoot  it!'  said  I, 
and  looking  toward  him,  I  saw  him  beating  about  among  the  squash  leaves,  then  raise  his 
gun  and  fire,  after  which  he  ran  forward,  and  stooping  down,  exclaimed,  'It  is  a  Rail!'  I 
hastened  to  the  spot,  took  the  bird  in  my  hand,  and  to  my  surprise  and  delight,  it  proved 
to  be  the  rare  Yellow  Rail,  the  first  that  I  had  ever  seen;  a  female  it  proved  upon  dissec- 
tion, (No,  12-10).  This  was  in  the  dusk  of  the  evening,  and  when  first  started,  the  bird 
made  a  squeaking  noise,  but  not  loud,  for  I  stood  within  fifteen  rods  of  the  place  and  did 
not  hear  it.  The  secondaries  of  this  specimen  are  broadly  margined  with  white,  a  fact  not 
noticed  by  Audubon  or  Baird;  thus  this  must  be  peculiar,  or  these  ornithologists  would 
have  observed  it;  indeed  it  gave  the  bird  the  appearance  of  having  white  wings,  in  the  dusky 
light  in  which  it  was  shot.  I  should  think  that  it  is  a  young  bird  but  in  perfect  plumage. 
The  body  and  head  remind  one  strongly  of  some  of  the  small  foreign  Quails." 

The  above  is  an  extract  from  one  of  my  note  books,  und  four  years  later,  on  the  twen- 
tieth of  January,  I  started  a  Yellow  Rail  in  one  of  the  partly  submerged  marshes  on  the  bor- 
der of  the  St.  John's  River  in  Florida,  near  Blue  Spring.  This  specimen  rose  some  dis- 
tance from  me  and  flew  quite  rapidly,  for  a  Rail,  in  a  straight  line  for  some  distance,  (lien 
dropped  into  the  tall  grass,  from  which  I  could  not  make  it  rise  again.  I  easily  recognized 
Iliis  specimen  by  the  small  size  and  emispicuous  white  tipping*  to  the  primaries,  u  eharar- 
ter  which  I  find  is  constant  in  all  specimens  that  1  have  examined,  but  which  appears  to 
have  been  overlooked  by  most  writers  on  ornithology.  In  June,  187o,  I  heard  some  sin- 


432  LITTLE  BLACK  RAIL. 

gular  chuckling  or  metallic-like  notes  coming  from  the  inaccessible  bogs  on  the  M;ig<klen 
Islands.  These  peculiar  sounds,  I  then  judged,  were  produced  by  Yellow  Rails  but  I  nev- 
er saw  one  of  the  birds  on  the  islands.  The  foregoing  is  all  that  I  have  to  record,  from  pvr- 
sonal  experience,  of  the  Yellow  Rails,  a  bird  which  appears  to  be  quite  rare  every-where. 
Specimens  are,  however,  .occasionally  taken  throughout  the  Eastern  Section  of  the  United 
States,  especially  in  Massachusetts  in  autumn. 

POEZANA  JAMAICENSIS. 

Little  Black  Kail. 
Porzana  Jdmaicensis  CAS-!.,  Baird's,  Birds;  N.  A.;  1858,  749. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sr.  Cii.  Form,  slender.  Size,  very  small.  COLOR.  Adult.  Back  and  neck,  dark  chestnut-red.  Remainder  of  up- 
per surface,  very  dark-brown,  spotted  and  transversely  banded  with  white.  Sides  of  bead  and  entireunder  portions,  bluish- 
ash,  transversely  banded  on  abdomen  and  ander  tail  coverts  with  white.  Iris,  red;  feet,  brown;  bill,  black. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Readily  known  by  the  small  size  and  dark  colors  as  described.  Distributed,  as  a  rare  summer  resident,  from  Massa- 
chusetts, southward.  Winters  south  of  the  United  States. 

DIMENSIONS.      . 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Eastern  North  America.  Length,  5'50;  stretch,  1T50;  wing,  3'25;  tail, 
T35;  bill,  '55;  tarsus,  '95.  Longest  specimen,  6'Otl;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  12  '00;  longest  wing,  3  50;  tail.  T50;  bill,  '60; 
tarsus,  1  00.  Shortest  specimen,  5'00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  ll'OO;  shortest  wing,  3-00;  tail,  1-25;  bill,  '50;  tarsus,  -90. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  KGGS. 

Nests,  placed  on  the  ground  in  marshy  places,  composed  of  grass,  weeds,  etc.  Eyi/s,  from  six  to  eight  in  number, 
oval  in  form,  creamy  in  color,  finely  dotted  and  spotted  with  reddish-brown.  Dimensions  from  '75  x  I'OO  to  -80x  T05. 

HABITS. 

Although  the  Little  Black  Rail  has  been  taken  in  Massachusetts  on  one  or  two  occa- 
sions, it  is  very  rare  here,  as  it  is,  in  fact,  every-where  in  our  section;  and  I  know  nothing 
of  its  habits  from  personal  observation,  as  I  never  saw  a  living  specimen.  It  does  not,  how- 
ever, appear  to  differ  from  other  Rails  which  live  in  the  fresh  water  marshes. 

GENUS  III.     GALLINULA.    THE  GALL1NULES. 

Bill,  about  as  long  as  head,  not  grooved  nor  currcd,  rather  thick  at  base,  and  provided  with  a  large  frontal  plate.  Toes, 
margined.  Keel,  equal  in  heiyht  to  the  width  of  the  sternum.  Marginal  indentations,  two  and  deep. 

Members  of  this  genus  have  the  glands  of  the  proventriculus  arranged  in  a  zonular  band,  but  scalloped  above  and  be- 
low. The  sterno-trachealis  is  present  and  well  developed,  and  there  isa  wide  but  thin  bronchialis.  Tympaniform  mem- 
brane, also  present.  Sexes,  similar.  There  are  two  species  within  our  limits. 

GALLINULA  GALEATA. 

Florida  Gallinule. 
Gallinula galeata  BP.,  Am.  Orn.,  IV;  1832,  128. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sr.  Cn.  Form,  slender.  Size,  rather  large.  Tongue,  white  in  color,  rather  fleshy,  horny  at  tip  which  is  provided 
witli  cilia. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Ashy-blue  throughout,  darkest  anteriorly.  Middle  of  back  and  wings,  rich,  dark  yellowish-brown. 
Tail  and  middle  of  its  under  coverts,  black.  Outer  under  tail  coverts,  spots  in  a  line  on  side,  and  tips  of  feathers  on  belly 
and  ahdomen,  white.  Tip  of  bill,  yellow;  remainder  of  this,  frontal  plate,  and  tibia,  sealing-wax  red;  feet,  greenish. 

Young.  Similar  to  the  adult  but  overwashed  witli  reddish  above,  and  the  feathers  below  are  overwashed  witli  red- 
dish and  tipped  with  white.  The  frontal  plate  is  not  as  large,  and  this,  bill,  and  tibia  are  greenish. 

Nestlings.  Are  covered  with  a  black  down  glossed  with  greenish,  with  a  few  white  bristles  about  the  throat, on  side 
nf  head,  and  over  eye.  Bill,  yellow,  without  frontal  plate,  and  feet  black. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Readily  known  by  the  nearly  uniform  bluish-ash  C;>lor,  anil  ab-cm-o  ol'l.)lialiugs  cm  the  toes.  Distributed,  iu  >UIUUUT, 
from  Massachusetts,  southward.  Rare  as  far  north  as  Canada.  Winters  in  the  South. 


GALL1NULA  MAKT1N1CA.  433 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Eastern  Nortli  America.  Length,  13'50;  stretch,  22M10;  win;!,  0'70;  tail,  8'Sfl; 
hill,  1-1-J;  tarsus,  1  7f>.  longest  specimen,  U'OO;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  23-00;  longest  win.;,',  7  <K>;  toil,  3'(K>;  bill,  1  25; 
tarsus,  a-J5.  Shortest  .specimen,  13-00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  2HX);  shortest  wing,  0'4(>;  tail,  2'00;  bill,  1 '00;  tarsus,  1"J5. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Netts,  placed  on  the  ground  in  marshy  places,  composed  of  grass,  weeds,  etc.  Eygs,  from  eight  to  ten  in  nuinlicr, 
oval  in  form,  creamy-buff  in  color,  spotted  and  dotted  witli  brown  and  umber.  Dimensions  from  l'20x  1'75  to  1'SOx  1-80. 

II A  HITS. 

Although  the  Florida  Gallinules  occur  regularly  in  Massachusetts,  and  even  breed  in 
some  of  our  larger  marshes,  they  are  not  common  here.  En  Florida,  however,  the  species 
is  remarkably  abundant  and  deposit  their  eggs  in  May.  The  nests  are  placed  on  the  drier 
portions  of  tlic  marshes,  among  thick  reeds  or  rushes,  and  when  the  locality  is  approached, 
the  liirds  quietly  leave  their  domiciles  and  disappear  in  the  sheltering  vegetation.  In  gen- 
eral habits,  the  Florida  Gallinules  somewhat  resemble  the  Rails,  spending  much  of  their 
time  among  the  grass  and  aquatic  plants  which  border  rivers  and  other  bodies  of  fresh  wa- 
ter. They  will,  however,  occasionally  emerge  from  these  retreats  and  walk  over  the  ex- 
posed margins  of  the  water,  wade  in  the  shallows,  or  make  their  way  over  the  floating 
vegetation.  These  birds  also  swim  well,  but  when  thus  engaged,  the  head  is  jerked  back- 
ward with  every  motion  of  the  legs,  as  if  the  birds  were  walking  with  the  body  partly  sub- 
merged. If  disturbed  when  not  in  shelter,  the  Gallinules  either  dive  into  the  water  or  rise, 
and  fly  with  dangling  legs,  to  the  nearest  grass,  into  which  they  drop  like  Rails;  but  un- 
like these  birds,  they  can  be  started  again  quite  easily.  These  Gallinules  readily  become 
tame,  and  a  specimen,  brought  to  me  from  the  Everglades,  by  the  Seminole  chief,  Tiger, 
and  which  he  assured  me,  had  been  in  captivity  but  a  few  days,  was  so  unsuspicious  that 
il  led  from  my  nand.  It  had  a  long  string  fastened  to  its  leg,  and  had  become  quite  ac- 
customed to  this  method  of  confinement,  for  it  never  attempted  to  escape;  but  I  had  only 
kept  it  a  few  days,  when  it  was  unfortunately  killed  by  a  predatory  opossum. 

GALLINT/LA  MARTINICA. 

Purple  Gallinule. 
Gallinula  martinica  LATH.,  Ind.  Orn.,  II;  1790,  769. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  robust.  Size,  medium.  COLOR.  Adult.  Upper  part  of  body,  brownfsh-green,  darkest  on  back  and 
rump.  Wings  and  tail,  brown,  edged  on  outer  webs  with  green.  Head  and  under  part«,  bluish-purple,  darkest  on  ab- 
domen  ami  tibia,  witli  sides  and  under  wing  coverts,  greenish.  Under  tail  coverts,  white.  Bill,  red,  tipped  with  yellow. 
Frontal  plate,  blue.  Iris,  brown.  Legs,  greenish. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Readily  known  by  the  purplish  and  green  colors,  and  absence  of  lobatingson  the  toes.  Distributed,  in  summer,  in  Flor- 
ida. Accidental  as  far  north  as  Massachusetts.  Winters  soutli  of  the  United  States. 

DI.MKXSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Florida.  Length,  12  50;  stretch,  20'50;  wing,  6'50;  tail,  3-25;  bill,  M2; 
tarsus  2-12.  Longest  specimen,  13'00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  21'00;  longest  wing,7'00:  tail,  .'i'50;  bill,  I '25:  tarsus,  2'25. 
Shnrtest  specimen,  I2'<K);  smallest  extent  of  wing,  sJO'OO;  shortest  wing,  G'OO;  tail,  3'00;  bill,  I 'DO;  tarsus,  2-00. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  K' 

Nrsl.1,  placed  on  tlic  ground  in  marshy  places,  r,,m|>.>~r.l  df  grass,  weeds,  etc.  K/ys,  from  --ix  In  ten  in  manlier,  mtli- 
cr  elliptical  in  form,  creamy  'in  color,  finely  aud  rather  sparcrly  dotted  with  brown  und  umher.  Dimensions  from  ri5x  l'7il 
to  I-20X  1-75. 

65 


434  COOT. 

HABITS. 

The  Purple  Gallinules  are  only  found  in  Florida  during  summer,  appearing  on  the 
marshes  of  the  interior  in  May,  and  I  have  seen  them  walking  over  the  floating  vegetation 
on  the  St.  John's  River,  appearing  much  like  the  preceding  spocies,  but  are  quite  readily 
distinguished,  even  at  a  distance,  by  the  brighter  colors.  These  birds  breed  late  in  May  in 
Florida,  for  I  have  received  eggs  from  that  section,  taken  at  this  time.  In  migrating,  these 
Gallinules  appear  to  move  in  flocks,  for  I  was  informed  by  the  wreckers,  that  occasionally 
the  exposed  margins  of  the  outer  keys  are  covered  with  them,  at  which  time  they  arc  so 
tame  that  they  can  be  captured  in  the  hand  without  difficulty.  The  Purple  Gallinules  have 
been  taken  as  far  north  as  Massachusetts,  but  are  very  rare  here. 

GENUS  IV.  FULICA.  THE  COOTS. 

GEN.  Cn.  Bill,  about  as  long  as  head,  not  grooved  nor  curped,  thick  a/ base,  and  provided  with  a  frontal  plate.  Toes, 
lobated.  Keel,  not  equal  in  heiyht  to  the  width  of  the  sternum.  Marginal  indentations,  two,  wide  and  deep. 

In  members  of  this  genus'the  glands  of  the  proventriculus  occupy  two  circular  spaces  on  the  upper  and  lower  portions, 
which  measure  '75  in  diameter  in  our  species.  The  stomach  is  very  muscular.  The  trachea  is  flattened  above,  then  lie- 
comes  rounded  and  narrows  rapidly  below  the  origin  of  the  sterno-trachealis  which  is  long  and  slender,  emerging  from  the 
trachea  '50  from  the  larynx,  and  there  is  a  wide  but  thin  bronchialis.  The  bronchial  tubes  are  small,  bend  inward  near 
the  center,  where  they  are  connected  by  a  wide  ligature.  The  tympaniform  membrane  and  os  transversale  are  both  absent. 
Sexes,  similar.  There  is  one  species  within  our  limits. 

FTJLICA  AMERICANA. 

Coot. 

Fulica  Americana  GM.  Syst.  NAT.,  I;  1788,  704. 
DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  robust.  Size,  rather  large.  Tongue,  white  in  color,  very  thick,  fleshy,  and  pointed  at  tip  which  is 
horny. 

COLOR.  Adult.  Uniform,  dark  bluish-ash,  becoming  nearly  black  on  the  head  and  neck,  with  outer  edge  of  outer 
primaries,  tips  of  secondaries,  and  under  tail  coverts,  white,  while  the  last  has  a  black  line  down  the  center.  Iris,  brown. 
Legs,  greenish.  Bill,  yellow,  white  at  tip,  with  a  band  across  center  and  frontal  plate,  brownish-red.  Young.  Similar 
to  the  adult  but  paler  and  the  feathers  are  more  or  le«s  tipped  with  white. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Readily  known  by  the  lobated  toes  and  uniform  dark  bluish-ash  colors  as  described.  Distributed,  as  a  summer  resi- 
dent, from  Canada  southward.  Winters  in  the  South. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Eastern  United  States.  Length,  15'60;  stretch,  25'25;  wing,  7'25;  tail,  1'33; 
bill,  1'33;  tarsus,  1'75.  Longest  specimen,  16'22;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  27-50;  longest  wing,  8'00:  tail,  2  25;  bill,2'30;  tar- 
sus, 2'30.  Shortest  specimen,  13'50;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  23'00;  shortest  wing,  6-50;  tail,  1'89;  bill,  1'2(>;  tarsus,  rsj5. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nesls.  placed  on  floating  vegetation  or  on  the  ground  in  marshy  places,  composed  of  grass,  weeds,  etc.  Eggs,  six  to 
ten  in  number,  oval  in  form,  creamy  white  in  color,  finely  dotted  and  spotted  with  black.  Dimensions  from  1- 15  x  THO  to 
1-40X2-00. 

HABITS. 

Coots  are  common  on  both  fresh  and  salt  waters  from  Canada  to  Florida,  especially  in 
autumn,  but  are  more  numerous  toward  the  South,  and  I  have  seen  thousands  at  a  time  on 
the  bays  of  Indian  River.  There  can  be  but  little  doubt  that  the  Coots  breed  in  Florida, 
as  they  occur  in  numbers  there  throughout  the  year.  In  habits,  these  birds  resemble  both 
the  Ducks  and  Gallinules,  as  they  not  only  swim  and  dive  well  but  make  their  way  through 
the  grass  with  ease  and  swiftness.  When  disturbed  on  the  open  water,  they  will  swim  with 


PHCEN1COPTERUS  Kl'BER.  435 

graceful  case  into  the  nearest  grass  or  other  vegetation,  from  which  it  is  difficult  to  make 
thorn  rise;  and  I  have  on  several  occasions,  pushed  the  prow  of  my  boat  into  a  clump  of 
aquatic  plants,  only  a  few  feet  in  diameter,  in  which  two  or  three  had  taken  refuge,  with- 
out starting  them,  although  I  could  plainly  see  them  crouching  among  the  vegetation,  so 
near  that  I  could  almost  touch  them  with  my  hand.  When  rising,  the  Coots  will  run  along 
tin;  surface  of  the  water,  then  fly,  like  the  Rails,  with  dangling  legs.  The  notes  of  the 
Coots  resemble  those  of  the  Gallinules  but  are,  if  anything,  more  harsh  and  grating. 

ORDER  XVI.  LAMELLIROSTRES.  DUCKS,  GEESE.  ETC. 

Anterior  toes,  connected  by  a  membrane.  Posterior  toe,  present,  and  more  or  less  ele- 
vated above  the  level  of  the  anterior  toes.  Keel,  very  low,  rarely  exceeding  in  height  one 
half  the  width  of  the  sternum.  Marginal  indentations,  two,  open  or  inclosed.  Bill,  provided 
with  lamellae,. 

This  order  includes  the  Flamingos,  Swans,  Geese,  Ducks,  etc. ,  all  of  which  are  wide- 
ly distributed  throughout  the  world.  The  body  is  compact  and  thickly  covered  with  feath- 
ers which  are  uniformly  distributed  over  its  surface.  The  legs  are  usually  short  but  occa- 
sionally greatly  lengthened.  The  young  are  covered  with  down  and  usually  run  at  birth. 
One  of  the  chief  characteristics  may  be  seen  in  the  lamellae  of  the  bill,  which  are  horny, 
tooth-like  projections  growing  from  the  sides  of  one  or  both  mandibles. 

FAMLY  I.     PH<ENICOPTERIDjE.     THE  FLAMINGOS. 

Legs  and  neck,  excessively  elongated.  Bill,  abruptly  bent  in  the  middle,  more  or  less 
pointed.  Marginal  indentations,  open. 

Members  of  this  family  are  remarkable  on  account  of  their  long  legs  and  neck,  and  all 
are  residents  of  the  Tropics. 

GENUS  I.    PHCENICOPTBRUS.    THE  FLAMINGOS. 

Generic  Characters  are  similar  to  those  given  under  the  Family  heading.  The  oesophagus  is  dilated  into  a  crop  near 
the  lower  portion.  Stomach,  muscular.  Intestines,  very  long  and  quite  wide,  with  caeca  rather  long.  Sexes,  similar. 
There  is  but  one  species  within  our  limits. 

PHCENICOPTERTJS  RUBEB. 

Scarlet  Flamingo. 
Pluznicupterui  rubcr  LINN.,  Syst.  Nat.  1.;  1766,  23). 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sf .  Cn.     Form,  rather  slender.    Size,  large.    COLOR.     Adult.    Bright  red  throughout,  darkest  on  wings.    Prima- 
:;ick.     Iris,  blue,  feet,  red,  and  bill,  yellow,  with  terminal  portion,  black.     Young.     Similar  but  paler. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Readily  known  by  the  bright  colors  and  peculiar  form  as  described.  Distributed,  as  a  constant  resident,  on  the  Ba- 
hainas  and  southward.  Rare  on  the  Florida  Keys. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Florida.  Length,  45'00;  stretch,  65'25;  wing,  Ifi'OO;  tail,  6' 15;  bill,  5-P5; 
tarsus,  11-85.  Longest  specimen,  48-00;  greatest  extent  of  wfng,  66'00;  longest  wing,  16'50;  tail,6'70;  bill,  O'OO;  tarsus, 
12-20.  Shortest  specimen,  43'00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  64'50;  shortest  wing,  15'50;  tail,  5'60;  bill,  5'70;  tarsus,  11-50. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  on  the  ground  in  marshy  places,  composed  of  mud.  Eyy*,  two  in  number,  oval  in  form,  bluish  in  color, 
covered  with  a  white  calcareous  deposit.  Dimensions  from  2'OOx3-25  to  2'10x3-50. 


436  WHISTLING  SWAN. 

HABITS. 

Although  the  Flamingos  are  common  residents  on  the  Bahamas,  they  are  very  rare 
now  on  the  Florida  Keys.  In  fact,  they  have  never  been  abundant  there,  nor  could  I  learn 
that  they  ever  bred  on  these  islands,  all  the  inhabitants  asserting  that  formerly,  as  well  as 
at  present,  these  fine  birds  only  appeared  on  the  West  side  of  the  Gulf  Stream  during  sum- 
mer, after  they  had  reared  their  young  on  the  Bahamas.  They  remain  on  the  Florida 
Keys,  however,  until  after  they  have  moulted.  The  feathers  of  the  Flamingos  fall  off  in 
large  quantities,  as  in  all  members  of  the  present  order,  even  the  wing  quills-being  dropped, 
and  nearly  all  are  shed  at  one  time;  thus  the  birds  are  then  unable  to  fly  and  consequently 
are  comparatively  helpless.  At  this  time,  they  resort  to  the  mud  tints  among  the  interior 
keys,  where  they  can  feed  in  comparative  safety;  but  at  high  tide,  they  are  forced  to  take 
refuge  on  the  small  islands,  and  then  are  sometimes  surprised  by  the  wreckers  who  tak- 
ing advantage  of  the  fact  that  they  cannot  rise,  easily  capture  them. 

I  have  never  seen  a  Flamingo  in  Florida  but  the  members  of  onu  of  my  expeditions, 
were  more  fortunate,  as  they  saw  a  flock  of  seven  specimens  come  in  from  across  the  Gulf 
Stream,  and  alight  on  a  mud  flat.  By  placing  a  tame  White  Pelican  in  the  bow  of  a  little 
skiff  and  concealing  themselves  behind  him,  two  of  the  men  managed  to  approach  within 
long  gun-shot  of  these  wary  birds,  when,  by  a  single  discharge  of  a  large  gun  with  which 
they  were  provided,  they  killed  six,  only  one  escaping. 

FAMILY  II.     ANATID.E.     THE  SWANS,  DUCKS,  GEESE,  ETC. 

Legs,  short.  Neck,  variable.  Bill,  straight,  usually  wide  but  occasionally  narrow  and 
rather  pointed.  Marginal  indentations,  open  or  inclosed. 

Members  of  this  family  can  be  easily  recognized  by  the  peculiarly  robust  form,  and 
characters  given  above.  The  species  are  distributed  throughout  the  world.  The  anatom- 
ical characters  are  somewhat  variable.  The  cceca,  hbwever,  are  present  and  very  long. 

•  GENUS  I.    CYGNUS.    THE  SWANS. 

GEN.  CH.  Neck,  very  tony.  Bill,  at  least  as  long  as  fiead,  high  at  base,  and  wide  at  tip.  Tail  feathers,  twenty  or 
more.  Hind  toe,  short  and  rounded. 

The  stomach  is  very  muscular.  Cceca,  long.  The  trachea  is  peculiar,  somewhat  resembling  that  of  the  Cranes,  as 
it  enters  the  sternum  in  a  similar  manner.  Sexes,  similar.  There  are  two  species  within  our  limits. 

CYGNUS  AMERICANUS. 

Whistling  Swan. 
Cygnus  Americanus  SHARP.,  Doughty's  Cab.  N.  H.,  I;  1830,  185. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  robust.  Size,  very  large.  Bill,  about  as  long  as  head,  broad  and  high  at  base  with  nostrils  situated 
in  the  center.  COLOR.  Adult.  Pure  white  throughout.  Iris,  brown;  feet  and  bill,  black,  the  latter  with  a  yellowish 
spot  in  front  of  eye.  Young.  Similar  to  the  adult  but  overwashed  with  bluish-ash  and  reddish. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Readily  known  by  the  height  of  bill  at  base,  the  orange  spot  on  its  side,  and  centrally  situated  nostrils.  Distributed 
in  summer  throughout  the  Arctic  Regions,  wintering  from  the  Carolinas  to  New  Jersey.  Very  rare  during  the  migration, 
in  New  England. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  North  America.  Length,  54'50;  stretch,  82-00;  wing,  22-00;  tail,  7*35;  lull, 
4'25;  tuvsus,  4 '25.  Longest  specimen,  55-00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  84 '00;  longest  wing,  23-00;  tail,  7-50,  liill,4-50;  tarsus, 
4  50.  Shoitest  specimen,  53-00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  SO'OO;  shortest  wing,  21 '00;  tail,  7'00;  bill,  4'00;  tarsus,  3'1>5. 


TRUMPETER  SWAN.  437 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  tin  the  ground  in  innrsliy  places,  composed  of  grass,  weeds,  etc.  Eyys,  six  to  ten  in  number,  oval  in 
form,  and  dirty  white  in  color.  Dimensions  from  2'50x4'00  to  SJ-75x4'50. 

HABITS. 

Some  years  ago,  in  April,  I  was  walking  along  a  street  in  Baltimore,  Maryland,  when 
glancing  upward,  I  saw  a  wedge-shaped  flock  of  large,  white  birds,  high  in  air,  passing 
northward,  and  at  once  recognized  them  .as  being  Swans,  the  first  that  I  had  ever  seen  un- 
doniosticatcd,  and  they  were  probably  on  their  way  to  their  breeding  grounds  in  the  far 
North.  Later,  however,  when  on  the  yacht,  Nina,  I  found  Swans  Common  in  November, 
in  Chesapeake  Bay.  The  notes  of  the  Swans  are  harsh  and  loud  but  are  easily  recognized. 

CYGNUS  BUCCINATOR. 

Trumpeter  Swan. 

Cygnus  buccinator  RICII.  F.  Bor.  Am.,  II;  1831,  464. 
DESCRIPTION. 

Sr.  On.  Form,  robust.  Size,  very  large.  Bill,  longer  than  head,  broad,  but  not  very  high  at  base,  with  nostrils 
situated  in  basal  portion.  COLOR.  Adult.  Pure  white  throughout.  Iris,  brown.  Bill  and  feet,  black.  Youny.  Sim- 
ilar, but  tinged  with  pale  bluLsh-ash  and  reddish. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Readily  known  by  the  very  large  size,  comparatively  low  base  of  black  bill,  and  basal  situation  of  nostrils.  Distribu- 
ted, as  si  summer  resident,  throughout  Arctic  America.  W inters  from  New  Jersey  to  the  Carolinos.  Rare  in  New  En- 
gland  during  the  migrations. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  North  America.  Length,  55'25;  stretch,  85-00;  wing,  22'50;  tail,7'75;  bill, 
1  -J~>;t  irsus,  1-  r>.  1,  inmost  specimen,  58-5(1;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  UO'OO;  longest  wing,  23'00:  tail,  8-00;  bill,5-CO;  tarsus, 
4'60.  Shortest  specimen,  52'00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  80-00:  shortest  wing,  21-00;  tail,  7'50;  bill,  4'50;  tarsus,  4'25. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  KGGS. 

Nests,  placed  on  the  ground  in  marshy  places,  composed  of  grass,  weeds,  etc.  Eyy*,  from  six  to  ten  in  number,  oval 
in  form,  and  dirty-white  in  color.  Dimensions  frorn2'50x4-03  to  2-76x4'50. 

HABITS. 

The  habits  of  this  and  the  preceding  species  are  so  well  known,  that  I  shall  not  at- 
tempt to  enlarge  upon  them,  as  I  can  add  nothing  new  to  that  which  has  already  been  writ- 
ten. I  presume  that  I  saw  this  species  on  Chesapeake  Bay  but  as  all  the  Swans  are  very 
shy,  I  did  not  get  near  enough  to  identify  them.  Both  species  are  exceedingly  rare  in 
New  England,  passing  to  their  northern  breeding  grounds,  through  the  interior  of  the 
country,  thus  avoiding  the  coast  north  of  New  Jersey. 

GENUS  II.     ANSER.     LONG-BILLED  GEESE. 

lii.v.  CH.  Bill,  about  as  long  as  head,  yenerally  briyht  in  color.  Hind  toe,  rather  long.  Maryinai  indentations ,  open 
nml  wide. 

Members  of  this  genus  are  variable  in  color,  but  are  conspicuously  marked  with  white.  The  trachea  is  straight  and 
without  dilatation.  Sexes,  similar.  There  are  two  species  within  our  limits. 

ANSER  HYPERBOREUS. 

Snow  Goose. 

Anser  Fiyperboreus  PALL.,  Spic.  Zool.,  VI;  17W,  80. 
DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  robust.  Size,  medium.  COLOR.  Adult.  Pure  white;  primaries  Muish-gray  at  base  and  black  at  tip. 
Iv!-,  brown.  Bill  and  legs,  red.  Youny.  Similar,  but  tinged  with  yellowish  and  rufous. 

OBSRRVATIOHB. 

Readily  known  by  the  white  color,  and  black  tippings  to  the  primaries.  Distributed,  in  summer,  throughout  An  tie 
Ameriea.  Winters  in  the  West.  Rare  in  New  England  during  the  migration-. 


438  ANSER  ALB1FRONS. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  North  America.  Length,  29-50;  stretch,  58-50:  wing,  15-55;  _tail,  5'65;  bill, 
•2-05;  tarsus,  2-95.  Longest  specimen,  31-00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  62'00;  longest  wing,  17-00:  tail. 5-80;  bill, 2- 10;  tarsus, 
3  12.  Shortest  specimen,  26-00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  55'00;  shortest  wing,  14'00;  tail,  5-50;  bill,  ^  00;  tiirsus,  2-80. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  on  the  ground  in  marshy  places,  composed  of  grass,  weeds,  etc.  Eyys,  from  five  to  eight  in  numlicr,  el- 
liptical in  form,  yellowish-white  in  color.  Dimensions  from  1-90x2-80  to 2'00 x 8-00. 

HABITS. 

The  Snow  Goose  is  exceedingly  rare  in  the  section  east  of  the  Mississippi,  south  of 
Canada,  and  I  have  never  seen  a  specimen  living.  It  is,  however,  abundant  in  the  West 
during  winter,  when  it  is  described  as  having  similar  habits  to  those  of  other  Geese.  It 
breeds  in  the  far  North. 

ANSER  ALBIFRONS. 

White-fronted  Goose. 

Anser  albifrons  BECIIST.,  Naturg.  IV,  898. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn  Size,  large.  Form,  robust.  COLOR.  Adult.  Above  and  on  sides,  bluish-gray,  becoming  brownish  on  head 
ami  neck.  Forehead,  upper  tail  coverts,  and  ander  portions,  excepting  neck,  white,  becoming  grayish  anteriorly,  where  it 
is  irregularly  blotched  with  black.  Wings  ashy-gray,  becoming  dark-brown  on  secondaries  and  tips  of  primaries:  the  great- 
er coverts,  tipped  vrith  white.  Tail  feathers,  brown,  also  tipped  with  white.  Axiilaries  and  under  surface  of  wings,  plum- 
beous. Iris,  brown:  bill  and  feet,  red.  Youny.  Similar  but  paler,  and  less  spotted  beneath. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  by  the  white  forehead  and  spotted  breast.  Distributed,  in  summer,  throughout  Arctic  America,  wintering 
in  the  West.  Rare  in  New  England  during  the  migrations. 

DIMENSIONS, 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  North  America.  Length,  29'00;  stretch,  59'00;  wing,  16'20;  tail,  5'35;  hill, 
1-95;  tarsus,  2'65.  Longest  specimen,  29'75;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  59'85;  longest  wing,  16-45;  tart,  5'55;  bill,  2  05;  tar- 
sus, 2'85.  Shortest  specimen,  28-00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  58'25;  shortest  wing,  15'95;  tail,  5' 15;  bill,  1  '85;  tarsus,  2'40. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  on  the  ground  in  marshy  places,  composed  of  weeds,  grass,  etc.  Eygs,  six  to  ten  in  number,  elliptical 
in  form,  yellowish-white  in  color.  Dimensions  from  2'05x2'95  to  2'10x3'20. 

HABITS. 

Like  the  Snow  Goose,  the  White-front  is  seldom  seen  in  New  England  or  southward 
but  is  very  abundant  in  the  West,  where  numbers  are  shot  every  season,  and  from  which 
point  they  are  sent  into  our  markets  during  cold  weather.  Like  nearly  all  members  of  the 
present  order,  these  birds  are  also  migratory,  breeding  in  the  far  North.  Both  this  and 
the  preceding  species  are  occasionally  taken  by  gunners  on  the  coast  of  North  Carolina. 

GENUS  III.    BERNICLA.    SHORT-BILLED  GEESE. 

GEN.  Cn,  Bill,  nut  quite  as  lony  as  head 'and black  in  color.  Hind  toe,  quite  sturt.  Marginal  indentations,  very  wide 
and  open. 

Members  of  this  genus  are  very  dark  in  color,  witli  few  or  no  conspicuous  marks  of  white.  Traoiiea,  straight,  without 
dilatation.  Sexes,  similar.  There  are  two  species  within  our  limits. 

BERNICLA  CANADENSIS. 

Canada  Goose. 
Bernicla  Canadensis  BOIE.,  Isis:  1826,  921. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sr.  On.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  Tail  feathers,  from  fourteen  to  twenty.  COLOR,  Adult.  General  color,  smoky- 
brown  becoming  paler  be&eath,  with  edges  of  feathers  becoming  lighter.  Head,  neck,  rump,  tips  of  primaries,  and  tail, 


CANADA  GOOSE.  439 

Mark.     Patch  on  throat,  extending  up  on  sides  of  hend,  upper  tail  coverts,  posterior  portions  below,  back  of  tibia,  white. 
Iris,   In-own;  feet  and  bill,  black.      Youny.     Similar  to  the  adult  but  paler. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Readily  known  by  the  large  size,  absence  of  any  conspicuous  white  markings  on  lower  neck  and  colors  as  described. 
Distributed,  in  summer,  from  Canada,  northward;  wintering  from  New  Jersey,  southward. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  North  America.  Length,  35'00;  stretch,  62-70;  wing,  17*62;  tail,  (HO;  bill, 
2-50;  tarsus,  372.  Longest  specimen,  3S-00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  65 '50;  longest  wing,  19'25;  tail ,7*00;  bill,  2-80;  tarsus, 
4  10.  Shortest  specimen,  32-00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  59-00;  shortest  wing,  16'00;  tail,  5-30;  bill,  2'25;  tarsus,  3'35. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  ECiCiS. 

Nesls,  placed  on  the  ground  in  marshy  places,  eomp  >sed  of  sticks,  weeds,  etc.  Eyg*,  six  to  ten  in  number,  elliptical 
in  form,  and  dirty-white  in  color.  Dimensions  from  2'85 x  3'40  to  2'35  x  3'50. 

HABITS. 

For  upward  of  two  hundred  years,  the  exploits  of  the  Canada  Geese  have  been  so  re- 
peat cdly  recorded  both  in  story  and  in  song,  that  it  is  extremely  difficult  to  write  anything 
new  concerning  them.  Yet  their  migrations  to  and  from  their  northern  breeding  grounds, 
always  prove  interesting  to  (he  inhabitants,  over  whose  heads  they  pass  seini-annually,  the 
must  casual  observer,  never  tailing  to  glance  upward,  when  he  hears  their  sonorous  honks, 
to  note  the  wedge-shaped  flock,  or  long  line,  of  large  birds,  hurrying  onward  with  more  than 
railroad  speed,  toward  their  destination.  The  wild  Geese  have  learned  wisdom  by  long  ex- 
perience, and  now  seldom  alight  on  our  east  coast  in  numbers;  thus  it  sounds  marvelous 
to  hear  the  stories  of  the  vast  multitudes  which  formally  gathered  along  our  shores.  These 
Geese  are,  with  us,  the  shyest  of  birds  when  in  flocks,  yet  when  one  becomes  separated 
from  the  main  body,  it  appears  bewildered  and  apparently  loses  all  fear  of  man.  Once, 
when  I  was  a  boy,  a  single  Goose,  evidently  lost,  sailed  several  times  around  our  meadow, 
in  Newtonville,  in  which  I  was  standing,  once  or  twice  passing  within  ten  or  twelve  feet 
of  niy  head.  Some  years  later,  on  the  day  before  Christinas,  I  was  informed  by  a  neigh- 
bor, that  there  was  a  large  bird  in  his  meadow,  and  taking  my  gun,  I  walked  within  thirty 
, yards  of  a  large,  male,  wild  Goose  which  was  standing  in  an  open  field,  and  shot  it.  A 
few  years  ago,  I  surprised  one  in  a  field  near  the  sea-shore,  late  in  November,  and  walked 
within  a  few  yards  of  it  before  it  flew.  Just  previous  to  all  these  occasions,  a  thick  fog 
had  prevailed,  during  which  the  Geese  had  evidently  lost  their  reckoning.  The  Canada 
Geese  are  abundant  in  southern  waters  during  winter,  from  the  Carolinas  to  Northern  Flor- 
ida, for  although  they  are  so  rare  on  the  east  coast  of  this  latter  named  State,  that  I  nev- 
er saw  one  there,  yet  I  have  found  them  very  common  about  Cedar  Keys,  where,  however, 
they  are  as  shy  as  they  are  in  the  North. 

It  is  highly  probable,  that  before  the  general  settlement  of  New  England,  the  Canada 
(Jccse  bred  from  Massachusetts,  northward,  but  now  they  are  confined  to  the  wilder  por- 
tions of  Canada,  Labrador,  and  the  adjacent  islands,  and  so  on  to  the  North  Pole.  When 
I  was  on  the  Magdalen  Islands,  certain  inaccessible  tracts  of  marshes,  already  described, 
were  pointed  out  to  me  as  breeding  grounds  of  the  Geese,  but  I  scarcely  think  that  these 
birds  can  occur  in  any  numbers  there,  in  summer,  as  I  did  not  see  a  single  specimen  dur- 
ing my  visit.  In  habits,  both  this  and  the  succeeding  species  behave  much  like  the  do- 
mesticated birds. 


440  ANAS  BOSChAS. 

BERNTCLA  BRENTA. 
.  •  Brant  Goose. 

Bernicla  brenta  STEPII.,  Shaw's  Zool.  XII.;  1824,  46. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sr.  CH.  Form,  robust.  Size,  not  very  large.  COLOR.  Adult.  Body,  grayish-ash,  darkest  on  rump,  becoming  light- 
er  beneath,  with  the  edges  of  the  feathers  slightly  paler.  Wings,  brown.  Head,  neck,  and  body  anterior  to  wings,  pri- 
maries, and  tail,  black.  Streaks  of  white  in  crescent-shaped  mark  on  neck,  and  under  portions  back  of  tibia,  white.  Iris, 
brown,  bill  and  feet,  black.  Young.  Similar  but  paler. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Readily  known  by  the  small  size,  dark  colors,  and  crescent-shaped  streakings  on  the  neck.  Distributed,  in  summer, 
throughout  the  Arctic  Regions;  wintering  from  New  Jersey  to  the  Carol  inas. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  North  America.  Length,  27' 10;  stretch,  42-00;  wing,  13'75;  tail,  3'90;  bill, 
1'35;  tarsus,  SJ-30.  Longest  specimen,  30'50;  greatest  extent  of  wing,44'00;  longest  wing,  14'50;  tail,  4"00;  bill,  T40;  tarsus, 
2-40.  Shortest  specimen,  2375;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  40'00;  shortest  wing,  13-00;  tail,  3'75;  bill,  l"25;  tarsus,  3'25. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  on  the  ground  in  marshy  places,  composed  of  sticks,  weeds,  etc.  Eyys,  six  to  ten  in  number,  elliptical 
in  form,  and  dirty-white  in  color.  Dimensions  from  I'84x2  75  to  l'90x2-'JO. 

HABITS.    . 

The  Brant  Geese,  unlike  the  Canada,  appear  to  prefer  the  coast  to  the  interior  when 
migrating,  insomuch  so  that  they  will  seldom  pass  over  any  large  tract  of  land,  but  will 
follow  the  sinuosities  of  the  shore,  nearly  always  keeping  over  the  water.  These  fine 
birds  are  particular  favorites  with  sportsmen,  and  many  are  shot  from  points  of  land  which 
make  out  into  the  sea,  by  building  blinds,  in  which  the  sportsmen  conceal  themselves,  while 
the  wary  Brant  are  induced  to  alight  near,  by  using  decoys  of  the  same  species.  Mr.  W. 
B.  Dowse  who  has  frequently  shot  over  these  decoys,  informs  nie  that  they  become  quite 
tame  and  very  intelligent,  not  only  endeavoring  to  induce  their  wild  brethren  to  alight  near 
them,  but  when  a  number  are  gathered  about  them,  they  will  move  to  one  side,  in  order 
to  give  their  master  an  opportunity  to  shoot  the  wild  Brant.  I  never  saw  a  Brant  Goose 
in  Florida  and  think  they  seldom  get  as  far  south.  In  time  of  migration  and  in  general 
habits,  these  birds  resemble  the  Canada  Geese. 

GENUS  IV.    ANAS.    THE  FRESH  WATER  DUCKS. 

GEN.  Cii.  Bill,  wide,  flattened,  not  swollen  nor  very  hiyh  at  base,  nor  expanded  at  tip.  Leys,  rather  short.  Marginal 
indentations,  nearly  closed  in  adult. 

The  trachea  is  without  dilatation  but  the  larynx,  in  the  male,  is  provided  with  a  bony  frame-work  and  is  much  ex- 
panded. Stomach,  muscular.  Sexes,  not  similar.  There  are  two  species  within  our  limits. 

ANAS  BOSCHAS. 

Mallard  Duck. 
Anas  boschas  LINN.  Syst.,  Nat.  I;  1760,  205. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  Tipsof  upper  tail  coverts,  turned  upward  in  males.  COLOR.  Adult  male.  Head, 
and  upper  neck  all  around,  deep  iridescent  green,  glossed  with  violet.  Beneath  this  color  is  a  narrow  ring  of  white,  that 
is  followed  by  rich  che-tnut-brown  which  extends  backward,  beneath,  to  upper  breast,  where  it  is  somewhat  paler.  Low- 
er hind  neck,  and  back,  reddish-brown,  finely  banded  with  whitish,  but  becoming  rapidly  darker  on  the  posterior  bat-k, 
.luck  on  rump,  until  it  ends  in  the  velvety  upper  tail  coverts  which  show  greenish  reflections.  Scnpularies,  red- 
di<Ii-l'niwii,  more  or  less  finely  banded  with  white,  but  becoming  chestnut  on  the  outer  weljs  which  are  banded  with  dark- 
lirown.  Tertinries.  hoary,  edged  with  whitish.  Secondaries  and  primaries,  brown,  the  former  rather  broadly  tipped 
with  white.  Speculum,  dark-blue,  with  violet  reflections,  and  surrounded  by  a  band  of  black.  Wing  coverts,  ivdui-h- 


PL  ATE  XX  VII 


DENDRCECA   DISCOLOR 
PreiTie  Warbler. 


BLACK  DUCK.  441 

brown,  tlie  greater  being  tipped  with  black,  preceded  by  a  white  bnnd.  Tail,  brown,  witli  tbe  feathers  spotted  arid  edged 
with  white.  Under  surface,  not  dtrcrihed,  excepting  the  under  wing  coverts  which  are  black  with  greenish  reflections, 
rrciiiny-wliite,  finely  banded  everywhere,  excepting  on  under  wing  coverts  and  axillaries,  but  more  prominently  on  sides, 
with  brown.  Tips  of  feathers  of  flanks,  white.  Iris,  brown;  feet,  reddish-orange,  bill,  greenish-brown. 

Ailn/tfima!"  General  color,  dark-brown,  with  feathers  edged  mid  streaked  with  yellowish-rufous  which  predominates 
below  mid  which  it.  imged  on  brenst,  sides,  flanks,  and  under  tail  coverts  with  chestnut.  Otherwise  similar  to  the  adult 
male.  Youny.  Similar  to  the  adult  female  but  paler. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

The  male  may  be  known  by  the  green  head,  and  the  female  by  the  predominating  white  on  tail.  Distributed,  in  sum- 
mer, throughout  the  West  and  North  ;  wintering  in  the  South.  Not  very  common  in  New  England  during  migrations. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  North  America.  Length,  23'50;  stretch,  55-50;  wing,  ll'OO;  tail,  3'80;  bill, 
2-85;  tarsus,  T75.  Longest  specimen,  25'00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  28-75;  longest  wing,  ll'SO;  tail,  4'00;  bill,  2'30;  tar- 
sus, 1  90.  Shortest  specimen,  22-00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  22'25;  shortest,  wing,  10'SO;  tail,  3'60;  bill,  2"  15;  tarsus,  1'CO. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  on  the  ground  in  marshy  places,  composed  of  weeds,  grass,  etc.  Eyyt,  six  to  ten  in  number,  elliptical 
in  form,  greenish-brown  in  color.  Dimensions  from  T40x2'25  to  I'70x2'35. 

HABITS. 

Although  I  have  occasionally  taken  specimens  of  the  Mallard  Duck  in  New  England  , 
they  are  far  from  being  common  here,  I  have  also  found  them,  in  winter,  in  Florida,  but 
never  very  abundant,  nor  do  I  think  that  any  breed  in  the  State,  the  great  strong-hold  of 
the  species,  appearing  to  be  in  the  West.  Those  which  I  observed  in  Florida,  were  quite 
tame,  insomuch  so  that  I  have  walked  within  a  few  feet  of  them,  as  they  sat  in  the  small 
pools  on  the  marshes,  and  shot  them,  as  they  rose,  with  dust  shot.  Although  usually  a  riv- 
er Duck,  those  that  I  have  seen,  both  North  and  South,  were  in  pools  on  salt  marshes,  or 
in  crocks  in  which  the  tide  rose  and  fell.  In  general  habits,  the  Mallards  closely  resemble 
(lie  following  species  but  arc,  however,  more  often  domesticated,  and  those  which  have 
bci-n  bird  in  this  condition  for  many  years,  retain  the  plumage  of  the  original  birds  so  well, 
that  it  is  often  impossible  to  detect  any  difference,  and  they  readily  become  feral,  associa- 
ting with  wild  Ducks. 

ANAS  OBSCURA. 

Black  Duck. 
Anas  obscura  GM.,  Syst  Nat.  I;  1788,  541. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH  Size,  large.  Form,  robust.  COLOR.  Adult  male.  Dark-brown  throughout  streaked  on  head,  neck,  and  ab- 
domen with  pale  reddish-yellow;  and  feathers  of  remainder  of  body,  especially  below,  edged  with  yellowish.  Under  wing 
coverts,  axillaries,  and  tips  of  secondaries,  white.  Speculum,  green  with  violet  reflections,  surrounded  by  black.  Feet, 
greenish-yellow.  Iris,  brown.  Bill,  greenish-brown.  Adult  female  and  Youny.  Similar,  but  paler.  Nestlinys.  Above, 
including  stripe  behind  eye,  yellowish-brown,  with  several  spots  of  buffy-yellow.  Beneath,  pale  buffy-yellow. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Readily  known  by  the  universally  dark  colors.  Florida  specimens  are  not  only  smaller  in  size  but  are  lighter  in  color 
than  Northern  birds,  the  nurnl>er  of  tail  feathers  is  less,  and  there  are  longitudinal  streaks  above  of  yellowish  in  males. 
Distributed,  in  summer,  throughout  Eastern  North  America,  from  Labrador  to  Texas;  winters  from  Massachusetts,  south. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  North  America.  Ix-ngth,  22-50;  stretch,  35-80:  wing,  10'50;  tail,  3-38;  bill, 
1-00;  tarsus,  1'85.  Lonu"-t  speeimen.SJ-OO;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  37'50;  longest  wing,  ll'OO:  tail.  3-.W;  bill,  2'IO;  tarsus] 
2-15.  Shortest  speeinien,  ._>!•(  KI;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  34'00;  shortest  wing,  1<VOO;  tail,  3-12;  bill,  T75;  tarsus,  TOO. 

x  OF  NK.STS  AND  i:<;<;.s. 


Nests,  placed  on  the  ground  in  marshy  plaec-;,  eomposeil  of  grass,  wei  ds,  etc.     K/ys,  six  to  ten  in  number,  ellipti- 
cal in  furiu,  and  jrrecnish-brown  in  color.     Dimensions  from  l'-KI.\^-25  to  I'75x2'35. 


50 


442  ANAS  OBSCURA. 

HABITS. 

The  Black  Ducks  are,  perhaps,  the  most  abundant  of  the  River  Ducks  in  our  section, 
and  I  have  always  found  them  common  and  breeding,  in  suitable  localities,  wherever  I 
have  been,  between  the  Gulfs  of  St.  Lawrence  and  Mexico.  In  the  North,  however,  these 
birds  are  migratory,  for  although  specimens  occur  quite  commonly  in  Massachusetts  all  win- 
ter, they  are  birds  which  breed  further  north,  and  are  noticeably  larger  than  those  which 
live  with  us  in  summer,  and  which  have  retreated  further  south  during  cold  weather.  In 
Central  Florida,  I  discovered  a  local  race  which  is  very  yellow  in  color,  and  which  is  con- 
stantly resident  in  thu  State,  where  they  are  remarkably  abundant.  I  found  them  breed- 
ing on  Indian  River,  the  nests  being  placed  on  the  drier  portions  of  the  marshes,  in  grass 
which  was  about  eighteen  inches  high.  The  eggs  were  deposited  during  the  first  and  sec- 
ond weeks  of  April;  then  about  the  first  of  May,  I  would  frequently  see  flocks  of  little  downy 
ducklings,  following  the  female,  but  unless  I  took  care  to  concealniyself,  I  did  not  enjoy 
watching  these  little  families  long,  for  as  soon  as  the  parent  became  aware  of  my  presence, 
she  would  emit  a  chuckling  note,  when  away  they  would  scamper,  helter-skelter,  into  the 
nearest  grass,  where  it  was  impossible,  upon  the  most  careful  search,  to  discover  a  single 
young.  I  once  surprised  a  brood,  when  they  were  some  distance  from  any  place  of  shel- 
ter, for  they  had  ventured  out  upon  the  mud  of  a  creek,  at  low  tide,  and  I  chanced  to  come 
out  of  the  high  grass,  just  in  front  of  them.  The  old  Duck  appeared  to  comprehend  the 
situation  at  once,  for  she  came  directly  toward  me,  driving  her  brood  before  her,  hoping  to 
engage  my  attention  by  a  display  of  bravery,  while  the  young  escaped  into  the  sheltering 
vegetation  behind  me;  but  placing  my  gun  on  the  ground,  I  stooped  down  and  grasped 
two  of  the  little  fellows,  as  they  were  running  past.  The  diminutive  ducklings  uttered 
shrill  cries  when  they  were  captured,  which  drove  their  parent  nearly  frantic,  for  regard- 
less of  possible  consequences,  she  dashed  about  in  front  of  me,  with  ruffled  feathers  and 
half  closed  wings,  often  coming  within  a  foot  of  me,  at  the  same  time,  quacking  loudly. 
This  out-cry  attracted  the  attention  of  the  drake,  but  he  did  not  approach  very  near, 
merely  circling  about,  some  fifty  yards  distant,  quacking  softly.  Leaving  the  old  female 
to  care  for  the  remainder  of  the  brood,  I  carried  my  captives  into  camp  and  placed  them 
in  a  box,  the  sides  of  which  were  about  a  foot  and  a  half  high,  but  young  as  they  were, 
they  managed  to  escape. 

On  the  Magdalen  Islands,  the  Black  Ducks  deposit  their  eggs  during  the  last  of  May 
or  first  week  in  June.  When  in  company  with  Mr.  Win.  L.  Breeze,  near  the  first  of  July, 
I  discovered  a  brood  of  about  a  dozen  young,  my  attention  being  attracted  to  them,  by  a 
whistling  sound  which  they  made.  They  were  sitting  huddled  together,  in  the  top  of  a 
small  spruce  which  was  lying  prostrate  over  a  small  stream  that  flowed  through  a  little  ra- 
vine. The  old  Duck  was  absent,  and  by  making  a  sudden  dash  at  them,  I  managed  to  cap- 
ture three,  before  they  were  aware  of  our  presence.  The  rest  dropped  into  the  shallow 
water,  some  diving,  others  creeping  into  holes,  while  some  sought  shelter  beneath  the  roots 
or  overhanging  moss;  in  short,  they  managed,  to  conceal  themselves  so  effectually ,  that  we 
only  succeeded  in  finding  one  which  we  took  out  of  the  water  from  beneath  a  stone. 

Wild  Black  Ducks  are  frequently  reared  by  the  inhabitants  on  the  Magdalen  Islands, 
and  readily  mix  with  the  domesticated  race  which,  however,  evidently  originated  from 


PIGTAIL  DLCK.  443 

this  species;  and  those  I  captured,  I  resigned  to  the  c:ire  of  nn  old  lady  who  had  a  brood 
of  domestic  birds,  but  from  some  unaccountable  cause,  they  soon  died. 

I;K.MS  v.   DAFILA.  THE  SPRIG-TAILED  DUCKS. 

(li\.  Cu.  Bill,  long,  narrow,  not  much  flattened,  swollen,  nor  hiyh.  at  base,  and  slightly  widened  at  tip.  Neck, long 
an/I  Iliin.  Leys,  sluirt.  Marginal  indentations,  closed  in  adults. 

Tin'  trachea  is  slightly  ddated,  and  the  larynx  of  the  male  is  expanded  and  provided  with  a  Ixmy  frame-work.  The 
stnimicli  is  muscular.  Sexes,  not  similar.  There  is  but  one  species  within  our  limits. 

DAFILA  ACUTA. 

Fin-tail  Duck. 
Dqfila  acula  JENYNS,  Man.;  1835,  232. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sr.  Cn.  Form,  rather  slender.  Size,  medium.  COLOR.  Adult  male.  Herul,  throat,  and  small  portion  of  upperneck, 
dark-br  >wn,  with  feathers  edged  with  lighter  and  showing  slight  green  and  violet  reflections  on  posterior  portions.  Two 
linos  of  wliite  extend  along  sides  of  neck,  nearly  uniting  on  back,  and  between  these  is  a  patch  of  black  which  has  green- 
ish reflections,  but  this  gradually  becomes  brown  on  back  which  Is  finely  barred  with  white,  and  extends  to  the  central  tail 
C:iviTt<  that  are  edged  with  white.  Scapularies  and  tertiaries,  black,  edged  or  streaked  with  brown  which  on  former  Ls 
banded  with  white.  Primaries  and  secondaries,  brown,  the  litter  broadly  tipped  with  white  that  is  preceded  by  a  reddish 
tinire  on  two  or  three  outer.  Speculum,  greenish,  with  violet  reflections,  and  surrounded  by  a  band  of  black.  Wing 
coverts,  asliy-brown,with  the  greater  tipped  with  reddish-brown.  Sides  of  upper  tail  coverts,  central  tail,  and  under  tail 
coverts,  Mack,  with  a  line  on  the  sides  of  latter,  white;  remainder  of  tail,  brown,  edged  and  spotted  with  white.  Beneath, 
creamy-white,  finely  and  faintly  banded  on  posterior  portions,  and  more  noticeably  on  sides  and  flanks,  with  dark-brown. 
Lnder  wing  coverts,  ash y-brown ,  banded  and  spotted  with  white.  Iris  and  feet,  dark-brown;  bill  black,  bluish  on  sides. 

Adult  fiinalc.  Above  and  on  sides,  flunks,  and  under  wing  coverts,  dark-brown,  with  feathers  edged,  streaked,  hand- 
ed, and  spotted  with  yellowish-white  and  rufous.  Beneath,  yellowish-white,  spotted  on  head,  neck,  and  under  tail  cov- 
erts, with  dusky.  Secondaries,  tipped  with  white.  Speculum,  grayish.  Middle  tail  feathers,  not  greatly  elongated.  Oth- 
erwise similar  to  male.  Young.  Similar  to  adult  female,  and  males  occur  in  transitional  stages  between  this  and  adult. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

The  main  may  be  recognized  by  the  greatly  elongated  central  tail  feathers,  and  colors  as  described.  Female,  by  the 
narrow  bill  and  grayish  speculum.  Distributed,  in  summer,  throughout  Arctic  America.  Winters  in  the  South. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  North  America.  Length,  24'75;  stretch,  34-00;  wing,  9'95;  tail,  G'OO;  bill, 
2- 12;  tarsus,  1'6.1.  Longest  specimen,  23'5;i;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  35-00;  longest  wing,  10  25;  tail.H-OJ;  bill,  2-25;  tarsus, 
I-?').  Shortest  specimen,  21  -<X);  smallest  extent  of  wing,  33'00:  shortest  wing,  9  75;  tail,  4-00;  bill,2'00;  tarsus,  1'50. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  KGOS. 

Nests,  placed  on  the  ground  in  marshy  places,  composed  of  grass,  weeds,  etc.  Eygs,  fri>m  six  to  ten  in  number,  ellip- 
tical in  form,  and  greenish-brown  in  color.  Dimensions  from  I'SOxS'lO  to  l'55x!?-30. 

HABITS. 

The  Pintail  Ducks  are  not  common  in  New  England  nor  in  any  of  the  Northern 
States,  east  of  the  Mississippi,  although  some  are  to  be  found  here  every  year.  They  ap- 
pear to  be  particularly  fond  of  the  creeks  that  make  out  from  the  salt  wafer,  where  they 
feed  in  company  with  the  Black  Ducks.  The  Pintails  are  more  common  in  the  Southern 
States  but  the  great  winter  resort  of  the  species  is  in  Florida;  here  they  are  not  only  ex- 
ceedingly abundant  but  very  tame.  On  one  occasion,  while  I  was  making  my  way  down 
Indian  River,  numbers  of  these  Ducks  were  passing  over  my  head  southward.  They  flew 
in  .strangling  flocks,  consisting  of  from  twenty  to  some  hundreds  of  specimens,  and  one  com- 
pany followed  another  so  closely,  that  there  \vas  an  almost  unbroken  line.  They  contin- 
ued to  move  in  this  manner  all  tho  morning;  thus  many  thousands  of  individuals  must  have 
past  us.  Shortly  after  noon,  they  began  to  alight  along  f,he  beaches  in  such  numbers  that 
they  fairly  covered  the  ground,  and  were  so  unsuspicious  that  my  assistant,  who  had  left 
the  boat  sonic  time  previous,  walked  within  a  few  yards  of  them,  and  killed  three  or  four 


444  CHA I  LELA  SM  US  ST REFER  VS. 

with  a  single  discharge  of  a  light  gun  which  was  merely  loaded  with  a  small  charge  of 
dust  shot.  This  occurred  in  early  March  and  the  birds  were  evidently  gathering,  prepara- 
tory to  migrating  northward,  for  in  a  few  days  they  had  all  disappeared.  The  Pintails 
breed  in  the  North  and  North-west. 

GENDS  VI.  CHAULELASMUS.  THE  GRAY  DUCKS. 

GEN.  On.  Bill,  about  as  long  as  head,  not  wide  nor  flattened,  sliyhtly  expanded  at  tip,  but  not  swollen  nor  hiyh  at  base. 
Leys,  short.  Neck,  not  very  long.  Marginal  indentations,  nearly  closed  in  adult. 

The  trachea  is  slightly  dilated  near  the  larynx,  which  in  the  male,  is  provided  with  a  bony  frame-work  and  is  ex- 
panded. Stomach,  muscular.  Sexes,  not  similar.  There  is  but  one  species  within  our  limits. 

CHAULELASMUS  STREPERUS. 

Gadwall  Duck. 
Chaulelasmus  streperus  GRAY;  1838. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  COLOR.  Adult  mate.  Ilead  and  neck,  yellowish-white,  becoming  reddish  on 
crown  find  spotted  with  dusky.  Lower  neck,  back,  and  upper  breast,  dark-brown,  finely  banded  with  white.  Outer  scnp- 
ularies  and  sides,  black,  narrowly  barred  with  white.  Longest  tertiaries,  hoary,  and  inner  scapularies.  tinged  with  red- 
dish. Middle  wing  coverts,  chestnut;  greater,  black.  Speculum,  white,  bordered  externally  with  hoary,  internally  with 
black.  Flanks  and  upper  tail  coverts,  black.  Remainder  of  under  portions,  white,  faintly  banded  on  the  ab-lomen  with 
brownish.  Iris,  reddish- brown;  bill,  black;  feet,  yellowish-green. 

Adult  female.  Dark  brown  throughout,  tinged  with  ashy  on  head,  neck,  and  greater  wing  coverts,  streaked  on  first 
two  with  yellowish,  and  with  the  feathers  of  body  and  tail  broadly  margined  with  reddish.  Otherwise  similar  to  male. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Readily  known  in  all  stages  by  the  white  speculum,  and  colors  as  described.  Distributed,  in  summer,  throughout  the 
North-west  and  North;  wintering  in  the  South.  Not  common  in  New  England. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  North  America.  Length,  20'60;  stretch,  33-00;  wing,  9'00;  tail,  3'50;  bill, 
3' 10; .tarsus,  I'lO.  Longestspecimen,2r75; greatest  extent  of  wing, 35-00;  longest  wing,  lO'OO;  tail,  -i'OO;  bill,  2'20;  tarsus, 
1-80.  Shortest  specimen,  19  50;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  31-00;  shortest  wing,  8-00;  tail,  3'00;  bill,  2'00;  tarsus,  164. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  on  the  ground  in  marshy  places,  composed  of  sticks,  weeds,  etc.  Eggs,  six  to  ten  hi  number,  elliptical 
in  form,  and  creamy-buff  in  color.  Dimensions  from  I'45x2'00  to  1-50  x2'05. 

HABITS. 

The  Gadwall  is  one  of  the  most  uncommon  of  all  the  Ducks  which  occur  in  New  Eng- 
land during  the  migrations,  but  is  occasionally  found  in  our  markets  in  considerable  num- 
bers, being  brought  from  the  West,  where  it  is  common,  and  where  it  breeds.  I  have  never 
met  with  this  Duck  in  Florida,  nor  elsewhere  on  the  eastern  coast  of  the  United  States. 
The  Gadwall  resembles  other  members  of  the  order  in  general  habits. 

GENUS  VII.    MARECA.    THE  WIDGEONS. 

GEN.  Cii,  Bill,  shorter  than  head,  rather  narrow,  not  flattened,  widened  at  tip,  swollen,  nor  hiyh  at  base.  Neck  and 
legs,  short.  Marginal  indentations,  open. 

Trachea,  not  dilated,  and  the  larynx  in  the  male  is  expanded,  and  provided  with  a  bony  frame-work.  Stomach,  mus- 
cular. Central  tail  feathers  and  under  tail  coverts,  slightly  lengthened.  Sexes,  not  similar.  There  are  two  species  with- 
in our  limits. 

MARECA  AMERICANA. 

American  Widgeon. 
Mareca  Americ-ma  STEPH.  Shaw's  Zool.  XII.;  1824,  135. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  robust.  Size,  riot  very  large.  COLOR.  Adult  male.  Head  and  neck  all  around,  creamy-white,  finely 
spotted  ami  banded  everywhere,  excepting  on  crown,  with  dusky.  Throat  and  broad  band  back  of  eye,  nearly  black,  the 
latter  glossed  with  green.  Lower  neck,  scapularies,  sides,  and  upper  breast,  chestnut-red,  tinged  with  ashy ;  finely  handed 


ENGLISH   WU>GF.ON.  445 

on  nil  but  Inst,  with  dark-brown.  Remainder  of  upper  parts,  durk-brown,  finely  Imndcd  on  buck  with  yellow  bill-white. 
Outer  webs  of  Mv-piilariis,  velvety-black  margined  with  whiti-di.  Greater  upper  wing  C'jverts,  under  parts,  and  flunks, 
while,  the  lirst  lijipcd  with  Mark.  I'ndrr  wing  coverts  und  lesser  upper  coverts,  ashy.  Speculum  and  under  tail  coverts, 
black,  tlie  former  ashy  nluve  and  glossed  anteriorly  with  greenish.  Bill,  bluish;  feet,  black,  and  iris,  brown. 

Adult  female.  Similar,  but  lacks  the  white  crown  and  iridescence  on  head.  The  white  of  greater  wing  coverts  is  re- 
placed by  iishy  and  the  barrings  above  are  coarser.  The  under  tail  coverts  are  brown  banded  with  white,  and  the  other 
colors  are  paler.  Youny.  Resemble  the  adult  female. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  by  the  spotted  head  and  neck  and  black  and  green  speculum.  Distributed  in  summer  throughout  the  North 
and  North-west;  wintering  from  New  Jersey,  southward. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  North  America.  Length,  19*75;  stretch, 32*75;  wing,  10'35;  tail.  I' 10;  bill, 
1*45;  tarsus,  Hi5.  Longest  specimen,  21*75;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  35'50;  longest  wing,  11*25;  tail,  4  20,  bill,  T50;  tarsus, 
1-80.  Shortest  specimen,  17*76;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  30*00;  shortest  wing,  9*50;  tail,  4*00;  bill,  1*40;  tarsus,  1*50. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  on  the  ground  in  marshy  places,  composed  of  sticks,  weeds,  etc.  Eggs,  six  to  ten  in  number,  elliptical 
in  form,  and  brownish-buff  in  color.  Dimensions  from  r 30x2*00  to  1*50x2*10. 

HABITS. 

The  American  Widgeons  are  not  very  common  throughout  the  northern  portion  of  (he 
eastern  section  of  North  America  during  migrations,  but  occur  in  considerable  numbers  in 
the  South  in  winter,  and  I  have  found  them  quite  abundant  in  the  mouths  of  the  rivers  that 
flow  into  the  Gulf  of  Mexico  on  the  west  coast  of  Florida.  Here  they  occurred  in  flocks, 
in  company  with  the  Scaup  and  other  Ducks.  They  were,  however,  rather  shy,  when  com- 
pared with  other  members  of  the  order,  but  did  not  differ  in  general  habits  from  most  of 
the  Ducks  which  inhabit  rivers. - 

MARECA  PENELOPE. 

English  Widgeon. 

Mareca  penelope  BON.,  List;  1838. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Size,  not  very  large.  Form,  robust.  COLOR.  Adult  male.  Top  of  head,  yellowish-white.  Sides  of  head 
and  neck  all  around,  cliestnut-red,  spotted  irregularly  and  sparcely  with  black,  excepting  in  front,  where  the  ground 
n>lur  is  nearly  obscured  with  it,  and  the  spots  around  eye  show  greenish  reflections.  Back  and  sides,  dark-brown,  finely 
banded  with  white.  Upper  tail  coverts,  whitish  with  ashy  centers,  the  outer  margined  with  black.  Wings  and  tail, 
dark-brown,  the  latter  edged  with  white.  Lesser  wing  coverts,  ashy;  greater,  white  tipped  with  black.  Outer  webs  of 
scapularies,  black,  edged  with  white.  Speculum,  black  with  greenish  reflections  on  anterior  portion.  Axillaries  and  un- 
der wing  coverts,  ashy,  banded  with  white.  The  upper  breast  and  sides  are  chestnut-red  tinged  with  ashy.  The  under 
tail  covens  are  black.  Remainder  of  under  parts,  white.  Iris,  brown;  bill  and  feet,  bluish. 

Adult  female.  General  color  above,  reddish-brown,  with  the  feathers  edged  with  whitish  and  centrally  spotted  with 
dark-brown.  Speculum,  gray,  surrounded,  excepting  below,  with  white.  The  under  tail  coverts  are  white,  banded  with 
brown.  Otherwise  similar  to  the  adult  male. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

The  male  may  be  known  by  the  chestnut-red  head  and  black  and  green  speculum.  The  female,  by  the  gray  speculum 
and  reddish-brown  sides.  Constant  resident  in  Europe.  Rare  on  the  Eastern  coast  of  the  United  States. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  me:i<urements  of  specimens.  Length,  19*00;  stretch,  33*50;  wing,  10-00;  tail»4'25;  bill,  1*55;  tarsus,  1*56. 
Longest  specimen,  20  00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  34*00;  longest  wing,  10'5O;  tail,  4*50;  bill,  1  HO;  tarsus,  1*65.  Shortest 
specimen,  18  00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  33*00;  shortest  wing,  9*50;  tail,  4'00;  bill,  1*50;  tarsus,  1*53. 

DESC'RII'TloN  OF  MISTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  on  the  ground  in  marshy  places,  composed  of  grass  and  weeds.  Eyys  from  five  to  eight  in  number,  oval 
in  form,  creamy-buff  in  color.  Dimensions  from  1*40x2-20  to  1-50x2*50. 

HABITS. 

The  English  Widgeon,  a  well-known  European  species,  although  formally  considered 
as  only  accidental  on  our  eastern  coiist,  is  really  a  regular  visitant,  some  being  taken  cv- 


446  QUERQUEDVLA  DJSCORS. 

ery  season,  especially  in  the  sounds  of  North  Carolina,  and  it  is  extremely  probable  that 
this  bird  is  a  migrant  from  the  North,  having  bred  on  the  American  side  of  the  Atlantic. 
According  to  authors,  these  Ducks  resemble  the  American  Widgeon  in  manner  of  feeding, 
etc.,  etc. 

GENUS  VIII.    QUERQUEDULA.    THE  TEALS. 

GEN.  On.  Kill,  shorter  than  head,  narrow,  sliyht/y  widened, <#  tip,  but  not  much  fattened,  swollen,  nor  hiyh  at  bnsr. 
Marginal  indentations,  open . 

The  trachea  is  straight  and  without  dilatation.  The  larynx  in  males  is  slightly  expanded  and  provided  with  a  bony 
frame-work.  Stomach,  muscular.  Sexes,  not  similar.  There  are  four  species  within  our  limits. 

QUERQUEDULA  DISCOBS. 
Blue-winged  Teal. 

Querquedula  discors  STEPIT.,  Shaw's  Zool.  XII;  1824,  149. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  slender.  Size,  small.  COLOR.  Adult  male.  Head,  and  neck  all  around,  ashy-gray.  Top  of  head, 
black.  Cresent-shaped  spot  in  front  of  eye,  white.  Back,  brown,  becoming  greenish  posteriorly,  crossed  anteriorly  by 
two  narrow  bands  of  purplish.  Outer  webs  of  scapularies,  blue,  black,  and  green,  streaked  with  reddish-huff.  Wing  cov- 
erts, blue  with  the  outer,  white!  Speculum,  black  glossed  with  green,  tipped  with  white  posteriorly.  The  under  part-: 
are  purplish-ash;  each  feather  spotted  with  black  which  becomes  more  obsolete  behind.  The  under  wing  c.jverts  and  ax- 
illaries  are  black.  Bill,  black,  iris,  brown  and  feet,  yellowish. 

Adult  female.  Brown  throughout,  with  the  feathers  edged  with  whitish  which  becomes  more  prominent  below. 
Throat,  creamy.  Wings  as  in  male.  Young.  Similar  to  adult  female  but  the  wing  markings  are  paler  and  lack  the  blue 
scapularies;  while  in  the  fomale  the  speculum  is  very  pale. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Readily  known  by  the  small  size,  blue  wing  coverts,  and  narrow  bill.  Distributed  in  summer  throughout  oith 
America;  wintering  in  the  South. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  North  America.  Length,  15-50;  stretch,  24*00;  wing,  7'20;  tail,  3'20;  bill, 
1*62;  tarsus,  1'35.  Longest  specimen,  16-00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  25'00;  longest  wing,  7'50:  tail.  3-50;  bill,  1*75;  tarsus, 
1-50.  Shortest  specimen,  15-00;  gmallest  extent  of  wing,  23'00;  shortest  wing,  6'90;  tail,  2'90;  bill,  1'50;  tarsus,  1-25. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  on  the  ground  in  marshy  places,  composed  of  grass,  weeds,  etc.  Kggs,  six  to  ten  in  number,  ellipti- 
cal in  form,  and  brownish-buff  in  color.  Dimensions  from  1*30  x  1'90  to  1*35x1*95. 

HABITS. 

These  little  Ducks  prefer  those  small  ponds  which  are  half  filled  with  lily  pads  and 
other  vegetation  and  which  are  so  common  in  New  England,  as  feeding  places,  and  may 
often  be  found  in  them  in  September,  at  which  lime  they  are  making  their  way  toward  the 
South.  The  Blue-winged  Teals  are  one  of  the  most  unsuspicious  of  all  the  inland  Ducks, 
and  can  be  approached  quite  closely,  especially  when  they  first  arrive  from  their  northern 
breeding  grounds;  and  as  they  have  a  peculiar  habit  of  huddling  together  when  slightly 
alarmed,  the  "sportsman  has  an  excellent  opportunity  of  securing  a  number  at  a  single  shot, 
before  they  rise.  Some  years  ago,  when  I  was  a  small  boy,  and  when  these  birds  were 
much  more  abundant  than  at  present,  I  remember  seeing  an  old  gentleman  kill  upward  of 
twenty-five  at  a  single  discharge  of  one  of  those  old  muskets,  known  as  a  queen's  arm. 
When  passing  southward,  these  Teals  are  much  more  common  just  before  a  storm,  and  like 
many  other  Ducks,  are  much" more  restless  in  unsettled  weather.  There  are,  perhaps,  few 
birds  which  can  move  with  greater  rapidity  than  these  little  Teal,  especially  when  coming 
down  the  wind  before  a  strong  gale.  I  have  always  found  these  birds  very  abundant  in 
Florida  in  winter,  where  they  frequent  the  pools  on  the  marshes,  or  the  mouths  of  narrow 
creeks.  This  species  breeds  in  the  West  and,  possibly,  as  far  south  as  Florida. 


GHEEN-  WINGED  TEAL.  447 

QUERQI;EDULA  CAROLINENSIS. 

Green-winged  Teal. 
Querquedula  Carolinensis  STKPU.,  Shaw's  Zool.,  XII,  18*24,  148. 

DESCRIPTION.  • 

Si1.  CH.  Form,  slender.  Size,  small.  Coix>n.  Adult  male.  Head  and  neck,  chestnut-red,  dusky  on  forehead,  with 
line  li;u-k  of  eye,  green  showing  violet  reflections.  Upper  portions  and  sides,  brown,  finely  handed  on  all  but  wings,  with 
white.  ('resccnt-sha|>ed  murk  in  front  of  wings,  and  tips  of  greater  coverts,  white,  the  1'itter  tinjred  with  reddish.  Buck 
of  head,  bund  mi  flanks,  line  on  gcapularies.  and  under  portion  of  speculum,  hlnck,  remainder  of  latter,  green,  followed  pos- 
teriorly with  a  narrow  band  of  white.  Chin,  black.  Ring  around  neck  white,  finely  banded  with  black.  Rein  a  inder  of  un- 
der portions,  white,  becoming  creamy  on  under  tail  coverts  which  have  a  central  black  line,  finely  banded  with  brown  on 
abJomen,  and  becoming  purplish  on  breast  which  is  marked  with  round  spots  of  brown.  Iris,  bill,  and  feet,  brown. 

Adult  female.  Dark-brown  above,  with  the  feathers  edged  with  whitish.  White  beneath,  with  obscure  brown  spots 
on  breast.  Otlierwi-c  similar  to  male.  Young.  Similar  to  female,  and  males  occur  in  all  stages  between  this  and  adult. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Readily  known  in  all  stages  by  the  small  size  and  black  and  white  speculum.  Distributed,  in  summer,  from  Maine, 
northward;  wintering  in  the  South. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  North  America.  Length,  13'75;  stretch,  22'25;  wing,  6'65;  tail,  2'65;  bill, 
rfil);  t-.irsus,  no.  LoogMt  spadom,  15'0;i;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  dl'50;  longest  wing,0'80;  tail,2'80;  bill,  1-70;  tarsus, 
1'sJO.  Shortest  specimen,  12  50;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  20'00;  shortest  wing,  6  50;  tail,  2'50;  bill,  1'50;  tarsus,  TOO. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  KGGS. 

Nats,  placed  on  the  ground  in  marshy  places,  composed  of  grass,  weeds,  etc.  Eyy$,  from  six  to  ten  in  number,  ellip- 
tical in  form,  and  pale  brownish-buff  in  color.  Dimensions  from  l'25x  1'85  to  I'SOx  1'iX). 

HABITS. 

The  Teal  last  mentioned,  as  related,  haunts  the  fresh  waters  of  the  interior,  whereas 
the  present  species,  although  not  uncommon  on  ponds  and  rivers,  appears  to  prefer  the  salt 
water,  resorting  to  the  mouths  of  narrow  creeks  in  which  the  tide  rises  and  falls.  On  the 
southern  .side  pf  Amherst  Island,  one  of  the  Magdalen  group,  are  several  salt  water  ponds 
which  were  formally  lagoons,  but  which  the  shifting  sand  of  the  beaches  have  cut  off  from 
the  water  of  the  gulf.  These  miniature  lakes  are  surrounded  by  a  thick  growth  of  trees, 
composed  mainly  of  spruce  and  hemlock,  which  have  been  so  dwarfed  by  the  severe  climate. 
that  they  rarely  attain  the  height  of  ten  feet.  I  was  making  my  way  along  the  border  of 
one  of  these  ponds,  on  the  sixteenth  of  June,  in  company  with  my  friend,  Mr.  Oilman 
Brown,  when  a  female  Green-winged  Teal  rose  within  a  yard  of  our  feet;  and  stepping  for- 
ward, we  discovered  a  nest  containing  eight  greenish  eggs  which  were  placed  in  a  depres- 
sion of  the  sandy  soil  on  a  few  twigs,  and  surrounded  with  a  ring  of  gray  down,  thus  pre- 
senting a  very  pretty  appearance.  The  spot  was  concealed  by  the  overhanging  branches 
of  u  little  spruce,  and  had  the  bird  remained  quiet,  we  should  have  passed  without  discov- 
ering her  treasures.  The  female  was  quite  shy,  and  after  circling  about  a  few  times  dis- 
appeared. The  eggs*  were  in  an  advanced  state  of  incubation  and  would  have  been  hatched 
in  a  short  time.  The  Green-wings  migrate  through  New  England  a  little  later  than  the 
preceding  species. 

GENTS  IX.    SI'ATI  I.A.    THE  SPOON-HILLED  IHTKS. 


GEN.  Cn.  Bill,  much  lun</i-r  than  h>  ail,  narrow  til  iasi  l,vl  rial  liii/h,  anil  ii.mli  unlni'il  unit  jliiHi  nnl  at  tip.  Lamella 
o  I  upper  mamlilili  ',./<"''  anil  i/mitly  lenythened.  Marginal  inil'-ntntinnf,  »/»'«. 

The  trachea  is  straight,  without  dilatation,  and  the  larynx  of  the  male  i<  expanded  and  provided  with  a  'loiiy  fnune- 
wurk.  The  stomach  is  muscular.  Sexes,  not  similar.  There  is  but  uuu  species  within  our  limits. 


448  SPATULA  CLYPEATA. 

SPATtTLA  CLYPEATA. 

Shoveller  Duck. 
Spatula  clypeata  BOIE.,  Isis;  18-SJ,  5C>4. 

-DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  On.  Form,  rather  elender.  Size,  not  very  large.  COLOR.  Adult  male.  Head  and  upper  neck,  green  with  violet 
and  bluish  reflections.  Remainder  of  neck,  upper  breast,  sides  of  back,  tips  of  greater  wing  coverts,  and  under  wing  cov- 
erts,  white.  Back  and  upper  tail  coverts,  brown,  with  the  feathers  edged  witli  lighter  and  glossed  with  greenish,  especi- 
ally on  the  upper  tail  coverts,  where  the  tints  are  darker.  Tail,  wlyte,  centrally  streaked  with  brown.  Under  tail  coverts, 
black,  with  green  and  violet  reflections.  The  under  parts  not  described,  rich  dark-chestnut,  becoming  lighter  on  the  sides, 
flanks,  and  tibia,  where  the  feathers  are  finely  barred  and  spotted  with  black.  Tertiaries,  black  on  outer  webs,  streaked 
with  whiteon  inner,  and  edged  with  blue  on  two  lower  feathers.  Wing  coverts,  blue  tipped  with  white.  Speculum,  green, 
glossed  with  violet.  Bill,  black,  iris,  yellow,  and  feet,  bright  orange. 

Adu/t  female.  General  color  throughout,  pale  yellowish  with  every  feather  streaked,  spotted,  and  banded  with  dark- 
brown,  the  latter  color  predominating  above.  Wings  as  in  the  male,  but  the  speculum  is  not  as  prominent  and  the  blue 
of  the  coverts  is  edged  and  spotted  with  yellowish-rufous.  The  under  wing  coverts  are  white.  Youny.  Similar  to  adult 
female. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Easily  recognized  by  the  broad  bill,  blue  wing  coverts,  and  green  speculum.  Immature  males  present  all  gradations 
in  plumage  between  young  and  adult.  Distributed,  in  summer,  from  Texas  to  Aliiska.  Winters  in  tbe  South.  Not  com- 
mon in  New  England. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  North  America.  Length,  19*50;  stretch,  31*00;  wing,  8'75;  tail,  3'40;  bill, 
2-45;  tarsus,  1*55.  Longest  specimen,  20*00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  32*00;  longest  wing,  9'50;  tail,  3-75;  bill,  2'60;  tarsus, 
1-60.  Shortest  specimen,  19'00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  30*00;  shortest  wing,  8*00;  tail,  3*00;  bill,  2'50;  tarsus,  T50. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  on  the  ground  near  the  water,  composed  of  sticks,  weeds,  etc.  Eyys,  six  to  ten  in  number,  elliptical  in 
form,  and  pale  ashy-green  in  color.  Dimensions  from  1*45x2*05  to  1*50x2*10. 

HABITS. 

The  Shovellers,  although  quite  common  in  the  West,  are  exceedingly  rare  in  Now  Eng- 
land, but  I  found  them  very  abundant  in  the  shallow  pools  on  the  marshes  of  Salt  Lake  and 
Indian  River,  Florida.  Here  they  fed  in  little  groups,  and  JH  they  were  quite  unsuspi- 
cious, could  be  easily  approached  and  shot.  I  have  also  taken  specimens  at  Key  West  in 
winter.  These  fine  Ducks  may  possibly  breed  in  Florida,  as  I  have  found  them  common 
there  quite  late  in  the  season. 

GENUS  X.  AIX.  THE  ARBOREAL  DUCKS. 

GEN.  Cu.  Bill,  narrow,  rather  hiyh  at  base,  and  pointed  at  tip.  Head,  crested.  Neck,  not  very  short.  Marginal  in- 
dentations, open. 

Trachea,  not  dilate  J,  and  the  larynx  in  the  male  is  expanded,  and  provided  with  a  bony  frame-work.  Stomach ,  mus- 
cular. Tail  feathers,  slightly  lengthened.  Eyes,  large.  Sexes,  not  similar.  There  is  but  one  species  within  our  limits. 

AIX  SPONSA. 

Wood  Duck. 

Aix  sponsa  BOIE.,  Isia;  1828,  329. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cu.  Form,  slender.  Size,  medium.  COLOR.  Adult  male.  Top  and  sides  of  head,  green  glossed  with  violet  and 
purplish.  Narrow  line  over  eye  extending  down  on  nape,  also  one  below- and  back  of  eye,  throat,  and  upper  neck  below  en- 
croaching on  dark  color  above  in  two  triangular  patches,  white.  Above  dark-brown  glossed  with  violet  and  purple.  Tips 
of  secondaries,  white.  , Outer  edges  of  primaries,  hoary.  Lower  neck  and  breast,  chestnut-red  tinged  with  purplish,  dark- 
est above,  and  marked  anteriorly  with  triangular  shaped  spots  of  creamy.  Crescent  in  front  of  wing,  and  under  parts, 
white,  becoming  yellowish  on  sides  which  are  finely  banded  with  dark-brown,  and  marked  posteriorly  with  coarser  bands 
of  black  and  white.  The  under  wing  coverts  are  spotted  with  brown.  There  is  a  spot  of  purplish  tipped  with  lighter  on 
flanks,  and  a  patch  of  black,  back  of  white  crescent  on  sides.  The  under  tail  coverts  are  brown  glossed  with  green.  Bill, 
brown,  purplish  at  base,  with  a  V-shaped  patch  of  white  on  upper  mandible.  Iris,  ruby-red,  and  feet,  brown. 


GREATER  BLACK-HEAD.  449 

Adult  female.  General  markings  as  in  the  mule,  but  with  a  white  patch  around  eye,  and  InckH,  in  a  great  measure, 
the  bright  colors  and  iridescence  which  arc  replaced  or  obscured  with  ashy  and  brownish.  Youny.  Similar  to  adult  fe- 
male but  the  breast  is  streaked  with  whitish.  The  males,  however,  are  brighter  than  the  females. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  in  all  stages  by  the  iridescent  colors  of  wings  as  described.  Distributed,  in  summer,  throughout  Temperate 
Nortli  America;  wintering  in  the  South. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  North  America.  Length,  IS'OO;  stretch,  29'00;  wing,  9'00;  tail,  4'12;  bill, 
1' 35;  tarsus,  1'30.  Longest  specimen,  19'OU;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  29'75;  longest  wing,  9'60;  tail.  4'25;  bill,  1'SO;  tarsus, 
1'40.  Shortest  specimen,  17'OC;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  28-00;  shortest  wing,  H-45;  tail,  4'00;  bill,  1'25;  tarsus,  1-20 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  holes  of  trees,  composed  of  grass,  weeds,  feathers,  etc.  Eggs,  six  to  ten  in  number,  elliptical  in 
form,  and  pale  brown  in  color.  Dimensions  from  roSxl'SSto  r  1  ">  x  1  li.~>. 

HABITS. 

The  beautiful  Wood  Ducks  are  among  the  best  known  of  all  the  species  which  resort 
to  our  inland  waters,  for  they  are  abundant  in  summer  and  breed  from  Maine  to  Florida, 
and  it  is  a  singular  fact,  that  the  eggs  are  deposited  in  the  latter  named  State  in  May  and 
June,  nearly  or  quite  as  late  as  they  are  laid  further  north.  The  Wood  Ducks  almost  in- 
variably select  a  hole  in  a  tree  or  stub  in  which  to  build,  often  some  distance  from  the  wa- 
ter and  occasionally  at  a  considerable  height  from  the  ground,  and  when  a  pair  of  these 
birds  have  selected  a  particular  tree,  they  will  return  to  it  year  after  year.  Mr.  Will  Per- 
haui  called  my  attention  to  a  section  of  a  hollow  log  which  he  had  fastened  in  the  fork  of 
a  huge  pine  that  stands  near  Tyng  Pond,  which  he  said  was  the  nesting  place  of  a  certain 
pair  of  these  Ducks,  and  also  stated  that  they  had  used  it  for  several  years.  As  the  young 
do  not  remain  in  the  nest  long  after  being  hatched,  they  must  be  removed  by  the  parents 
and  carried  to  the  water.  These  elegant  birds  are  easily  tamed,  and  even  when  in  a  state 
of  nature,  will  readily  associate  with  domesticated  fowls,  feeding  with  them  through  the 
entire  summer.  In  autumn,  the  Wood  Ducks  often  visit  the  woods  in  search  of  chestnuts 
and  acorns.  They  migrate  southward  during  October  but  occur  in  Florida  all  winter. 

GENUS  XI.    FULIGDLA.    THE  BAY  DUCKS. 
<II:N.  Cii.     Mill,  lonyer  than  head,  quite  wide,  somewhat  flattened,  and  not  expanded  at  lip.     Marginal  indentations, 

Ujllll. 

The  trachea  is  straight  and  without  any  special  dilatation.  The  larynx  in  males  is  expanded  and  provided  witli  a  bony 
frame- work.  Stomach,  muscular.  Sexes,  not  similar.  There  are  five  species  within  our  limits. 

PULIGULA  MARILA. 
Greater  Black-head. 

Fulvjula  marila  STEPII.,  Shaw's  Zool.  XII;  1824,  197. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  COLOR.  Adult  male.  Head,  neck  all  around,  upper  parts,  breast,  sides,  flank-, 
and  under  tail  coverts,  black,  glossed  with  green  and  violet  on  head,  becoming  slightly  brownish  around  middle  of  neck, 
finely  banded  with'  white  across  back.  Remainder  of  under  part*,  white,  faintly  banded  with  black  on  abdomen.  Black 
feathers  of  breast,  slightly  tipped  with  white,  and  those  on  shoulders  are  faintly  spotted  with  it.  Speculum,  white.  Bill, 
blue,  with  nail  and  feet,  black.  Iris  orange.  Adult  female.  Similar,  but  the  black  is  replaced  by  brown,  and  the  barrings 
above  are  faintly  indicated.  The  sides  are  brown  and  there  Is  a  whitish  space  around  base  of  bill.  Youny.  Resemble  the 
adult  female  but  arc  more  reddi-di  above. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  from  the  following  species  by  the  large  size  and  decidedly  greenish  gloss  to  head;  and  from  all  others,  by  the 
broad  blue  bill  and  whiU1  speculum.  Distributed  iu  summer  throughout  Northern  America;  wintering  from  Massachu- 
setts to  the  Carolina*. 

67 


450  FUL1GULA  AFF1N1S. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens.  Length,  19'00;  stretch,  3%' 50;  wing,  8'50;  tail,  2'75;  bill,  I'SO;  tarsus,  1'50. 
Longest  specimen,  20  00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  34'00;  longest  wing,  9'OH;  tail,  3'00;  bill,  T85;  tarsus,  1'tiO.  Shortest 
specimen,  18-00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  30  00;  shortest  wing,  8'00;  tail,  2'50;  bill,  1'75;  tarsus,  1'40. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  on  the  ground  in  marshy  places,  composed  of  sticks,  weeds,  etc.  Eggs,  from  six  to  ten  in  number,  ellip- 
tical in  form,  ashy-green  in  color.  Dimensions  from  I'70x2'35  to  I'75x2'50. 

HABITS. 

The  Greater  Black-heads,  or  Blue-bills  as  they  are  called  by  sportsmen,  are  very  far 
from  being  common  on  the  coast  of  Massachusetts,  even  in  winter,  but  occur  to  the  south- 
ward in  considerable  numbers.  They  closely  resemble  the  succeeding  in  colors  and  habits 
but  are  really  a  distinct  species.  They  are,  however,  rather  more  maritime  than  the  Little 
Black-heads,  yet  are  found  on  the  lakes  and  rivers  of  the  interior.  They  breed  in  the  far 
North. 

FULIGTJLA  AFFINI3. 

Little  Black-head. 
Fuligul  a  qffinis  ETTON,  Mon.  Anat.;  1838,  157. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  robust.  Size,  small.  COLOR.  Excepting  in  being  .smaller,  in  having  the  head  glossed  with  violet  on- 
ly, and  in  having  no  white  sprinklings  on  shoulders,  this  species  does  not  differ  from  the  Greater  Black-head,  to  which  re- 
fer for  further  description. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

For  comparison  with  other  species  see  preceding.  Distribute  1,  in  summer,  throughout  the  North-west  and  North ; 
wintering  from  New  Jersey,  southward. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  North  America.  Length,  16'80;  stretch,  sJO'OO;  wing,  7'50;  tail,  2'55;  bill, 
1'35;  tarsus,  1'30.  Longest  specimen,  17'25;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  29'50;  longest  wing,  7'75;  tail,  2  75,  bill,  1'75;  tarsus, 
1  50.  Shortest  specimen,  15'50;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  28'50;  shortest  wing,  7'30;  tail,  a  35;  bill,  T05;  tarsus,  rio. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  (n  fie  ground  in  marshy  places,  composed  of  sticks,  weeds,  etc.  Eyys,  six  to  ten  in  number,  elliptical 
in  form,  and  ashy-green  in  color.  Dimensions  from  1'GO  x 2'25  to  T65  x 2'30. 

HABITS. 

The  Little  Black-heads  or  Scaups  are  quite  common  on  the  rivers  and  ponds  of  the 
Northern  States,  and  congregate  in  great  numbers  on  the  inland  waters  of  the  South  in 
winter,  but  are  particularly  abundant  in  Florida,  fairly  swarming  on  the  St.  John's  and 
Indian  Rivers.  They  are  highly  gregarious  and  gather  in  largn  compact  flocks,  especially 
at  night,  from  which  circumstance  they  are  termed  Raft  Ducks.  When  disturbed  at  such 
times,  they  rise  with  a  noise  like  thunder,  fly  a  short  distance,  and  settle  down  again.  In 
the  immediate  vicinity  of  settlements  they  are  shy,  but  I  have  always  found  them  very 
unsuspicious  in  the  wilder  districts,  where  they  would  allow  me  to  walk  or  row  within  a 
few  yards  of  them.  As  their  flesh  is  fishy  and  dry,  I  seldom  shot  them;  thus  they  would 
gather  in  the  little  bay  in  front  of  our  camp  on  Indian  River  in  considerable  numbers.'  Like 
all  Ducks  of  this  genus,  they  dive  well,  remaining  a  considerable  time  under  water.  The 
Scaups  linger  in  the  South  until  late  in  spring. 

FULIGULA  COLLARIS. 

Ring-necked  Duck. 
Fuliyula  collaris  BON.  List;  1842. 

DESCRIPTION. 
£i>.  Cu.     Form,  robust.     Size,  small.     Adult  male.     Head  and  neck  all  around,  excepting  band  in  the  middle  which  is 


KINO-NECK  Dl'CK  451 

chestnut-red,  iipjior  jxirtions  and  nnal  region  black,  becomin}-;  brownish  on  wing*.  Secondaries,  narrrowly  tipped  with 
white.  Sj-cculiim,  pc;-.rly-gray.  White  l-eneath,  finely  mottled  throughout,  nnd  banded  on  sides  and  Hanks, with  brown. 
Chin,  white.  Bill,  l>lack,  crossed  on  upper  mandible  near  tip  with  a  line  of  blue,  iris,  orange,  and  feet,  greenish-brown. 

Adult  female.  The  black  is  replaced  with  brown,  the  feathers  are  edged  with  lighter  and  under  wing  coverts  arc  ashy; 
otherwi-e  similar  to  male.  Young.  Similar  to  female,  but  more  reddish  above. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  in  all  stages  by  the  broad  bill  and  gray  speculum.  Distributed,  in  summer,  throughout  the  Arctic  Uegions; 
wintering  from  the  Uarolinas,  southward. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  North  America.  Length,  16*29;  stretch,  27*  12;  wing,  7*65;  tail,  2'50;  bill, 
1*82;  tarsus,  1*38.  Longest  specimen,  17'0(i;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  23*25;  longest  wing,  8*00;  taii,2'70;  bill,  1*99;  tarsus, 
T50.  Shortest  specimen,  15'50;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  26*00:  shortest  wing,  7  30;  tail,  2  25;  bill,  1*75;  tarsus,  1*25. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  KGGS. 

Nists,  placed  on  the  ground  in  marshy  places,  composed  of  grass,  weeds,  etc.  Eyys,  from  six  to  ten  in  number,  ellip- 
tical in  form,  and  ashy-green  in  color.  Dimensions  from  I'60x2'25  to  I*65x2'30. 

HABITS. 

The  Ring-necked  Ducks  are  occasionally  found  on  the  ponds  and  rivers  of  the  North, 
and  I  have  found  them  not  uncommon  throughout  the  inland  waters  of  the  South,  quite  to 
Key  West,  but  I  never  saw  them  abundant  anywhere.  They  occur  regularly,  however, 
in  the  West.  They  have  similar  habits  to  those  of  the  preceding  species  but  do  not  gath- 
er in  such  large  flocks,  small  companies  being  more  frequently  seen,  and  I  have  met  with 
solitary  individuals.  These  Ducks  breed  in  the  far  North. 

FULIGULA  FEKINA. 

Red-head. 
Fuliyulaferina  BON.,  Syn.,  1888,  392. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sr.  On.  Form,  rather  robust.  Size,  quite  large.  Bill,  not  very  high  at  base,  nor  produced  backward  on  forehead. 
Coi.oit.  Ailu.ll  male,  lleul  and  neck,  for  more  than  half  its  length,  brownish-red,  glossed  with  violet.  Remainderof 
nivk,  Kj.lv  in  front  ofwing,  lower  back,  and  tail  coverts,  black.  Back  nnd  under  parts  white,  sprinkled  abovoandon  sides 
with  black  which  abtfut  equals  the  white  in  proportion.  Wing  coverts,  ashy  sprinkled  with  whitish.  Wings,  brown. 
Speculum,  bluish-ash,  tipped  with  whitish,  and  with  upper  feathers  margined  with  black.  Bill,  tipped  with  black,  iris, 
orange,  and  feet,  bluish.  Adult  female.  General  color  throughout,  brown,  with  the  feathers  edged  with  pale  yellowish. 
The  white  markings  above  are  faintly  indicated,  otherwise  as  in  the  male. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Easily  recognized  by  the  clear  red  head,  gray  speculum,  and  short,blue  bill  which  Is  not  high  at  base  nor  produced  back 
on  forehead.  Distributed,  iu  summer,  throughout  the  Arctic  Regions.  'Winters  from  New  Jersey  to  Florida. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  North  America.  Length,  20*00;  stretch,  32*25;  wing,  8*50;  tail,  2*62;  bill, 
1-87;  tarsus,  1*02.  Longestspecimcn, 21*00;  greatest  extent  of  wing, 33'00;  longest  wing,  'J'50;  tail,  2-75;  bill,  2*00;  tarsus, 
1-75.  Shortest  specimen,  10'OC;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  31*50;  shortest  wing,  7*50;  tail,  2*50;  bill,  1*75;  tarsus,  1-50. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGUS 

Nests,  placed  on  the  ground  near  the  water,  composed  of  sticks,  weeds,  etc.  Eyyi,  six  to  ten  in  number,  elliptical  in 
form,  and  creamy-white  in  color.  Dimensions  from  1*65x2  20  to  Ii*75x2'30. 

HABITS. 

The  Rod-heads  are  not  common  in  New  England  or  in  Florida,  but  as  every  one  knows, 
who  is  familiar  wi!h  sporting  matters,  occur  in  great  numbers  in  the  intermediate  section, 
(-specially  in  Chesapeake  Bay  and  in  the  sounds  of  North  Carolina,  where  they  gather  in 
large  flocks,  and  where  they  have  similar  habits  to  those  of  the  succeeding  species. 

FULIGULA  VALLISNERIA. 
Canvas-back  Duck. 

Fuligvla  valluwria  IMA.,  List,  1838. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  robust.  Si/.i\  large.  Bill,  long  and  tapering,  rather  high  at  base,  and  produced  liack  i  n  loreiiond. 
COI.OK.  Ailull  inn,'' .  lica'l  and  upjicr  neck,  chestnut-red,  with  top  of  former  and  region  alioul  base  ni  bill,  dusky,  lir 


452  BUCEPHALA  CLANGULA. 

mainder  of  neck,  ho<)y  anterior  to  shoulders,  lower  back  and  tail  coverts,  blnck.  Under  parts  and  back  wliitr.  finely  spot- 
ted on  former  and  sides  with  black,  but  the  white  predominates.  Wings  and  tail,  brown.  Speculum,  bluish-ash,  tip- 
ped with  white,  and  edged  above  with  black.  Iris,  red,  bill  black,  and  feet,  blue. 

Adult  female.  Brown  throughout,  becoming  lighter  below,  with  the  feat  hers  edged  with  yellowish.  The  white  mark- 
ings above  are  only  faintly  indicated.  Otherwise  as  in  the  male. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  in  all  stages  by  the  long  hill  which  is  high  at  base,  and  predominating  white  above  which  is  the  reverse  in  the 
preceding  which  see  for  further  comparison.  Distributed,  in  summer,  throughout  the  North-west  and  North;  wintering 
from  New  Jersey  to  Middle  Florida. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Eastern  North  America.  Length,  21  '50;  stretch,  32-00;  wing,  9'76,  tail. 
2'62;  bill,  2-75;  tarsus,  T62.  Longest  specimen,  23'25 ;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  33'00;  longest  wing,  KcOO ;  tail,  2  75:  bill, 
3-(Kj:  tarsus,  T75.  Shortest  specimen,  20'35;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  31-00;  shortest  wing,  9'50;  tail,  2'50;  bill,  2'5<);  tar- 
sus, 1'50. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  on  the  ground  in  marshy  places,  composed  of  sticks,  weeds,  etc.  Egg*,  six  to  ten  in  numher,  elliptical 
in  form,  and  ashy-green  in  color.  Dimensions  from  !•  70x2-50  to  I'75x2'55. 

HABITS. 

The  Canvas-backed  Ducks,  so  well  known  to  sportsmen  and  epicures,  are  found  in 
our  section  most  abundantly  in  the  waters  of  the  bays  and  sounds  of  the  middle  districts, 
and  although  like  the  preceding  species,  a  few  reach  Florida,  neither  are  ever  found  in  the 
southern  portion  of  the  peninsula.  The  fine  flavor  which  the  flesh  of  these  Ducks  is  said 
to  possess,  is  probably  due  partly  to  the  imagination  of  those  who  pay  high  prices  for  the 
privilege  of  eating  it,  but  I  must  confess,  however,  that  I  never  could  see  any  difference 
between  these  birds,  even  when  taken  in  the  Chesapeake,  and  other  Ducks;  while  those 
which  I  have  obtained  in  Florida,  have  always  been  so  dry  and  fishy,  that  they  were  utter- 
ly worthless.  The  Canvas-backs,  in  common  with  many  others  of  the  Bay  Ducks,  dive 
well,  remaining  under  water  for  a  long  time.  This  species  and  the  preceding  are  intimate- 
ly associated  throughout  their  entire  distribution. 

GENUS  XI.    BUCEPHALA.    THE  TRKE  DUCKS. 

GEN.  CH.  Bill,  shorter  than  head,  very  high  at  base,  narrowing  gradually  toward  tip  and  not  flattened.  Neck,  short. 
Marginal  indentations,  closed. 

The  trachea  is  variable  but  the  larynx  of  the  male  is  expanded  and  provided  with  a  bony  frame-work.  The  stomach 
is  very  muscular.  Sexes,  not  similar.  There  are  three  species  within  our  limits. 

BUCEPHALA  CLANGULA. 
Golden-eyed  Duck. 

Bucephala  clanyula  COUES,  Key;  1872,  290. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  Trachea,  widely  dilated  in  the  center,  where  it  is  capable  of  expansion  and  con- 
traction. Bill,  long.  COLOR.  Adultmale.  Head,  upper  neck  all  around,  and  upper  parts,  black,  glossed  with  green  and 
violet.  Round  spot  at  base  of  bill,  line  through  wing,  and  remainder  of  neck  and  under  parts,  white.  Scapularies,  lance- 
shaped,  streaked  and  edged  with  white.  Tibia,  under  wing  coverts,  and  axillaries,  brown.  Iris,  orange.  Bill,  black. 
Feet,  yellow.  Adult  female.  Similar,  but  the  black  is  replaced  by  ashy-brown  which  becomes  grayish-white  on  neck  be- 
low, and  al!  the  feathers  are  edged  with  whitish.  Young.  Resemble  the  adult  female,  but  in  males  the  round  spot  at  the 
base  (jf  bill  is  sometimes  faintly  indicated. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  by  the  white  circular  spot  at  base  of  bill,  lance-shaped  scapularies,  and  greenish  gloss  on  head.  Distributed, 
in  summer,  from  Northern  New  England,  northward;  wintering  from  Massachusetts,  southward. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  North  America.  Length,  20'00;  stretch,  30'50:  wing,  8-50;  tail,  3-75;  bill, 
1-60;  tarsus,  1'40.  Longest  specimen,  23-00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  32'00;  longest  wing,  !HK);  tail.  4 '00;  hill,  1-80:  tarsus, 
1-50.  Shortest  specimen,  18'75;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  29'00;  shortest  wing,  H'OO;  tail,  3-50;  bill,  l'40;  tarsus,  1-25. 


BAKROW'S  GOLDEN-EYE.  453 

DESCRIPTION  OK  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  holes  of  trees,  composed  of  grass,  weeds,  feathers,  etc.  Eyyi,  six  to  ten  in  number,  spherical  in 
firm,  and  ashy-green  in  color.  Dimensions  from  I'75x2'35  to  r80x2'40. 

HABITS. 

The  Golden-eyes  come  to  us  late  in  autumn,  remaining  through  the  winter.  They 
frequent  the  mouths  of  rivers  which  empty  into  the  ocean,  flying  in  to  feed  at  low  tide, 
then  at  high  water,  retreating  into  the  hays,  where,  excepting  during  very  severe  storms, 
they  pass  the  night.  During  winter,  when  the  rivers  are  nearly  always  frozen  over,  these 
Ducks  resort  to  the  rifts,  made  in  the  ice  by  the  eddying  tide  where  the  water  is  open. 
They  are  always  shy  birds,  rising  at  the  slightest  indication  of  danger  and  flying  out  to 
sea,  making  as  they  go,  a  whistling  noise  with  their  wings,  which  is  distinctly  audible  some 
distance,  and  which  has  given  them  the  name  of  Whistle  Wings  among  sportsmen.  The 
Golden-eyed  Ducks  breed  in  Northern  New  England,  nesting  in  holes  of  trees  which  stand 
along  the  borders  of  lakes  and  rivers. 

BUCEPHAiA  ISLANDICA. 

Barrow's  Golden-eye. 
Bucephala  hlandica  B.URD,  Birds  N.  A.,  1858,  796. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Si-.  CH.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  Larynx,  dilated  in  center,  where  it  is  capable  of  extension  and  contraction. 
Bill,  short.  COLOR.  Adult  male.  Head  and  upper  neck  all  around,  and  upper  parts,  black  glossed  with  violet.*  Triangu- 
lar pa  ti-h  at  base  of  upper  mandible,  line  through  wing,  interrupted  by  a  black  hand,  lower  neck,  and  under  portion,  white. 
Feathers  of  sides,  tipped  with  black.  Scapularies,  rounded  at  tip,  with  a  pointed  projection  on  one  or  both  sides,  and  a 
triangular  spot  on  rounded  tip  is  white.  Axillaries,  under  wing  coverts,  and  tibia,  brown.  Iris,  orange,  bill,  black,  and 
feet,  yellow.  Adult  female.  Brown  above  and  on  sides,  darkest  on  head:  while  below.  Otherwise  similar  to  adult  male. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Knnwn  by' the  triangular  patch  at  base  of  short  bill  and  peculiar  truncated  scapularies.  Distributed,  in  summer,  in 
the  far  North;  wintering  from  the  Gulf  of  St.  Lawrence  to  New  York. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens.  Length,  2T50;  stretch,  :U-50;  wing,  9'00;  tail,  3'75;  bill,  1'45;  tarsus,  1-50. 
I-onirost  specimen,  22  00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  33'00;  longest  wing,  9  50;  tail,  4'00;  bill,  1'50;  tarsus,  1'60.  Shortest 
sp«-(  imen,  -21-00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  SO'OO;  shortest  wing,  8-50;  tail,  3'50;  bill,  1'4H;  tarsus,  1'40. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  holes  of  trees,  composed  (.f  sticks,  weeds,  feathers,  etc.  Eyyf,  from  six  to  ten  in  number, elliptical  in 
form,  ashy-green  in  color.  Dimensions  from  1 '70x2-40  to  1-75x2-45. 

HABITS. 

Barrow's  Golden-eye  is  an  extremely  rare  bird  on  the  coast;  so  rare,  in  fact,  that  I 
never  met  with  a  living  specimen,  but  some  are  usually  taken  every  season,  for  a  few  find 
their  way  into  the  Boston  markets.  Judging  from  published  accounts,  this  species  does 
not  ditTer  in  habits  from  the  preceding  Duck. 

BUCEPHALA  ALBEOLA. 

Baffle-head. 

Bucephala  a/beo/a  BD.,  Birds  N.  A.  1858,  797. 
DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.     Form,  mbust.     Size.  <=mall.     COLOR.     Adult  male.    Head,  upper  neck  and  upper  portions,  hlack,  becoming 
hoary  "n  upper  tail  covert-,  and  glossed  with  green  and  violet  on  the  two  first.     Triangular  patch  back  of  eye,  broad  line 
t hn ninli  winir,  and  under  parts,  white.     Iris,  brown,  bill,  black,  feet,  yellow.     Adult  frma/r.     Smoky  brown  alt >u-. ' 
ing  white  Mow.     There  i<  a  white  patch  on  side  of  head  and  another  small  one  on  wing.      Youny.     Similar  to  ao'ult  l<-:iml<' 
but  the  white  mill-kings  of  the  males  are  more  extended. 


454  -  HARLEQUIN  DUCK. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  by  the  small  she  nnd  white  patch  on  side  of  head.  Distributed,  in  summer,  throughout  Arctic  America,  win- 
tering from  Massachussetts,  southward. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  North  America.  Length,  14*00;  stretch,  23*00;  wing,  6*75;  tail,  2'62;  hill, 
T15;  tarsus,  1*15.  Longest  specimen,  15'00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  25'<K>;  longest  wing,  7*50;  tail,  2*75;  bill,  1*35;  tsirsus, 
1*30.  Shortest  specimen,  12'95;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  21*05;  shortest  wing,  5*95;  tail,  2-50;  bill,  1*05;  tarsus,  TOO. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGOS. 

Nests,  placed  in  boles  of  trees,  composed  of  weeds,  grass,  feathers,  etc.  Eyys,  six  to  twelve  in  number,  elliptical  in 
form,  and  greenish-buff  in  color.  Dimensions  from  1*25  x  1*75  to  1*50x2*03. 

.'      HABITS. 

The  Buffle-heads  are  well  known  birds,  both  on  the  coast  and  in  the  waters  of  the  in- 
terior, for  they  are  abundant  everywhere,  especially  in  large  rivers.  They  dive  with  great 
ease,  slipping  under  water  almost  as  readily  and  quickly  as  a  Grebe,  then  will  remain  be- 
neath the  surface  for  a  considerable  time.  The  ease  with  which  they  disappear  beneath 
this  yielding  clement,  has  gained  for  them  the  name  of  Dippers  and  Spirit  Ducks.  They 
arrive  from  the  North  in  October,  pass  to  the  south  of  us,  and  return  in  early  spring  on 
their  way  to  their  northern  breeding  grounds,  where  they  nest,  like  other  members  of  the 
genus,  in  trees. 

GENUS  XIII.    HARELDA.   'THE  SHORT-BILLED  SEA  DUCKS. 

GEM.  CH.  Jiill,  much  shorter  than  head,  rather  high  at  base,  rounded  and  somewhat  pointed  at  tip.  Marginal  inden- 
tations, nearly,  or  quite,  closed. 

The  trachea  is  straight  and  without  any  special  dilatation.  The  larynx  in  males  is  expanded  and  provided  with  a  bony 
frame-work.  Stomach,  muscular.  Sexes,  not  similar.  There  are  two  species  within  our  limits. 

HAEELDA  HISTEIONICA. 

Harlequin  Duck. 
Anas  histrionica  LINN.,  Syst.  Nat.,  I,  J758,  127. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  robust.  Size, small.  COLOR.  Adultmale.  General  color  bluish-ash,  palest  on  back  and  browner  below. 
Patch  on  side  of  head  and  breast,  roundish  spot  on  side  of  occiput  and  neck,  on  middle  wing  coverts  and  on  flanks,  band  on 
lower  neck,  tips  of  greater  wing  coverts,  part  of  scapularies,  and  outer  websoftertiaries,  white.  Line  behind  eye  anJ  Hank-, 
chestnut.  Broad  stripe  on  lop  of  head,  black.  Speculum,  purplish  with  violet  reflections.  Iris,  brown,  bill,  greenish,  and 
feet,  bluish.  Adult  female.  A.shy-brown  throughout,  mottled  with  ashy-white  below,  with  a  whitish  spot  in  front  of  eye 
and  one  of  pure  white  behind  ear  coverts.  Wing.?  and  tail,  brown.  Youny.  Similar  to  the  female,  but  the  males  show 
some  markings  of  the  adult. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  by  the  peculiar  markings  as  described.  Distributed  in  summer  from  the  Gulf  of  St.  Lawrence,  northward,  and 
in  the  Rocky  Mountains;  wintering  from  Massachusetts,  northward,  hut  rare  south  of  this  point. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  North  America.  Length,  16'75;  stretch,  25*50;  wing,  «*50;  tail,  3*25;  bill, 
1*63;  tarsus,  1*35.  Longest  specimen,  17*50;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  27*00;  longest  wing,  8~00;  tail,  3-50;  bill,  1*75;  tarsus, 
1*50.  Shortest  specimen,  16*00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  24*00;  shortest  wing,  7*00;  tail,  2*95;  bill,  1*50;  tarsus,  1-25. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS- 

Nests,  placed  on  the  ground  near  the  water,  composed  of  sticks,  weeds,  etc.  Eyyi,  six  to  ten  in  number,  elliptical  in 
form,  and  greenish-yellow  in  color.  Dimensions  from  1 -30x2-00  to  1*50x2*10. 

HABITS. 

The  singularly  marked,  but  beautiful,  Harlequin  Ducks  occur  on  our  coast  as  rare  win- 
ter visitants,  but  are  much  more  common  further  north,  although  they  do  not  appear  to 
be  abundant  anywhere  at  present.  They  were,  however,  quite  common  about  Grand  Me- 
nan,  where  they  are  called  Lord  and  Lady  Ducks,  some  years  ago,  and  now  some  are  tak- 
en there  every  season,  but  they  are  rapidly  growing  rare,  even  in  that  remote  locality. 


LONG-TAILED  Dl'CK.  456 

These  birds  breed  on  the  borders  of  the  rivers,  and  a  sailor  that  I  met  on  a  coasting  vessel, 
and  who  lived  in  Buy  of  Islands,  Newfoundland,  assured  uie  that  they  bred  in  the  vicinity 
of  that  port,  as  he  had  captured  the  downy  young  when  on  excursions  in  the  interior  of 
the  island. 

HAKELDA  GLACIALIS. 

Long-tailed  Duck. 
Harelda glacialii  "LKACn"  Steph.,  Shaw's,  Zool.,  XII,  1824,  175. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  rather  robust.  Size,  quite  large.  Tail,  very  long,  with  middle  feathers  attenuated  and  pointed. 
(.'<ii.ui:.  Adult  male  in  sumnar.  Head,  neck,  breast,  upper  parts,  middle  upper  tail  coverts  and  tail  f'entliers,  nnd  under 
winii  coverts,  v< TV  dark-brown,  darkest^on  back.  Sides  of  head  and  body,  bluish-Hill.  Patch  behind  eye,  longitudinal 
stre;ik  on  sides  of  occiput,  umler  parts,  and  outer  tail  feathers,  white.  Feathers  of  upper  back  and  scapularies,  edged  with 
chestnut.  Iris,  brown,  bill,  black,  surrounded  by  a  narrow  ring  of  orange  near  tip,  and  feet,  bluish.  In  winter.  Head, 
mvk.  upper  hack,  and  breast,  white  with  a  patch  of  brown  on  sides  of  head  below  one  of  ashy.  The  top  of  head  is  creamy. 
Scapularics  and  tertiarii's,  ashy-blue.  Otherwise  as  in  summer.  Adult  female.  Similar  to  the  male,  but  lacks  the  long 
tail  feathers,  and  the  head  and  neck  are  dusky,  with  a  whitish  patch  around  eye  and  on  side  of  neck  behind. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Easily  recognized  by  the  long  tail  and  peculiar  markings  as  described.  Distributed  in  summer  from  Labrador,  north- 
ward; wintering  from  Grand  Menan  to  New  Jersey. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  North  America.  Length,  18'OC;  stretch,  28' 12;  wing,  8'70;  tail,  5'25;  bill, 
T15;  tarsus,  1'2.>.  Longest  specimen,  21'  10;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  30'25;  longest  wing,9'45:  tail,  7-53;  bill,  T30;  tarsus, 
T42.  Shortest  specimen,  IS'OO;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  26'05;  shortest  wing,  7  95;  tail,  3  05;  bill,  1'05;  tarsus,  1-bJ. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  KGGS. 

Nests,  placed  on  the  ground  in  marshy  places,  composed  of  grass,  weeds,  etc. ,  lined  with  down.  Eyys,  from  six  to  ten 
in  number,  elliptical  in  form,  and  greenish-ash  in  color.  Dimensions  from  I'50x2'10  to  r55x2'15. 

II A 15  ITS. 

The  Long-tailed  Ducks  are  fall  and  winter  visitants  to  our  coast.  They  are  found  off 
rocky  shores,  gathering  about  ledges  to  feed  at  low  tide,  then  retreating  to  open  water  at 
full  sea  to  rest'.  Very  few  of  the  Ducks  have  characteristic  notes,  but  the  present  species 
forms  a  most  decided  exception  to  the  rule,  as  any  one  can  testify  who  has  heard  a  drake 
Long-tail  that  has  become  separated  from  the  flock,  for  like  most  Ducks,  this  species  is  gre- 
garious, utter  his  cry.  "Ah-ah  ah-er-lit,"  he  says,  as  distinctly  as  if  spoken  by  a  human 
being,  but  with  an  accent  and  tone  so  peculiar,  that  it  must  be  heard  in  order  to  be  appre- 
ciated. The  notes  are  strong  and  loud,  so  loud,  in  fact,  that  other  males  feeding  with  the 
flock  near  the  rocky  clifts,  some  distance  away,  hear  and  respond  with  "er-lit  ah-er-lit." 
Then  the  straggler  alighting  with  them,  emits  a  few  contented  ah-ahs,  while  every  Duck 
welcomes  him  with  alike  note,  after  which  they  vociferate  together  for  some  time,  just  as 
though  they  were  gossiping,  and  this  habit  has  caused  them  to  receive  the  appellation  of 
Old  S'liia-.vs  from  gunners.  The  Long-tails  depart  in  early  spring,  arriving  on  their  breed- 
ing grounds  in  Labrador  and  northward  as  soon  as  the  ice  has  left  the  rivers. 

(.KMS.XIV.     SOMATF.KIA.    THE  SEA  DUCKS. 

'IKS.  Cu.  Bill,  a/mut  as  lony  as  head,  rather  hi(jh,  more  or  less  swollen  at  bate,  laperimj  gradually  toward  tip  and  not 
flattened.  Neck,  short.  Maryinal  indentations,  o/Kn. 

The  trachea  is  without  social  dilatation  bu'  the  larynx  of  the  male  is  expanded  and  provided  witha  bony  frame-work. 
The  stomach  is  very  muscular.  Sexes,  not  similar.  There  are  three  species  within  our  limits. 

SOMATERIA  LABRADOKIA. 

Labrador  Duck. 

Anas  Labradona  (in.,  S\-t.  Nat.,  I;  1788,  557. 
DESCRIPTION. 

Sr.  Cu.     Form,  robust.     Size,  medium.     L'iil,  not  much  swollen  at  ba-r.     COI.OK.     Ailult  nui/<-.      Kloniralrd  patch  <m 


456  EWE«  DICK. 

top  of  head  and  nape,  ring  around  lower  neck,  broadening  out  on  back  from  which  proceeds  a  longitudinal  band,  becoming 
wider  on  back  and  rump,  and  under  parts,  black.  Head,  neck,  transverse  patch  below  black  ring,  sides  of  throat,  scap- 
ularics  which  are  tinged  with  bluish,  and  wings,  excepting  primaries  which  are  plumbeous-black,  white.  Bill,  bluish  tip- 
ped with  black,  iris,  reddish-brown,  and  feet,  blue.  Adult  female.  Ashy-gray  throughout,  becoming  darker  below,  and 
the  tertiaries  are  hoary,  while  the  inner  secondaries  are  margined  internally  with  black. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  by  the  prominent  black  and  white  colors  as  described.  Formally  distributed  in  winter  from  New  Jersey, 
northward,  and  bred  in  the  far  North.  At  present,  very  rare  everywhere. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  North  America.  Length,  22'00;  stretch,  29-50;  wing,  9'05;  tail,  3'65;  bill, 
1-65;  tarsus,  1'55.  Longest  specimen,  23'75;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  SO'OO;  longest  wing,  9'25;  tail.  3'75;  bill,  T75;  tarsus, 
1-60.  Shortest  specimen,  20'00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  29'30;  shortest  wing,  H'80;  tail,  3'50;  bill,  T50;  tarsus,  1-50. 

HABITS. 

The  Labrador  Duck  has,  within  the  last  fifteen  or  twenty  years,  become  so  rare  as  to 
be  considered  nearly  extinct.  I  saw  a  Duck  in  Plumb  Island  River,  some  five  or  six  win- 
ters ago,  which  I  was  confident  was  this  species,  but  was  unable  to  procure  it;  and  I  nev- 
er saw  another,  nor  can  I. learn  that  any  have  been  taken  on  our  coast  of  late  years.  I 
hear  upon  good  author! ty,  however,  that  one  was  procured  at  Grand  Menan,  three  years 
nince,  in  winter.  This  latter  named  locality  appears  to  have  been  the  strong-hold  of  the 
species  in  the  not  very  distant  past,  and  numbers  have  been  secured  there.  In  habit,  this 
Duck  resembles  other  Sea  Ducks,  feeding  largely  upon  mollusks  which  are  procured  by 
diving.  At  present,  the  Labrador  Duck  is  a  great  desideratum  in  collections,  there  being 
but  few  specimens  in  the  country. 

SOMATERIA  MOL1SSIMA. 

Eider  Duck. 
lomateria  molissima  LEACH,  Flemming,  Philos.,  Zool.;  1822. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.     Form,  robust.     Size,  large.     Bill,  slightly  swollen  at  base  and  fleshy  covering  projects  backward  on  either 
side.     Tertiaries,  curved  outward.     COLOR.        Adult  male.  Head  and  neck  all  around,  upper  breast,  and  entire  upper - 
surface,  white.     Narrow  margin  at  base  of  bill,  forehead,  and  line  through  eye  to  nape,  black,  while  the  white  behind  and 
below  the  line,  is  glossed  with  emerald  green.     Beneath,  black  with  the  axillaries  white.     Primaries,  very  dark-brown. 
The  white  beneath  and  on  the  wings  is  overwashed  with  qreamy.     Bill  and  feet,  greenish,  iris,  brown. 

Adult  female.  Reddish-brown  throughout,  transversely  banded  everywhere,  excepting  on  wings,  with  dark-brown. 
Tertiaries,  tipped  with  white.  Young.  Similar  to  adult  female. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  by  the  peculiar  fleshy  process  projecting  backward  at  base  of  bill,  large  size,  and  colors  as  described.  Distrib- 
uted in  summer  from  Grand  Menan,  northward;  wintering  from  New  Jersey,  northward. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Eastern  North  America.  Length,  25'00;  stretch,  40-50;  wing,  11 -40,  tail. 
4'25;  bill,  2'40;  tarsus,  1-69.  Longest  specimen,  26'25;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  42-00;  longest  wing,  11-50;  tail,  4  50:  bill, 
2'5'J:  tarsus,  1-75.  Shortest  specimen,  24'00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  39-00;  shortest  wing,  li'25;  tail,  4'00;  bill,  2-25;  tar- 
sus, 1'50. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  on  the  ground  near  water,  composed  of  sticks,  weeds,  down,  etc.  Eyys,R\x.  to  ten  in  number,  ellipitcal 
in  form,  and  ashy-green  in  color.  Dimensions  from  1'98  x 2'82  to  2- 10  x  3'20. 

HABITS. 

The  well  known  Eider  Ducks  are  found  off  our  coast  in  winter  in  considerable  num- 
bers, especially  in  the  waters  of  the  sounds  on  the  southern  shore  of  Massachusetts.  Thoy 
leed  principally  upon  mollusks,  and  being  quite  largo  birds,  swallow  good  sized  bivalves, 
several  species  of  which  I  have  frequently  taken  from  their  stomachs.  I  found  these  birds 


PLATE  V. 


3DROMUS  MELANOLEUCUS. 

Black  «jid  White    S>iore  Hnch.  AduU. 


KING  EIDER.  467 

breeding  <>n  some  small  islands  off  the  coast  of  Grand  Menan,  late  in  June,  but  the  eggs 
deposited  then,  were  the  second  litter,  the  first  being  laid  much  earlier.  The  nests  were 
placed  among  somo<4oosc  boulders,  a  short  distance  above  high  water  mark,  and  did  not  con- 
tain any  more  of  the  famous  down  than  I  have  found  in  the  nests  of  Black  or  other  Ducks, 
but  this  may  be  partly  accounted  for,  by  the  fact  that  they  contained  the  second  litter,  and 
partly  by  the  southern  latitude,  where  the  eggs  would  not  require  as  warm  a  covering  as 
further  North. 

SOMATER1A  SPECTABILIS. 

King  Eider. 

Somatcria  sptctalt/is  LKACII.,  Fleming,  Philos.  Zool. ;  1822. 
DESCRIPTION. 

Si'.  CH.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  Bill,  considerably  swollen  at  base,  and  the  fleshy  covering  projects  backward  on 
either  side.  Tertiaries,  well  curved  outward.  CULOK.  Adult  male.  Top  of  head  and  nupe,  bluish-ash.  Sides  of  head, 
pale  bluish-green.  Lower  back  an' I  wings  vc;ry  dark-brown  glissed  with  greenish  on  secondaries  Throat,  neck  a.!  around, 
r.ncl  patch  on  wing  and  (lank*,  white,  the  first  tinged  with  creamy.  Narrow  margin  at  base  of  bill,  small  space  around  eye, 
V-shaped  mark  on  chin,  and  under  portion,  black,  excepting  the  axil laries  and  middle  under  tail  coverts  which  are  white. 
Bill,  pinkish,  orange  at  base,  iris,  yellow,  feet,  dusky-orange.  Adult  female.  General  color  yellowish-ash,  becoming  dark- 
er below,  banded  with  dark-brown. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  by  the  swollen  base  of  bill  which  gives  the  head  a  peculiar  appearance,  and  colors  aa  described.  Distributed, 
in  summer,  from  Labrador,  northward,  coming  as  far  south  as  Massachusetts  in  winter,  but  very  rare  below  Grand  Menan. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens.  Length.  22'50;  stretch,  41'00;  wing,  10'65;  tail,  3'40;  bill,  1-33;  tnrsus,  1'75. 
I/mjrost  specimen,  25'HO;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  42'00;  longest  wing,  II  25;  tail,  3-75;  bill,  T40;  tarsus,  1'85.  Shortest 
s|Kvimen,  20  00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  40  00;  shortest  wing,  lO'OO;  tail,  3'00;  bill,  1'25;  tarsus,  I '65. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  BUGS. 

Nests,  placed  on  the  ground  near  the  water,  composed  of  sticks,  lined  with  down.  Eyys,  from  six  to  ten  in  number, 
elliptical  in  form,  <lirty  green  in  color.  Dimensions  from  r75x2'60  to  rHOx2'65. 

HABITS. 

The  King  Eiders  are  one  of  the  rarest  Sea  Ducks  which  occur  on  our  New  England 
shores  and  they  only  appear  in  winter.  They  are,  however,  not  uncommon  about  Grand 
Menan  and  I  was  informed  by  the  inhabitants  of  the  Magdalen  Islands,  that  the  King 
Ducks,  as  they  were  termed,  were  very  common  there  in  winter,  and  so  tame  that  they 
could  be  killed  with  sticks.  This  species  has  similar  habits  to  those  of  the  preceding. 

GENUS  XV.  (ED  EMI  A.  THE  BLACK  SEA  DUCKS. 

GKN.  C'li.  Kill,  shorter  than  head,  rather  hiyh  and  swollen  at  base,  and  somewhat  rounded  at  tip.  Marginal  indenta- 
tions, open. 

The  trachea  is  straight  and  without  any  special  dilatation.  The  larynx  in  males  is  expanded  and  provided  with  a  bony 
frame-work.  Colors,  black.  Stomach,  muscular.  Sexes,  not  similar.  There  are  three  species  within  our  limits. 

(EDEMIA  AMERICANA. 

Scoter. 
CEdemia  Americana  Sw..  F.  Bor.  Am.,  II,  1832,  450. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sr.  Cn.  Form,  robust.  Size,  medium.  Bill,  rather  short.  COLOR.  Adult  male.  Black  throughout.  Iris,  brown, 
feet,  greenish,  and  bill,  black,  orange  on  swollen  portion.  Adult  female.  Brown  throughout,  paler  on  sides  of  head  and 
below  where  there  are  uWurc  spots  of  dusky.  \'nun//.  Similar  to  the  adult  female. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  by  the  a'wnee  of  :\ny  wliit"  ami  short  liill  with  yellow  base.  Distributed  in  Mimmer  from  Labrador,  north- 
wardjwintcring  from  Grand  Menan  to  the  Carol inaa. 

58 


458  SURF  DUCK. 

• 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  North  America.  Length,  19'25:  stretch,  31 '25;  wing,  9'38;  tail,  3'50;  hi  , 
1'75;  tarsus,  1'75.  Longestspecimen,2l-50;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  33  50;  longest  wing,  1)  75;  tail,  4'(K);  hill,  T'JO;  tarsa?, 
1-80.  Shortest  specimen,  17'00;  smallest  extent  (if  wing,  2H-00;  shortest  wing,  9-00:  tail,  S'OO;  hill,  1-«0;  tursus,  1'70. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS 

Nests,  placed  on  the  ground  near  the  water,  composed  of  sticks,  weeds,  down,  etc.  Eyys,  six  to  ten  in  number  rather 
oval  in  form,  and  pale  yellowish  in  color.  Dimensions  from  l'HOx2'00  to  I'65x2  05. 

HABITS. 

The  Scoters  are  quite  common  on  our  coast  in  autumn  and  winter  but  are  rather  more 
abundant  further  south,  and  I  saw  large  flocks  of  this  species  in  the  sounds  and  bays  from 
New  Jersey,  southward,  and  also  found  them  off  the  coast  during  calm  weather.  When  a 
storm  was  approaching,  however,  they  would  all  fly  shoreward  and  take  shelter  in  hind- 
locked  waters;  thus  a  flight  of  Ducks  to  the  westward  always  indicated  bad  weather.  When 
in  the  Gulf  of  St.  Lawrence,  in  July,  I  noticed  great  numbers  of  Scoters  off  the  eastern 
side  of  the  Magdalens,  but  these  were  mainly  immature  birds,  the  males  being  in  the  mixed 
dress  between  the  young  and  adult,  which  often  characterizes  Ducks  of  the  second  year,  so 
I  judged  that  they  were  not  breeding;  in  fact,  those  which  I  procured  did  not  exhibit  any 
indication  of  it. 

CEDEMIA  PERSPICILLATA. 

Surf  Duck. 
Anas persptciltata  LINN.,  Syst.  Nat.,  I,  1766,  201. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  Bill,  very  long.  COLOR.  Adult  male.  Black  throughout,  glossed  with  hluish, 
with  a  triangular  white  patch  on  top  of  head,  and  another  on  nape,  the  apex  of  each  pointing  in  opposite  directions.  Iris, 
yellowish-white,  feet,  reddish-orange,  hill,  with  square  black  patch  at  base  of  the  upper  mandible,  margined  with  reddish- 
orange,  in  front  of  which  is  a  bluish-white  spot  which  is  followed  hy  reddish-orange  that  becomes  dusky  toward  tip.  Low- 
er mandible,  pinkish.  Adult  female.  Brown  throughout,  darkest  above,  with  patch  at  base  of  bill  and  on  side  of  head, 
narrow  line  on  ear  coverts,  and  anterior  portions,  whitish.  Bill,  black.  Young.  Similar  to  adult  female. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  in  the  adult  stages  hy  the  two  triangular  patches  on  head,  while  the  female  and  young  may  be  distinguished 
by  the  long  bill  and  absence  of  any  decided  white  markings.  Distributed  in  summer  from  Lahrador,  northward,  winter- 
ing from  Massachusetts  to  the  Carolinas. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  North  America.  Length,  19-50;  stretch,  31'75;  wing,  9  65;  tail,  3'27;  hill, 
1  63;  tarsus,  1'65.  Longest  specimen,  21-00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  32'50;  longest  wing,  9'80;  tail,  3  55;  bill,  1  75;  tarsus, 
1  80.  Shortest  specimen,  IS'OO;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  Sl'OO;  shortest  wing,  9'5<>;  tail,  3  00;  bill,  1-50;  tarsus,  1-50. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nfsls,  placed  on  the  ground  near  water,  composed  of  weeds,  grass,  feathers,  etc.     £yys,  six  to  twelve  (n  number,  el- 
liptical in  form,  and  greenish-buff  in  color.     Dimensions  from  rtK)x2'25  to  r65x2'30. 

HABITS. 

These  Surf  Ducks  are  also  quite  abundant  olf  the  coast  and  are,  in  common  with  the 
preceding  and  following  species,  termed  Coots  by  gunners.  All  three  species  have  the 
habit,  shared  with  many  other  Ducks,  of  flying  into  the  mouths  of  rivers  in  order  to  feed  at 
low  tide,  then  retreating  to  the  open  water  to  roost;  and  they  will  remain  at  sea  all  night, 
sitting  in  compact  flocks.  If,  however,  an  easterly  storm  of  long  continuance  occur,  they 
will  enter  the  land-locked  waters  for  shelter,  but  the  waves  must  run  quite  high  before 
they  are  obliged  to  retreat;  in  fact,  I  have  often  soen  them  ride  out  a  storm,  when  the 
breakers  were  lashed  into  foam  by  the  driving  wind  and  every  billow  had  assumed  a  white 
cap.  Then,  when  one  of  the  great  waves  came  sweeping  on,  they  would  float  buoyantly 
upward,  and,  as  it  broke,  would  bow  before  it  and  emerge  in  safety  behind  the  wall  of 
seething  water. 


VELVET  DUCK.  469 

CEDEMIA  PUSCA. 

Velvet  Duck. 
(Edemiafusca  Sw.,  F.  Bor.  Am,  II;  1831,  440. 

DKSCIIII'TION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  robust.  Size,  very  large.  Bill,  long.  COLOR.  Ai/u/t  male.  Black  throughout,  with  an  elongated 
patf'i  iirouml  rye  ami  large  sperulum,  white.  Bill,  red,  black  at  base  and  on  edges,  iris,  yellow,  and  feet,  reddish-brown. 
Adult  J'<  ma/i •.  l!r<>wn  tliroagbont,  darkest  on  back.  Circular  space  at  base  of  bill,  elongated  patcli  Iraek  of  ear,  and  un- 
der parts  whitish,  tlie  latU-r  mottled  with  dusky.  Speculum,  white.  Bill,  black.  Young.  Similar  to  adult  female. 

OBSFJIVAT10NS. 

Known  by  the  dark  colors  and  white  speculum.  Distributed  in  summer  from  Labrador,  northward;  wintering  from 
MawaobnaettB  to  the  Carolinas. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Eastern  North  America.  Length,  20'68;  stretch,  37-00;  wing,  11*00,  tail, 
3'4'.J;  hiil,  1  1\  taisus,  1*70.  Longest  specimen.  21*60;  greatest  extent  of  wing,38*75;  longest  wing,  1T50;  tail,  3  60:  bill, 
1-53:  tarsus,  r90.  Shortest  specimen,  19'75;  s.nallest  extent  of  wing,  35*25;  shortest  wing,  10*50;  tail,  3'25;  bill,  1*40;  tar- 
sus, 1'50. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nr.i/s,  placed  on  the  ground  near  the  water,  composed  of  sticks,  weeds,  down,  etc.  Eygs,  six  to  ten  in  number,  oval  in 
form,  and  dirty-creamy  in  color.  Dimensions  from  1*80x8*60  to  I*85x2'65. 

HABITS. 

Among  the  most  .abundant  of  the  order  on  our  coast,  are  the  Velvet  Ducks,  or  White- 
winged  Coots  as  they  are  called  by  sportsmen.  They  are  much  hunted,  more  for  the  ex- 
citement of  the  sport,  however,  than  because  of  their  value,  for  as  they  are  nearly  worth- 
less for  culinary  purposes,  the  prices  which  they  bring  in  the  markets,  will  scarcely  pay 
for  the  ammunition  expended  in  killing  them.  As  related,  these  birds  fly  into  the  mouths 
of  rivers  to  feed  and  the  gunners  taking  advantage  of  this  fact,  range  themselves  along  the 
channel  in  the  mouth  of  some  stream,  in  boats,  in  order  to  shoot  the  birds  as  they  fly  past. 
This  pastime,  although  exciting,  especially  when  the  birds  fly  thick,  is  not  unattended 
with  some  risk  to  life,  for  as  the  men  are  obliged  to  pull  up  the  anchor  and  row  after  the 
birds  that  fall,  there  is  danger  of  being  swept  out  to  sea  with  the  swiftly  flowing,  out-going 
tide  which,  at  the  mouths  of  some  of  our  rivers,  rushes  seaward  with  a  force,  against  which 
the  powers  of  man  often  prove  unequal,  especially  when  a  strong  wind  is  blowing  with  the 
current.  I  have  witnessed  some  hair-breadths  escapes  and  was  once  fortunate  enough  to 
pick  up  a  man  who  had  lost  control  of  his  skiff,  just  as  he  was  being  swept  into  the  break- 
ers. Then,  although  we  had  only  gone  about  two  hundred  yards  from  our  anchorage  to 
accomplish  this,  three  of  us  were  obliged  to  labor  at  the  oars  for  two  hours,  before  we  re- 
gained the  lost  ground. 

<;KXUS  xvi.   ERISMATURA.  THE  STIFF-TAILED  DUCKS. 

CKV.  Cn.  Bill,  shorter  than  head,  rather  hiyh  at  base,  broad  at  lip,  and  t/iyhlly  bent  upward.  Tail,  stiffened,  witk  cov- 
erts, short.  Neck,  short. 

The  trachea  is  slightly  dilated  near  the  middle  bu'  t!ie  larynx  is  without  special  expansion.  The  stomach  is  muscu- 
lar. Sexes,  not  similar.  There  is  but  one  species  within  our  limits. 

ERISMATURA  HUBIDA. 

Ruddy  Duck. 

Erismatura  ruhida  BON.  List,  1838. 
DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  raiher  robust.  Size,  not  large.  Top  of  head  and  nape,  black.  Sides  of  head  below  eyes  and  chin, 
white.  Neck  all  around,  upper  parts,  and  flanks,  rlirstmit  ml.  Itcnenth,  grayish-white,  tinged  with  brown  and  trans- 
versely banded  with  dusky.  Wings  and  tail,  dark-brown.  Bi'l  and  fi;et,  ashy-blue,  and  iris,  brown. 

Adult  female,  and  unntrr  tua/f.  Upper  surface,  dark  reddish-brown,  finely  sjxittcil  and  marked  with  wavy  linesofdusk- 
y;  throat,  ami  line  at  base  of  bill,  whitish.  Otlierwi.sc  as  in  male.  Youny.  Similar,  but  pulcr. 


4GO  MERGUS  MERGANSER. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  by  the  peculiar  stiff  tail  feathers  and  short -coverts.  Distributed  in  summer  from  Massachusetts,  northward, 
wintering  in  the  South. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  North  America.  Length,  15-10;  stretch,  23-25;  wing,  5'75;  tail,  2'98;  bill, 
T40;  tarsus,  1'75.  Longest  specimen,  18-00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  2i'00;  longest  wing,  6'  10;  tail,  3  35;  bill,  1'50;  tarsus, 
•2-00.  Shortest  specimen,  14  SO;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  22'50:  shortest  wing,  5  40;  tail,  2'60;  bill,  1'30;  tarsus,  1'50. 

HABITS. 

-  On  the  marshes  of  Indian  River,  are  little  ponds,  as  I  have  before  mentioned,  varying 
from  ten  to  fifty  yards  in  diameter,  and  many  Ducks  gathered  in  them  to  feed,  but  by  far 
the  most  common  among  them,  was  the  little  Ruddy.  These  birds  were  not  only  the  most 
abundant  but  were  also  much  tamer  than  any  other;  indeed,  it  was  difficult  to  force  a  flock 
to  leave  a  particular  pond,  even  when  shot  at,  as  the  survivors  would  merely  rise,  circle 
about  a  moment,  and  then  settle  down  again.  They  are  exceedingly  difficult  to  kill,  be- 
ing very  tenacious  of  life,  and  when  wounded,  dive  with  the  greatest  ease,  remaining  un- 
der water  for  a  long  time  or,  like  other  Ducks,  will  emerge  in  the  overhanging  grass  on 
the  edge  of  the  water,  into  which  they  creep  for  shelter.  I  found  the  Ruddy  Ducks  also 
very  common  in  Chesapeake  Bay  and  they  are  not  uncommon  further  north,  in  New  Eng- 
land. Mr.  Ruthven  Deane  received  some  young  which  were  unable  to  fly,  from  Cape  Cod 
some  years  since,  thus  it  is  probable  that  a  few  breed  within  the  State,  but  the  majority 
pass  northward  to  deposit  their  eggs.  I  have  always  found  these  birds  very  fat  and,  con- 
trary to  the  rule  with  other  Ducks,  when  capture  in  Florida,  proved  excellent  eating. 

GENUS  XVII.    MERGUS.    TIIE  TOOTH-BILLED  DUCKS. 

GEN.  CH.  Bill,  lonyer  than  head,  very  slender,  and  furnished  with  horny  Uimellce  which  point  backward.  Neck,  quite 
lony. 

Trachea,  flattened  and  dilated  in  the  middle,  while  the  larynx  of  males  is  widely  expanded  and  provided  with  a  bony 
frame-work.  Head,  more  or  less  crested.  Sexes,  not  similar.  There  are  three  species  within  our  limits. 

MERGUS  MERGANSER. 

Merganser. 
Meryus  meryanser  LINN.,  Syst.  Nat.,  I;  1766. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  robust.  Size,  very  large.  COLOR.  Adultmale.  Head  and  upper  neck  all  aroun-i,  anterior  back,  srap- 
ularies  and  tertiaries,  black,  glossed  with  green  on  first  two  and  with  purplish  6n  the  three  last.  Remainderof  back,  up- 
per tail  coverts,  and  rump,  bluish-ash,  the  last  finely  banded  with  white.  Primaries  and  tail,  (J^rk-brown,  with  the  latter 
hoary.  Secondaries,  greater  wing  coverts,  lower  neck  and  entire  under  parts,  w-hite,  tinged  with  creamy  on  the  two  first 
and  with  deep  salmon  on  the  last.  Upper  secondaries,  grayish  at  tip  which  becomes  black  on  outer  edges,  while  there  is  a 
black  band  on  the  white  of  wing.  Iris,  red,  bill  and  feet,  reddish-orange.  Adult  female.  (Head  and  upper  neck,  reddish- 
brown.  Remainder  of  upper  parts,  breast,  sides,  and  flanks,  bluish-ash  with  the  feathers,  especially  of  breast,  edged  with 
whitish.  Throat,  patch  on  wing,  and  under  parts  not  described,  white,  tinged  with  salmon.  Youny,  similar  to  female. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Easily  recognized  by  the  large  size,  white  breast,  and  green  gloss  on  head:  the  female  by  the  deep  red  head  and  neck, 
while  the  line  of  demarkation  between  this  color  and  remainder  of  body  is  sharply  defined.  Distributed,  in  summer,  from 
Pennsylvania,  northward;  wintering  in  the  South. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  North  America.  Length,  23  75;stretch,  35'50;  wing,  10-35;  tail,  4'73;  bill, 
T95;  tarsus,  T78.  Longest  specimen,  26-50;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  38-00;  longestwing,  U'OO;  tail,4'85;  bill,  2' 10;  tarsus, 
1  85.  Shortest  specimen,  2TOO;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  :i3'00;  shortest  wing,  9'70;  tail,  4'60;  bill,  1'HO;  tarsus,  1-70. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  holes  of  trees,  composed  of  grass,  weeds,  feathers,  etc.  Eyys,  six  to  ten  in  number,  oval  in  form 
and  palcrbuff  in  color.  Dimensions  from  I'80x280  to  I'70x2'50. 

HABITS. 

The  Mergansers,  or  Shell-drakes,  are  more  common  in  inland  waters  at  all  seasons 


MERGUS  SEKHATOR.  461 

than  elsewhere,  and  breed  in  holes  of  trees.  I  have  never  been  fortunate  enough  to  find 
one  of  their  nests  but  observed  the  downy  young  following  their  parents,  in  the  Susipie- 
hanna  River  late  in  June,  A  week  or  two  after,  I  came  upon  two  broods  in  the  same 
stream  and  succeeded  in  securing  several  specimens,  but  the  task  was  not  easily  accom- 
plished, Cor  although  I  was  provided  with  a  boat  and  accompanied  by  an  assistant,  the  birds 
which  were  but  about  a  quarter  grown,  managed  to  elude  us  for  a  long  time.  The  adult 
female  was  present  and  always  kept  herself  between  us  and  her  young  which  not  only  swam 
exceedingly  fast  but  also  dived  with  ease,  remaining  under  water  for  some  time;  then  if 
hard  pushed,  would  raise  their  wings  and  flap  along  the  water  after  the  manner  practiced 
by  domestic  Ducks  under  similar  circumstances. 

MERGUS  SEBBATOB. 

ried-breaqfed  Merganser. 

Mergui  serralor  LINN.,  Syst.  Nat.,  I,  1766,  208. 

DESCIUPTION. 

SP.  Cu.  Form,  rather  slender.  Size,  medium.  Occipital  feathers,  lanceolate  and  elongated.  COLOR.  Adult  male. 
Head  and  upper  neck  all  around,  black ,  glossed  with  greenish.  Lower  neck,  white.  AboTe,  and  on  sides  and  flank",  black 
with  tlie  two  last  and  posterior  portion  above,  finely  banded  with  white.  Greater  wing  coverts,  secondaries,  outer  scupu- 
larii-s,  and  under  parts  not  described,  white,  the  last  tinged  with  creamy.  Two  bands  across  white  of  wings  and  outer  mar- 
gin c'l  upper  secondaries.  Mack.  Iris,  red,  bill  and  feet,  reddish-orange.  Adult  female.  Head  and  upper  neck  all  nround, 
reddish-brown,  becoming  dusky  on  crown,  tipper  portbns,  sides,  and  flanks,  bluish-ash,  with  edges  of  feathers,  lighter. 
Wings,  brown,  with  secondaries  and  greater  coverts,  white,  banded  with  brown.  White  beneath,  tinged  with  dusky  on  the 
brrast.  Youny.  Similar  to  adult  female.  Ncst/iny*.  Brownabove,  becoming  reddish  on  head,  and  marked  with  patches 
of  whit;- ;  and  there  is  a  white  line  passing  through  eye.  Beneath,  white. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  in  the  adult  stages  by  the  reddish  breast  and  small  size,  and  the  female  may  be  distinguished  by  the  indistinct 
line  of  dcmarkation  between  the  color  of  lower  neck  and  remainder  of  body.  Nestlings  of  this  and  following  species,  are 
indistinguishable.  ^Distributed,  in  summer,- from  Gulf  of  St.  Lawrence,  northward,  wintering  from  Massachusetts,  smith- 
ward. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  North  America.  Length,  21'63;  stretch,  32  25;  wing,  8  85;  tail,  3  95;  hill, 
221;  tarsus,  1-70.  Longest  specimen,  23-25;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  33  00;  longest  wing,  9  111;  tail,  4  10,  bill,  224;  tarsus, 
1  80.  Shortest  specimen,  Sd'OO;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  31'OH;  shortest  wing,  8'6<>;  tail,  3  MO;  bill,  2' 18;  tarsus,  1-00. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  on  the  ground  near  water,  composed  of  weed-s,  grass,  feathers,  etc.  Eyys,  six  to  twelve  in  number,  oval 
in  form,  and  greenish-brown  in  color.  Dimensions  from  I'70x2'50  to  I'75x2  60. 

HABITS. 

I  found  the  Red-breasted  Mergansers  breeding  on  the  Magdalen  Islands  about  the  mid- 
dle of  June,  1872.  The  nests  were  placed  beneath  the  overhanging  branches  of  some 
dwarfed  spruces,  about  fifteen  or  twenty  yards  from  some  small  ponds  of  fresh  water  which 
were,  however,  at  no  great  distance  from  the  shore.  The  trees  were  only  about  four  feet 
high,  flat  in  form,  with  the  branches  long,  and  as  the  lowest  were  but  a  foot  from  the  ground, 
the  birds  were  completely  concealed.  They  also  sit  closely,  not  rising  until  nearly  trod- 
den upon,  and  therefore  their  eggs  were  not  easy  to  find.  When  disturbed,  the  female 
would  fly  silently,  away,  and  I  did  not  see  the  males  at  all;  but  a  few  weeks  later,  when 
the  downy  young  were  swimming  in  the  neighboring  ponds,  both  parent  birds  were  pres- 
ent and  exhibited  considerable  solicitude,  flying  distractedly  about,  often  coming  within  a 
few  yards  of  me.  The  Red-breasted  Mergansers  migrate  southward  in  November,  when 
they  are  abundant  on  our  coast,  feeding  at  such  times,  along  the  shores,  and  they  arc  es- 


402  HOODED  MERGANSER. 

pecially  fond  of  swift  tide-ways,  where  they  display  considerable  agility  in  capturing  small 
fishes,  which  constitute  the  principle  portion  of  their  food. 

MERGUS  CUCULLATUS. 

Hooded  Merganser. 
Mergus  cucullatus  LINN..  Syst.  Nat.,  I,  1766,  207. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sr.  Cn.  Form,  rather  slender.  Size,  small.  Head,  provided  with  long  hood  or  crest.  COLOR.  Adult  male.  Head 
and  neck  all  around  anil  upper  parts,  encroaching  in  a  collar  on  lower  neck,  black  with  violet  reflection*  on  nil  but  wing- 
and  tail  which  are  brownish.  Sides  and  flanks,  chostnut-red  finely  banded  with  black.  Remainder  of  under  parts,  triangu- 
lar patch  on  side  of  head  and  crest,  central  stripe  on  tertiaries,  outer  margin  of  secondaries,  and  tips  of  greater  wing  «'V- 
erts,  white.  Iris,  orange,  bill,  black,  and  feet,  dusky-orange.  Adult  female.  Brown  on  head,  neck,  sides,  and  upperpor- 
tions,  and  white  beneath.  Youny.  Similar  to  the  adult  female. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  by  the  peculiar  crest  and  colors  as  described.  Distributed  in  summer  in  suitable  localities  1'rom  Florida,  north- 
ward ;  wintering  in  the  South. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  North  America.  Length,  18'25;  stretch,  26-50;  wing,  7'20;  tail,  3'9*;  bill, 
1  60;  tarsus,  1-30.  Longest  specimen,  19'25;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  27'50;  longest  wing,  7'90;  tail,  4'55;bill,  1  "70;  tarsus, 
1-40.  Shortest  specimen,  17-25;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  25'5<);  shortest  wing,  6'50;  tail,  3'40;  bill,  1-50;  tarsus,  1-20. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  holes  of  trees,  composed  of  sticks,  weeds,  down,  etc.  Eggs,  six  to  ten  in  number,  rather  spherical  in 
form,  and  white  in  color.  Dimensions  from  I'70x2'10  to  1'75  x2'15. 

HABITS. 

There  are,  perhaps,  few  Ducks  which  are  more  noticeable  on  the  water  than  the  Hood- 
ed Mergansers,  especially  when  excited  enough  to  raise  the  prominent  crest,  for  when  they 
are  at  rest  or  feeding,  these  feathers  are  laid  flat.  Like  all  members  of  the  genus,  they 
dive  exceedingly  well  and  swim  under  the  water  with  ease.  I  found  these  fine  Mergan- 
sers abundant  on  Indian  River,  Florida,  in  winter,  and  also  on  the  St.  John's,  late  in  May, 
and  thus  concluded  that  they  bred  in  the  State,  a  hypothesis  which  was  confirmed  by  Mr. 
Brewster  who  informs  me  that  he  saw  the  young  there  in  company  with  their  parents; 
hence  it  is  probable  that  they  breed  throughout  our  eastern  section  in  favorable  localities, 
from  Florida,  northward,  but  their  favorite  nesting  site  appears  to  be  the  woods  of  North- 
ern New  England,  where  the  eggs  are  placed  in  holes  of  trees. 

ORDER  XVI.    STEGANOPODES.   PELICANS,  ETC. 

Toes,  including  posterior,  connected  by  a  membrane.  Throat,  provided  with  an  exten- 
sible gular  sac.  Marginal  indentations,  two,  open.  Keel,  short  and  low,  while  thefurcula 
is  joined  firmly  to  its  tip. 

Members  of  this  order  are  remarkable  on  account  of  the  totipalmate  feet  and  exten- 
sible sac  on  throat  which  is  always  present,  and  in  some  species,  enormously  developed. 
External  nostrils,  very  minute.  The  anatomical  structure  is  also  peculiar  but  somewhat 
variable,  the  most  constant  character  being  the  form  of  the  furcula,  as  given,  and  the  fact 
that  it  is  always  joined  firmly  to  tip  of  keel.  Sterno-trachealis,  present;  other  laryngcal 
muscles,  absent  or  weak.  Sexes,  generally  similar.  For  further  description,  see  family 
characters. 

FAMILY  I.     SULID^E.     THE  GANNETS. 

Bill,  about  as  long  as  head,  quite  thick  at  base,  and  pointed.  Gular  sac,  quite  small. 
Sternum,  twice  as  long  as  wide.  Coracoids,  about  one  half  as  long  as  sternum. 


SULA  8  ASS  ANA.  4C3 

The  oesophagus  is  straight.  Proventriculus,  large  and  wide,  with  the  "lauds  arranged 
iu  a  very  wide,  zonular  bar.d  Stomach,  rather  small  and  not  muscular.  Cocoa,  quite 
small.  Keel,  projected  forward  and  occupies  only  about  one  hall'  the  length  of  the  ster- 
num. Furcula,  quite  vcrtiole  in  position.  Posterior  margin  of  sternum,  deeply  indented 
in  which  are  two  small  scallops.  Tail,  long  and  pointed. 

CENUS  I.    SULA.    THE  GANNETS 

GEN.  Cll.    Similar  to  those  given  under  Family  heading.     Sexes,  similar.     There  S^«  two  species  within  our  limits. 

SULA  BASSANA. 

Oannet. 
Sula  banana  BRISS.,  Orn.  1760. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sr.  Cii.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  COLOR.  Adult.  White  throughout,  becoming  huffy-yellow  on  head  and  hind 
neck.  Primaries  and  -|iurious  wing,  dark-brown.  Bill,  bluish,  iris,  bliiislwwhite,  feet,  brownish  lined  with  greenish-blue, 
and  naked  <|iaee  about  head,  dark-bluish.  Young.  Dark-brown  above,  each  feather  terminating  with  a  triangular  patch 
of  white.  Beneath,  ashy-white  mottled  with  dusky. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  by  the  large  size,  pointed  bill,  and  general  white  colors.  Distributed  in  summer  from  the  Gulf  of  St.  Lawrence, 
northward;  wintering  from  Florida  to  the  Carolina*. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  North  America.  Length,  3H'25;  stretch,  73'50;  wing,  18-60;  tail,  9-50;  bill, 
375;  tarsus,  S' 13.  Longest  specimen,  40'50;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  7a'00;  longest  wing,  I9'50:  tail.  lO'OO;  bill,  4'00:  tarsus, 
2"25.  Shortest  specimen,  38'UO;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  7<!'00;  shortest  wing,  17-50;  tail,  U'OO;  bill,  3'50;  tarsus,  2-00. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  on  rocky  cliffs,  composed  of  sea-weeds.  Egyi,  one  or  two  in  number,  oval  in  form,  and  greenish-blue 
in  color,  covered  with  a  calcareous  deposit.  Dimensions  from  I'80x3'00  Jo  2'lOx3'30. 

HABITS. 

Twelve  miles  to  the  northward  of  the  Magdalen  group,  is  a  little  islet  known  as  Bird 
Rock,  while  about  half  a  mile  to  the  south-west,  is  a  rather  smaller  rock,  called  the  Little 
Bird,  and  a  chain  of  submerged  reefs  extend  between  the  two.  As  there  is  a  strong  cur- 
rent sweeping  across  this  hidden  ledge  at  certain  times,  the  place  is  considered  very  dan- 
gerous by  the  rather  timid  Gshermen  who  sail  from  the  neighboring  ports.  One  day  in 
June,  1872,  I  stood  on  the  northern  end  of  Bryon  Island  and  gazed  with  longing  eyes  at 
a  little  white  spot,  twelve  miles  away,  which  I  knew  was  the  celebrated  Bird  Rock,  but 
owing  to  the  disreputable  name  which  these  rocks  have  justly  acquired  among  fishermen, 
it  was  not  until  several  days  later,  that  in  company  with  two  friends,  I  found  myself  on 
board  a  little  schooner,  bound  for  the  spot  whereon  I  had  fixed  my  desires.  We  started  ear- 
ly in  the  morning  but  it  was  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  before  we  reached  the  place, 
for  the  wind  was  light.  In  spite  of  this,  however,  there  was  quite  a  surf  dashing  up  the 
clifts,  which  ;>o  alarmed  our  timid  captain  that  he  would  not  allow  the  schooner  to  go  very 
near,  but  anchored  a  quarter  of  a  mile  away. 

The  fog  through  which  we  had  hitherto  been  sailing,  scaled  off  at  this  moment,  dis- 
closing to  our  gaze  one  of  the  grandest  sights  that  we  ever  beheld,  for  directly  in  front  of 
us,  rose  a  huge,  rocky  bastion,  the  precipitous  sides  of  which  were  occupied  by  myriads  of 
Awks,  Guillemots,  and  Pullins,  thousands  of  snowy  plumaged  Gannets  floated  in  air  over 
the  high  clifts,  while  the  water  below  was  thickly  dotted  with  various  species.  After  this 
display,  we  were  exceedingly  anxious  to  land,  but  our  skipper  took  his  time,  yet  at  last, 
we  >lood  mi  a  sandy  beach,  at  the  foot  of  the  perfectly  perpendicular  Hill's  which  rose  a 
hundred  and  fifty  feet  over  our  heads;  thus  we  would  have  hud  the  utmost  dilliciilty  in 


404  GANNET. 

reaching  the  top,  had  it  not  been  for  the  kindness  of  the  keepers  of  the  light  that  had  been 
placed  on  the  top  of  the  island  some  three  years  previous.  They  having  noticed  our  arriv- 
al, had  lowered  a  bucket  which  was  suspended  by  a  crane,  arid  we  stepping  into  it,  slow- 
ly ascended,  swinging  back  and  forth  as  we  went"  upward,  until  we  reached  a  narrow  shelf, 
some  thirty  feet  from  the  top,  on  which  we  stepped,  climbed  a  ladder,  and  found  ourselves  on 
top  of  Bird  Rock,  which  although  only  about  an  acre  in  area,  furnished  ground  enough  to 
fully  occupy  my  attention  for  some  time,  as  shortly  after  our  arrival  the  sea  rose,  and  our 
not  very  courageous  captain,  fearing  for  the  safety  of  his  ship,  weighed  anchor,  sailed  away, 
and  left  us  on  this  lonely  islet,  where  we  were  obliged  to  remain  ten  days. 

Among  the  most  noticeable  birds  on  the  rock,  were  the  Gannets,  and  they  occupied  a 
considerable  space  on  the  north-west  side  of  the  upper  portion.  Here  the  soil  was  com- 
pletely denuded  of  vegetation  and4he  bulky  nests  which  were  composed  of  sea-weed,  were 
placed  in  long  rows,  about  a  foot  apart,  reminding  one  strongly  of  hills  of  corn.  This  reg- 
ularity was  due  to  the  fact,  that  the  Gannets  are  quarrelsome  birds  and  will  not  permit 
another  to  approach  within  striking  distance  when  they  are  sitting.  Early  in  the  morning, 
when  all  the  birds  were  on  the  nests,  they  presented  a  singular  appearance,  for  there  was 
fully  a  quarter  of  an  acre  of  Gannets.  They  were  remarkably  unsuspicious,  allowing  one 
to  approach  within  a  few  feet  of  them,  but  when  fairly  startled,  they  would  all  scramble 
helter-skelter,  to  the  edge  of  the  cliff,  when  they  would  launch  out  into  the  air,  with  loud 
cries.  The  hideous  din  made  by  this  living  cataract  as  it  poured  down  from  above,  startled 
those  which  nested  on  the  shelves. of  the  cliffs  beneath,  causing  them  to  take  wing,  thus 
increasing  their  numbers  to  such  an  extent,  that  when  we  reached  the  edge  of  the  preci- 
pice, there  were,  at  least,  ten  thousand  Gannets  before  us,  flying  high  over  the  surging 
waves.  A  sight  like  this  is  rarely  seen  and  strongly  reminded  one  of  a  snow-storm,  when 
the  countless  flakes  whirl  in  wild  confusion.  At  first,  the  birds  hovered  directly  about  the 
island  but  quickly  assumed  a  systematic  method  of  flight,  which  I  afterward  observed  was 
constantly  practiced  by  them.  They  would  approach  the  rock,  coming  so  near  that  we 
could  almost  feel  the  wind  caused  by  their  huge  wings,  and  curving  outward,  would  de- 
scribe an  immense  circle  of  half  a  mile  or  more  in  diameter;  as  each  followed  its  neighbor  in 
this  singular  course,  the  whole  soon  formed  a  huge  wheel  which  whirled  swiftly  around  for 
some  time,  when  the  birds  would  disperse. 

We  found  that  the  Gannets  of  Bird  Rock  deposited  one,  or  rarely  two,  eggs,  pure 
white  at  first,  but  these  soon  became  soiled,  as  the  birds  are  far  from  being  neat.  When 
disturbed,  every  bird  would  disgorge  some  fish  before  flying  away,  and  thus  the  ground 
was  strewed  with  the  half  digested  contents  of  their  stomachs,  which,  when  the  hot  sun 
shown  on  it,  soon  gave  out  an  intolerable  stench.  The  Gannets  were  always  repairing 
their  nests  and  frequently  one  would  come  flying  in  with  a  mass  of  dripping  sea- weed  which 
it  had  taken  from  the  water,  and  pitching  heavily  upon  the  shelf,  would  arrange  it  on  its 
nest.  But  no  sooner  had  the  bird  placed  it  in  a  satisfactory  manner,  when  perhaps  it  would 
be  seized  by  some  neighbor  (hat  had  been  watching  the  opperation  and  now  endeavored  to 
appropriate  the  material  for  its  own  use.  The  theft  although  boldly  perpetrated,  was  not 
always  successfully  accomplished,  for  the  victim  of  this  outrage  would  stoutly  contest  thu 
prize  by  striking  out  fiercely  with  its  powerful  bill,  often  causing  the  plunderer  to  reliu- 
guish  its  booty.  A  violent  struggle  would  then  ensue,  during  which  many  blows  would 


SULA  FIREK.  405 

he  rapidly  exchanged,  while  each  vociferously  proclaimed  its  rights.  The  noise  of  the  strife 
frequently  attracted  (he  attention  of  the  birds  which  were  in  the  immediate  vicinity,  aind 
sometimes  :i  third,  or  even  a  fourth,  evidently  mates  of  the  contesting  parties,  would  join 
in  the  fray,  until  two,  locking  bills,  would  pull  and  tug  for  a  time,  then,  losing  their  foot- 
ing, roll  over  and  over,  for  the  shel^was  an  inclined  plane,  until  reaching  the  edge  of  the 
elill,  they  would  go  down  still  clinging  to  each  other.  When  falling,  they  seldom  endeav- 
ored to  spread  their  wings,  but  striking  violently  upon  some  projecting  rock,  would  bound 
oil' and  drop  half  stunned  into  the  water  far  beneath.  The  Murres  were  breeding  in  close 
proximity  to  this  place  and  if  one  chanced  to  approach  to  near  the  irritable  Gannets,  it  was 
seized  by  the  neck  and  unceremoniously  dropped  over  the  precipice. 

I  found  that  the  Gannets  which  occupied  the  rocky  shelves,  were  quite  bold  and  when 
I  endeavored  to  make  my  way  along  the  slippery  ledgeg,  supported  by  a  rope,  they  would 
attempt  to  dispute  my  passage,  striking  out  fiercely  at  me  with  their  strong  bills.  The 
young  Gannets,  of  which  their  were  several  on  the  shelves,  are  naked  when  hatched  and 
very  helpless,  being  fed  by  regurgitation.  Fishes  are  taken  into  the  stomach  of  the  parent 
and  reduced  into  a  perfectly  transparent  fluid  which  is  somewhat  gelatinous,  and  which  is 
•  ejected  in  small  quantities  into  the  mouths  of  the  offspring;  then  when  a  little  older  they 
eat  hall' digested  fish.  Mackerel  appeared  to  form  the  principal  diet  of  the  Gannets  while 
I  remained  in  the  Gulf  of  St  Lawrence,  and  the  birds  capture  these  agile  fishes  by  flying 
over  the  water  to  the  height  of  fifty  feet  or  more,  then  diving  when  they  perceive  one  in 
the  proper  position  to  secure,  often  becoming  submerged  for  some  minutes  after  the  plunge. 
Their  prey  which  is  swallowed  whole  and  often  living,  is  frequently  very  large,  and  I  have 
seen  mackerel  at  least  eighteen  inches  long,  lying  upon  the  rocks  where  they  had  been  dis- 
gorged. Although  the  Gannets  are  heavy  birds,  they  ride  lightly  upon  the  water,  as  they 
are  provided  with  large  air-cells  that  are  situated  along  their  sides,  between  the  skin  and 
body,  and  can  be  inflated  at  will.  Bird  Rock  is  the  southernmost  breeding  ground  of  this 
species  on  our  coast  and  probably  the  largest,  for  I  estimated  that  there  were,  at  least, 
twenty  thousand  Gannets  nesting  on  the  great  and  lesser  rocks.  They  winter  along  the 
coast  from  New  Jersey  to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico. 

SULA-  FIBER. 

Booby  Gannct. 

Sulafiber  law.,  Birds,  N.  A.;  1858,872. 

I>ESCKIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  rather  robust.  Size,  not  large.  COLOR.  Adult.  The  head  and  neck  all  around  and  upper  parts, 
dork-brown,  tinged  with  a«by.  White  below.  Iris,  white,  bill,  naked  space  about  head,  and  feet,  yellow.  Youny,  ashy- 
brown  throughout,  lighter  beneath. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Easily  recognized  by  the  small  size,  and  brown,  unspotted  upper  parts.  Occurs  on  the  coast  of  Florida.  Constantly 
resident  on  the  Bahamas.  Accidental  as  far  north  as  Massachusetts. 

DIMENSlnXS. 

Average  measurements  of  sprc'imeni.  Length,  30  SO;  stretch,  4TOO;  wing,  l.r>-7.r>;  tail,  H'2.r>;  hill,  3'75;  tarsus,  I'OO. 
l.<>iii:<--t  sTieeimen,  :tl  (HI;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  43'(K);  longest  wing.  Ki'.'iO;  tail.  H  50;  bill,  3'UO;  tarsus,  I'TJ.  ShorUwt 
specimen,  :t<l-lM>;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  40'IKI;  shortest  wing.  l.VOO;  tail,  H'lKI;  bill,  3'tJO;  tarsus,  P48. 

IMLSCKIITION  OF  NKSTS  AND   KliiiS. 

Eyys,  usually  plan*!  on  the  linked  ground  or  rock,  one  or  two  in  luinilicT,  oval  in  fowl,  greenish-blue  in  color.     Di- 
from  l'50.\-'  !.">  to  l'SH.\s2-65. 

50 


466  WHITE  PELICAN. 

HABITS. 

The  Booby  Gannets  occur  on  the  coast  of  Florida  in  considerable  numbers  but  do  not 
now  breed  anywhere  on  the  west  side  of  the  Gulf  Stream,  though  they  nest  abundantly  on 
the  Bahamas.  Those  that  I  have  seen  on  the  Florida  coast,  had  similar  -habits  to  those  of 
the  preceding  species.  These  Gannets  have  been  taken  on  one  or  two  occasions  as  far  north 
as  Massachusetts  but  this  is  much  beyond  their  usual  range. 

FAMILY  II.     PELECANID^E.     THE  PELICANS. 

Bill,  excessively  elongated  and  hooked  at  tip.  Gular  sac,  very  large.  Sternum,  but 
little  longer  than  wide.  Coracoids,  at  least  as  long  as  sternum. 

The  oesophagus  is  straight  and  very  wide.  Proveirtriculus,  large  with  glands  arranged 
in  a  zonular  band,  the  internal  surface  of  which  is  either  rugose  or  in  ridges.  Stomach 
small  and  not  muscular.  Coeca,  moderately  well  developed.  Sternum,  well  arched,  with 
the  central  posterior  margin  projected,  and  indented  on  either  side  with  two  wide  scallops. 
Keel  projecting  forward  very  slightly  and  occupies  a  little  more  than  one  half  the  length  of 
the  sternum.  Coracoids  at  least  as  long  as  sternum.  Tail,  short  and  rounded.  Head, 
crested. 

GENUS  I.    PELECANUS.    THE  PELICANS. 

GEN.  Cn.  Similar  to  thosp  given  under  family  heading.  Members  of  this  genus  are  remarkable  on  account  of  the 
long  bill  and  enormous  gular  sac.  Sexes,  similar.  There  are  two  species  within  our  limits.- 

PELECANUS  ERYTHRORHYNCHUS. 

White  Pelican. 

Pelecanus  erythrorhynchus  GM.,  Syst.  Nat.,  I;  1788,  571. 
DESCRIPTION. 

Sr.  Cii.  Form,  robust.  Size,  very  large.  Bill,  with  a  central  elevation  on  termini'.l  half.  COLOR.  Adult.  Pure 
white  with  primaries  and  nearly  all  of  secondaries,  black.  Center  of  scapularies  and  tail  feathers,  deep  salmon.  Spot  on 
brea-st  and  wing  coverts,  pale  straw.  Iris,  white,  bill,  yellow  strongly  tinged  with  red,  feet,  orange,  naked  space  about 
head  and  gular  sac,  yellow.  Youny,  similar  to  adult ;  the  bright  markings  are  paler  and  there  is  no  central  elevation  on  bill. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  by  the  peculiar  form  and  white  color  After  moulting  in  autumn  the  back  of  the  head  becomes  quite  gray,  the 
central  elevation  of  bill  falls  off  and  the  iris  is  brown.  This  stage  of  plumage,  however,  is  exceedingly  transient,  but  the 
iris  remains  brown  until  the  following  spring.  Distributed,  in  summer,  throughout  Western  North  America  from  Utah, 
northward ;  rare  in  Florida  at  this  season.  Winters  in  the  South.  Accidental  on  the  Northern  Atlantic  coast. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  North  America.  Length, 65'50;  stretch,  102-50;  wing,  24'38,  tail,  O'SOjbill, 
14'00;  tarsus,  4  63.  Longest  specimen,  70"00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  105  25;  longest  wing,  24-75;  tail,  7"  Id:  bill,  I4'55:  tar- 
sus, 4'75.  Shortest  specimen,  6M5;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  lOO'OO;  shortest  wing,  24MK);  tail,  6'S5;  bill,  13'50;  tarsus,  4'50. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nesti,  placed  on  the  ground  near  the  water,  composed  of  sticks,  weeds,  etc.  Eyys,  one  or  two  in  number,  oval  in  form, 
and  white  in  color,  covered  with  a  calcareous  deposit.  Dimensions  from  2'20  x  3- 15  to  2'35  x 3'20. 

HABITS. 

I  found  the  magnificent  birds,  which  form  the  subject  of  the  present  sketch,  quite 
common  on  Indian  River  in  winter,  but  they  only  occupied  the  limited  section  of  country 
which  lies  between  the  Haulover  Canal  and  Merritt's  Island.  The  White  Pelicans  were, 
however,  remarkably  abundant  on  the  Gulf  coast  about  Cedar  Keys,  but  did  not  occur  in 
any  numbers  much  south  of  this  point.  When  feeding,  these  fine  Pelicans  swim  along  the 
water  and  capture  their  prey  by  thrusting  their  long  bill,  and  occasionally  the  entire  head, 
beneath  the  surface  of  the  water,  then  the  bill  is  raised,  the  pouch  contracted,  forcing  the 


PELECANUS  FLSCL'S.  4G7 

water  from  among  tlie  fishes  which  are  swallowed  at  once.  During  calm  weather,  they  feed 
in  the  open  waters  of  the  Gulf  but  when  high  winds  occur,  they  visit  the  more  quiet  la- 
goons  and  bayous  among  the  flats.  After  satisfying  their  hunger,  they  will  sit  for  a  time 
on  the  outer  sand-bars  or  reefs,  often  gathering  by  thousands,  but  will  shortly  rise  in  small 
companies,  flying  in  wedge-shaped  flocks,  or  in  ranks  like  Geese  or  Swans,  but  move  with 
alternate  flapping  and  sailing  and  thus  rise  to  a  great  height,  when  they  will  circle  about 
an  hour  or  more  on  motionless  wings,  not,  however,  in  regular  order  but  crossing  and  re- 
crossing  one  another  in  eccentric  gyrations.  Later  in  the  day,  they  return  to  roost,  pass- 
ing the  night  on  the  reefs.  They  are  very  shy  at  all  times,  equally  so  at  night,  for  they 
can  see  during  the  hours  of  darkness  nearly  or  quite  as  well  as  Owls,  and  when  approached 
will  rise  and  fly  to  the  nearest  reef.  The  only  way  in  which  I  was  successful  in  obtaining 
a  shot  at  them,  was  by  sailing,  when,  as  they  always  rise  into  the  wind,  I  would  some- 
times manage  to  secure  one.  These  birds,  in  spite  of  their  large  size,  are  exceedingly  gen- 
tle in  disposition  and  easily  tamed,  and  one  that  I  brought  north,  he  having  been  slightly 
wounded  in  the  wing,  remained  with  me  for  three  years,  when  he  died.  This  bird  never 
attempted  to  injure  any  thing,  even  permitting  young  chickens  to  run  about  him,  and  as  they 
walked  over  his  huge  feet,  he  merely  glanced  down  at  them  to  see  what  they  were  doing. 
Johnny,  as  he  was  called,  was  very  intelligent  and  always  knew  those  who  were  kind  to 
him,  recognizing  them  with  a  grunt,  his  only  note,  while  he  would  frequently  take  their 
hands  in  his  long  bill  and  gently  squeeze  them.  He  allowed  every  one  who  came  to  see 
him,  to  caress  him,  and  was  always  ready  to  receive  company.  Johnny  ate  not  only  fish 
but  meat,  and  the  quantity  which  he  devoured  was  surprising,  for  he  often  consumed  six 
or  eight  pounds  at  a  meal.  Not  that  he  was  a  glutton,  for  when  he  was  satisfied,  no  temp- 
tation would  induce  him  to  take  another  morsel.  His  favorite  method  of  eating  was  to  have 
his  food  thrown  to  him,  when  he  would  catch  it  in  his  beak,  slip  it  into  his  pouch,  then  he 
would  wait  until  I  grasped  him  by  the  bill,  when  I  would  raise  it  and  shake  his  head  un- 
til the  food  passed  downward  into  his  stomach.  No  confinement  whatever  was  necessary 
for  Johnny  as  he  never  showed  the  slightest  propensity  to  wander,  excepting  in  autumn, 
when,  having  some  idea  of  migrating,  he  would  waddle  away  from  the  house  a  few  hun- 
dred yards,  then,  evidently  surprised  to  find  himself  on  strange  ground,  would  raise  his 
head,  gaze  about  him  distractedly,  when  preceiving  hh  home,  would  spread  his  long  wings 
and  come  back,  half  running  and  half  flying.  This  performance  would  be  repeated  sever- 
al times  in  a  season,  but  always  terminated  as  related.  My  bird  had  many  quaint,  inter- 
esting habits  and  during  his  short  life  among  us  made  many  friends  who  will  long  remem- 
ber Johnny  Pelican.  The  late  Captain  Dummitt  informed  me,  that  upon  one  occasion,  the 
White  Pelicans  bred  in  considerable  numbers  on  a  small  island,  in  the  lagoon  just  south 
of  Mosquito  Inlet,  but  this  is  unusual  and  they  have  never  repeated  it,  the  species  gener- 
ally migrating  northward  in  April  to  nest  on  the  inland  waters  of  the  North-west. 

PELECAITUS  PU3CUS. 

Brown  Pelican. 
Pelecanusfuscui  LINN-..  Syst.  Nat.,  I,  1766,215. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  Bill  without  central  elevation.  COI.OR.  Adult.  Head  and  stripe  on  neck  ad- 
joining giilnr  sac, white,  tlie  fi  inner  stonily  tinjri'd  with  yellow.  Remainder  of  neck,  dark  choNtmit-hmwn.  Alxno,  lic.:try, 
with  Ihe  leathers  more  or  less  edged  whip  dark-bniwu.  Beneath,  sooty-black,  with  the  leathers olsidr.-.  Hanks, 


4G8  BROWN  PELICAN. 

nnd  under  win?  and  tail  coverts,  centrally  streaked  with  white.  Patch  on  breast,  pale  straw  color.  Iris,  white,  bill,  hoary 
with  edge*  of  lower  mandible  and  tip  of  upper,  red.  Naked  space  about  head,  and  gular  sac.  greenish-brown.  Feet, slaty- 
blue.  Youny.  biinilar,  but  lacks  the  brown  on  neck,  and  the  colors  throughout  aro  much  paler. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  by  the  comparatively  small  size  and  dark  colors.  In  winter  the  brown  of  the  neck  is  replaced  by  white  and  the 
iris  is  brown.  Distributed  as  a  constant  resident  in  Florida.  Rare  a«  far  north  as  Massachusetts. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Florida.  Length,  48-25;  stretch,  79'25;  wing,  20-25;  tail,  6'13;  bill,  12  00; 
tarsus,  1'50.  Longest  specimen,  54'00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  85'00;  longest  wing,  21-00;  tail,  7  00;  bill,  12-50;  tarsus, 
3  00.  Shortest  specimen,  44-50;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  73'50;  shortest  wing,  19'50;  tail,  5'25;  lull,  1T50;  tarsus,  2-00. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGUS. 

Nests,  placed  on  the  ground  or  in  trees,  composed  of  sticks,  lined  with  weeds,  grass,  etc.  Eiiyi,  two  in  number,  oval 
form,  and  white  in  color,  covered  with  a  white  calcareous  deposit.  Dimensions  from  l-80x2''*0  to  2'  15x3'  10. 

HABITS. 

The  Brown  Pelicans  are  exceedingly  abundant  in  Florida,  not  only  on  the  coast,  but 
among  the  Keys  and  jn  the  salt  water  lagoons.  Their  method  of  fishing  is  quite  different 
from  that  practiced  by  the  preceding  species,  for  they  fly  along  some  ten  feet  over  the  wa- 
ter, then  when  they  preceive  a  school  of  fish,  will  drop  awkwardly  among  them,  seizing  as 
many  as  they  can,  after  which  the  water  is  forced  from  the  pouch  and  the  prey  swallowed. 
If  the  fishes  which  they  are  catching,  chance  to  be  small,  some  will  escape,  and  the  Laugh- 
ing Gulls,  taking  advantage  of  this  fact,  will  alight  with  half-spread  wings,  on  the  huge 
heads  of  the  Pelicans,  in  order  to  catch  the  escaping  prey.  The  good-natured  Pelicans  ap- 
pear to  take  this  act  as  a  matter  of  course,  for  I  never  saw  one  attempt  to  attack  a  Gull 
when  it  was  so  engaged.  Unlike  the  White  Pelicans,  the  Brown  do  not  soar  after  feed- 
ing but  sit  quietly  ou  the  sand  bars  or  perch  on  the  mangroves  until  the  meal  is  digested, 
and  when  thus  resting,  the  bill  is  held  quite  perpendicularly  as  is  the  custom  with  other 
Pelicans.  When  flying,  these  large  birds  move  in  ranks  by  alternate  flapping  and  sailing, 
all  the  members  of  a  flock  acting  in  concert. 

When  breeding,  the  Brown  Pelicans  select  particular  localities  and  will  return  to  them 
year  after  year  to  nest,  gathering  for  this  purpose  from  miles  around.  Thus  I  know  of 
but  one  breeding  ground  on  the  east  coast  of  Florida,  that  is  Pelican  Island  in  Indian  Riv- 
er, near  the  inlet,  where  thousands  congregate,  and  one  or  two  on  the  west  coast  in  about 
the  same  latitude;  but,  singularly,  those  on  the  east  side  of  the  peninsula  deposit  their 
eggs  early  in  March,  at  least  a  month  sooner  than  those  on  the  west.  The  bulky  nests  aro 
placed  on  the  ground  or  in  trees,  and  the  birds  are  so  unsuspicious  when  sitting,  that  they 
may  be  easily  captured.  These  breeding  places  are  always  in  a  filthy  condition. 

FAMILY  in.    GRACULIDA;.    THE  CORMORANTS. 

Bill,  shorter  than  head  and  hooked  at  tip.  Gular  sac,  small.  Sternum,  considera- 
bly lonyer  than  wide.  Coracoids,  not  as  as  long  as  sternum.  Keel,  projected  well  forward. 
The  oesophagus  is  straight  and  somewhat  dilated.  Proventriculus,  rather  large,  with 
the  glands  arranged  in  an  irregular,  zonular  band.  Stomach,  quite  large  but  not  muscu- 
lar. Coeca,  very  small.  Sternum,  quite  well  arched,  with  the  central  posterior  margin, 
indented,  but  having  a  wide,  shallow  scallop  on  either  side.  Keel  occupies  only  about  one 
half  the  leng;h  of  sternum.  Furcula,  quite  long,  at  first  ascending  perpendicularly,  then 
bont  backward  to  tip  of  keel.  Tail,  rather  long,  rounded,  and  stiffened.  Head,  crested. 


BLACK  COKMORANT.  469 

CKNTS  I.    GRACULUS.    TIIE  CORMORANTS. 

<|IN.  Cu.    Resemble  those  given  under  Family  heading.     Bill,  hooked  at  tip.    Sezes,  similar.     There  are  two  species 

within  our  limits. 

GHAOULUS  DILOPHXJS. 

Black  Cormorant. 
Gracului  dilophui  GRAY,  Gen.  Birds;  1845. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sr.  Cu.  Form,  rather  slender.  Size,  medium.  Narrow  line  of  filamentous  feathers  behind  eye,  elongated.  COI.OR. 
Adult.  Itlaok  throughout,  with  greenish  reflections,  hemming  ashy-brown  on  center  of  feathers  of  body  above,  glossed 
with  |iur]iUsli.  Iri<,  pale  green,  eyelids,  blue,  spotted  with  white,  naked  space  about  head,  orange,  bill,  black,  banded 
with  blue  and  white,  feet,  black.  Ymmi  and  nestling*.  Dark  brown  throughout. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Under  the  present  heading  is  described  both  the  formerly  called  dilophut  et  Floridanus,  the  former  is  stated  to  have 
whitish  feathers  over  the  eye,  but  this  is  not  constant  and  I  consider  it  only  a  northern  form  of  the  species  which  is  so  com- 
mon in  the  South.  Known  by  the  general  dark  colors.  Distributed  in  summer  from  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  northward;  winter- 
ing in  Florida. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  North  America.  Length,  26'38;  stretch,  48-00;  wing,  11  •50;  tail,  O'lO;  bill, 
2'50;  tarsus, -J-S-J.  I,  invest  specimen,  3L'0;);  greatest  extent  of  wing,  53-00;  longest  wing,  Id'(X);  tail.  7'(Kt;  bill, 3-00;  tarsus, 
2  55.  .Shortest  specimen,  2T75;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  43'00;  shortest  wing,  ITOO;  tail,  5-15;  bill,  2'00;  tarsus,  2-10. 

INSCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nfsls.  placed  on  trees  or  rocky  clifls,  composed  of  sticks,  sea-weeds,  etc.  Eyyi,  three  or  four  in  number,  oval  in  form, 
and  greenish-blue  in  color,  covered  with  a  calcareous  deposit.  Dimensions  from  I'35x2'25  to  I'50z2'50. 

HABITS. 

The  collector  in  Florida  soon  learns  the  position  of  every  buoy  or  stake  that  stands  in 
the  water  for  they  are  generally  ornamented  by  a  Cormorant,  but  these  wary  birds  know 
how  to  take  care  of  themselves  and  it  is  seldom  that  one  can  be  approached  near  enough  to 
be  shot.  Even  while  nesting,  they  are  very  shy,  and  whenever  a  rookery  is  approached, 
all  the  birds  rise,  circle  about  in  confusion  for  a  short  time,  then  retreat  a  few  hundred 
yards  and  settle  down  in  a  compact  body  on  the  water,  nor  will  they  return  until  they  are 
sure  that  the  intruder  has  departed.  I  found  the  newly  deposited  eggs  of  the  Black  Cor- 
morants on  the  Florida  Keys,  about  the  twentieth  of  March,  and  the  birds  continued  to  lay 
from  that  time  until  the  middle  of  April.  Late  in  May,  the  black,  downy  young  are  near- 
ly fully  grown  but  still  remain  in  the  nest  as  they  are  comparatively  helpless,  being  una- 
ble to  fly,  and  are  regularly  led  by  the  parents.  When  approached  at  this  season,  however, 
they  display  all  the  wariness  of  the  old  birds,  for  after  disgorging  the  contents  of  their  stom- 
achs, as  is  the  custom  with  the  young  of  many  fish  eating  birds  when  disturbed,  they  will 
drop  from  the  nests  or  limbs  oji  which  they  perch,  into  the  water,  for  the  base  of  the  trees 
in  which  their  homes  are  placed,  are  nearly  always  submerged,  after  which  it  is  almost  im- 
possible to  secure  one  as  they  dive  and  swim  both  beneath  and  on  the  surface  with  the 
greatest  ease.  The  Cormorants  move  with  a  steady,  prolonged  flight,  during  which  the 
mouth  is  held  open  as  if  for  air.  If  shot  at,  when  flying,  and  not  injured  or  alarmed  by  a 
sudden  shout,  they  will  very  frequently  drop  into  the  water,  diving  as  soon  as  they  strike 
it.  When  wounded,  they  are  exceedingly  fierce,  biting  with  such  force  that  it  is  danger- 
ous to  attempt  to  capture  one;  in  fact,  I  have  seen  them  seize  an  oar  and  not  relinquish 
their  hold  until  lifted  quite  out  of  the  water.  In  leaving  a  perch,  it  is  noticeable  that  the 
Cormorants  fly  downward,  almost  to  the  water,  then  rise  again  to  pursue  their  course.  I 
found  the  Black  Cormorants  breeding  on  Shagg  Rock,  named  from  the  local  appellation  of 


470  GRACULUS  CAKBO 

these  birds,  off  Grindstone  Island  in  the  Gulf  of  St.  Lawrence,  the  last  week  in  June. 
The  nests  were  placed  on  rocky  cliffs,  a  hundred  feet  from  the  water,  and  contained  not  on- 
ly fresh  eggs  but  also  newly  hatched  young,  the  latter  being  naked  but  black,  and  as  shiny 
as  if  polished  with  boot  blacking.  The  adults  were  extremely  shy,  instantly  leaving  the 
immediate  vicinity  when  I  ascended  the  rock. 

GEACULUS  CAEBO. 

Common  Cormorant. 

Graculus  carbo  GY.,  Gen.  Birds,  1845. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  COLOR.  Adult.  Black  throughout,  glossed  with  green,  becoming  ashy-brown 
on  center  of  feathers  of  body  above,  tinged  with  bronze.  Broad  line  around  gular  sac,  filamentous  feathers  distributed 
over  head  and  neck,  and  patch  on  flanks,  white.  Iris,  green,  naked  space  about  head,  greenish-brown,  gular  sac,  orange, 
and  feet,  black.  Young.  Similar,  but  lack  the  white  filamentous  feathers  and  are  paler. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  by  the  large  size  and  white  markings.  Distributed,  in  summer,  from  Gulf  of  St.  Lawrence,  northward,  win- 
tering along  the  coast  as  far  south  as  New  Jersey. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  North  America.  Length,  38'50;  stretch,  61-00;  wing,  I4'50,  tail.  6'50;bill, 
3'25;  tarsus,  2'25.  Longest  specimen,  40'00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  62-00,  longest  wing,  15-00;  tail,  7'00:  bill,  3'50-.  tarsus, 
2-50  Shortest  specimen,  37'00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  6'J'OO;  shortest  wing,  14'00;  tail,  6'00;  bill,  3  00;  tarsus,  2'00. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

'    Nests,  placed  on  rocky  cliffs,  composed  of  sticks,  sea-weeds,  etc.     Fyys,  three  or  four  in  number,  oval  in  form,  and 
bluish-green  in  color,  covered  with  a  white  calcareous  deposit.     Dimensions  from  l'65x  2'60  to  1'75  x2'65_ 

HABITS. 

I  have  never  met  with  the  Common  Cormorant  living,  and  in  spite  of  the  name,  con- 
sider it  much  rarer  than  the  preceding.  I  have  often  met  with  the  Black  Cormorants  along 
our  coast  during  migrations  but  never  saw  a  specimen  of  the  larger  species  among  them. 
The  Common  Cormorants  breed  on  the  coast  of  Labrador  and  according  to  fishermen  and 
others  whom  I  have  questioned  concerning  these  birds,  who  were  familiar  with  them,  they 
do  not  differ  much  in  habit  from  the  Black  when  it  is  found  in  the  North. 

FAMILY  IV.     PLOTID.E.     THE  DARTERS. 

Bill,  longer  than  head,  straight,  slender,  and  pointed  at  tip.  Gular  sac,  very  small. 
Sternum,  longer  than  wide.  Coracoids,  equal  in  length  to  sternum. 

The  oesophagus  is  straight  and  wide.  Proventriculus  glands,  arranged  in  a  globular 
sac  on  lower  side  of  oesophagus.  Stomach,  quite  muscular.  Coeca,  very  small.  Sternum, 
well  arched,  with  the  central  posterior  margin  indented  and  having  a  wide,  deep  scallop 
on  either  side.  Keel,  projecting  forward  very  slightly  and  occupies  two  thirds  the  length 
of  the  sternum.  Tail,  long  and  rounded.  Head,  small,  with  neck  long. 

GENUS  I.    PLOTCS.    THE  ANHINGAS. 

(!KN.  CH.  Similar  to  those  given  under  family  heading.  Members  of  this  genus  are  remarkable  on  account  of  the 
long  tail,  the  central  feathers  of  which  are  corrugated.  Sexes,  not  similar.  There  is  but  one  species  within  our  limits. 

PLOTUS  ANHINGA. 

Snake  Bird. 
Plotus  anhinga  LINN.,  Syst.  Nat.,  I;  1766,  580. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Si>.  Cn.  Form,  slender.  Size,  large.  COLOR.  Adult  male.  Black  throughout,  glossed  with  greenish  and  violet,  be- 
coming brownish  on  wings  and  tail.  Upper  back,  scapularies,  and  wing  coverts,  streaked  and  spotted  with  ashy-white, 
and  the  greater  wing  coverts  are  edged  with  it.  Tail,  tipped  with  ashy-yellow,  and  head  is  provided  with  long,  filamen- 
tous feathers  of  ashy-white.  Hill,  dusky-yellow,  feet,  brownish-orange,  iris,  red.  Adult  female.  Similar  to  male  but  the 
head,  neck,  and  breast,  are  ashy-yellow  which  becomes  brownish  above.  Young.  Similar  to  adult  female  but  luck  the 


SNAKE  B1BD.  471 

filamentous  feathers  ol'licail  and  neck,  white  markings,  and  corrugations  of  tail  feathers.     Kest/ings.     Are  covered  with  a 
yellowish  down. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Easily  recognized  by  the  peculiar  form  and  color.  Distributed,  in  summer,  from  the  Carolintw, southward.  Winters 
in  Florida. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Au-ra.ni1  measurements  of  specimens  from  Florida.  Length,  34'50;  stretcli,  44'25;  wing,  12'75;  tail,  10'08;  bill,  2  95; 
tarsus,  1-4S.  Longest  specimen,  33'75;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  46  00;  longest  wing,  13  75;  tail,  10  75,  hill,  3  10;  tarsus,  1-70. 
Shortest  specimen,  33'25;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  43'OH;  shortest  wiug,  11'75;  tail,  9' 40;  bill,  2'tt5;  tarsus,  1'25. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  trees,  composed  of  sticks.  Eyys,  three  to  five  in  number,  oval  in  form,  and  bluish-white  in  color,  cov- 
ered with  a  white  calcareous  deposit.  Dimension-;  from  riOx2'l5  to  r25x2'25. 

I1A15ITS. 

The  Snake  Birds,  Anhingas,  or  Water  Turkeys,  as  they  are  termed  in  various  locali- 
ties, arc  among  the  most  singular  and  interesting  birds  found  in  Florida,  for  they  possess 
habits  which  characterize  several  species,  besides  many  which  are  peculiar  to  themselves. 
They  perch  on  trees  like  Cormorants  but  spread  their  wings  in  the  sun  when  sitting,  like 
Vultures,  and  if  fired  at  with  a  rifle,  when  at  a  distance,  will  not  move.  A  near  shot,  how- 
ever, whether  it  hits  or  not,  always  sends  them  tumbling  end  over  end  into  the  water,  when 
they  will  instantly  disappear,  diving  and  remaining  under  the  surface  as  readily  as  Grebes, 
which  birds  they  also  resemble  in  possessing  the  power  of  moving  with  the  body  submerged 
and  the  head,  and  often  the  entire  neck,  above  the  surface.  When  thus  engaged,  the  greaf- 
ly  elongated  neck  is  twisted  about  in  a  manner  which  strongly  reminds  one  of  the  writh- 
ing of  a  serpent;  hence  the  name  of  Snake  Bird  which  is  most  often  applied  to  them.  Aft- 
er eating,  the  Anhingas  soar  on  motionless  wings,  high  in  air,  like  Pelicans,  and  often 
gather  in  flocks  at  such  times,  but  when  sitting,  it  is  rare  to  find  more  than  three  or  four 
together  and  they  usually  associate  in  pairs.  During  the  breeding  season,  however,  they 
congregate  in  rookeries,  often  in  company  with  other  birds,  and  I  have  found  them  nesting 
with  the  White  and  Night  Herons.  The  domiciles  are  placed  in  trees,  are  rather  bulky, 
being  about  eighteen  inches  in  diameter,  deeply  hollowed,  and  occasionally  lined  with  the 
downy  catkins  of  the  willow.  The  eggs,  which  are  usually  four  but  occasionally  five  in 
number,  are  deposited  about  the  middle  of  March.  When  their  homes  are  approached,  the 
Snake  Birds  silently  leave  them  but  appear  quite  solicitous  for  the  safety  of  their  eggs,  as 
they  will  circle  about,  uttering  aloud,  grunting  sound,  their  only  note,  often  coming  with- 
in gun  shot,  but  like  all  members  of  the  present  order,  are  very  difficult  to  kill. 

Chief  Tiger  brought  me  a  young  Anhinga,  about  half  grown,  from  the  Everglades, 
about  the  middle  of  April.  It  possessed  much  more  intelligence  than  one  would  suppose, 
for  it  became  very  tame,  fed  readily,  was  not  inclined  to  wander,  and  found  its  way  every 
night  to  its  perch  in  the  corner  of  a  room,  not  attempting  to  roost  outside.  This  bird  was 
very  gentle  in  disposition;  so  much  so,  that  it  would  never  attempt  to  defend  itself  against 
the  attacks  of  a  White  Heron  which  I  kept  at  the  same  time,  and  from  which  the  Anhinga 
at  last  received  an  injury  which  proved  fatal. 

FA.M1LYV.     TACIIYPETID^K.     TIIK  FRIGATE  BIRDS. 

Bill,  loiujir  I han  head  wide,  strung,  and  houki-il  at  lip.  Cularsac,  small.  Slc.rnum, 
much  u-ii/iT  titan  IUIKJ.  Curacoids,  considerably  lunger  than  sternum.  Keel,  nut  projected 
furward. 


472  TACHVPETES  AQU1LVS. 

The  oesophagus  is  straight  and  somewhat  dilated.  Proventriculus,  rather  large,  with 
the  glands  arranged  in  a  zonular  band.  Stomach,  quite  small  but  not  muscular.  Co3ca, 
small.  Sternum,  deeply  arched,  with  the  central  posterior  margin,  indented,  but  having 
a  wide,  very  shallow  scallop  on  either  side.  Keel,  high,  well  arched,  and  occupies  the  en- 
tire length  of  sternum.  Furcula,  long,  lying  almost  horizontal  to  coracoids  and  joined 
firmly  to  them.  Head,  crested.  Legs  and  neck,  short.  Tail  and  wings,  long. 

GENUS  I.    TACHYPETES.    THE  FORK-TAILED  FRIGATE  BIRDS. 

GEN.  Cn.  Similar  to  those  given  under  Family  heading.  Tail,  deeply  forked.  Sexes,  not  similar.  There  is  but  one 
species  within  our  limits. 

TACHYPETES  AQUILUS. 
Man-of-war  Bird. 

Tachypetes  aqui/us  VIEILI,.,  Gal.  des  Ois. ;  1H25,  274. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  COLOR.  Adult  male.  Black  throughout,  with  green  and  purple  reflections, 
especially  on  body.  Naked  space  about  head,  and  bill,  black,  iris,  brown,  gui.ir  sac  and  feet,  orange.  Adult  female.  Sim- 
ilar, but  the  sides  of  head  and  broad  patch  on  breast  are  white,  and  the  plumage  is  not  as  lustrous.  • 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  by  the  deeply  forked  tail  and  dark  colors.  Constantly  resident  on  the  coast  of  Florida  and  on  the  Bahamas. 
Accidental  as  far  north  as  Nova  Scotia. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Florida.  Length,  39*50;  stretch,  85'00;  wing,  24'50;  tail,  17*5'*;  bill,  5  25; 
tarsus,  -78.  Longest  specimen,  41 '00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  86*00;  longest  wing,  25'00;  tail,  18*00;  bill,  5'50;  tarsus, 
•80.  Shortest  specimen,  38  00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  84*0l>;  shortest  wing,  Sl'OO:  tail,  17'00;  bill,  5*00;  tarsus,  •75. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  on  the  ground  or  in  trees,  composed  of  sticks.  E'/ys,  one  or  two  in  number,  rather  elliptical  in  form, 
and  greenish-white  in  color,  covered  with  a  white  calcareous  deposit.  Dimensions  from  2  00x2  -iO  to  2  11  x2  85. 

HABITS. 

The  noble  birds  which  we  now  have  in  hand,  are  among  the  most  noticeable  that  are 
found  in  southern  localities,  for  their  majestic  flight  causes  even  the  most  casual  observer 
to  gaze  upon  them  with  admiration.  The  Man-of-war,  or  Frigate,  Birds  are  somewhat 
parasitical  in  habit  and  may  frequently  be  seen  in  pursuit  of  Terns  and  Gulls  which  have 
recently  captured  a  fish,  when  they  display  a  variety  of  aerial  evolutions  that  are  ex- 
tremely graceful.  They  easily  outstrip  the  object  of  their  pursuit,  causing  it  to  drop  its 
prey,  when,  diving  downward,  the  Frigate  seizes  the  fish  before  it  reaches  the  water,  and 
devours  it.  These  birds  are  highly  gregarious,  associating  in  flocks  consisting  of  many 
thousands,  and  will  often  gather  in  large  numbers  on  the  mangroves,  for,  in  spite  of  the 
small  size  of  their  feet,  they  perch  well.  The  Man-of-war  Birds  are  extremely  shy,  and 
although  I  found  many  among  the  interior  keys,  was  not  able  to  procure  specimens  until  I 
discovered  the  fact  that  they  are  quite  stupid  at  night;  indeed,  they  return  to  roost  long 
before  sundown  and  can  be  approached  quite  readily  at  twilight,  at  which  time  if  disturbed, 
they  fly  low,  appearing  quite  confused.  They  breed  late,  about  the  first  of  June,  placing 
the  huge  nests  on  mangroves,  at  no  great  distance  from  the  water.  Thousands  gather  to 
breed  in  one  rookery,  of  which  I  know  of  but  two  in  Florida,  one  near  Cedar  Keys  and  one 
on  one  of  the  interior  keys,  quite  difficult  of  access,  in  the  vicinity  of  Capo  Sable. 

The  Man-of-war  Birds  do  not,  as  a  rule,  extend  their  range  further  north  than  Mid- 
dle Florida  but  occasionally  wander  above  this  point.  I  once  possessed  a  line  male  which 
was  killed  in  October,  187C,  at  Halifax,  Nova  Scotia,  and  a  letter,  just  received  from  Mr. 


PLATE  XI. 


SJ.H.LJ.k. 


VIREO  PHILADELPHICUS. 

Philadelphia  Vir«o .Adult. 


TROPIC  BIRD.  473 

John  R.  Beath  of  Philadelphia,  informs  me  that  he  mounted  a  specimen  of  the  Frigate 
Bird  which  was  taken  at  Capo  May  Court  House,  in  the  spring  of  1877.  It  is  difficult  to 
find  words  which  will  convey  an  idea  of  the  magnificent  flight  of  these  fine  birds,  but  a 
glance  at  the  sternum  as  described  un'der  Family  heading,  will  give  some  impression  of  the 
bony  frame-work  which  is  intended  to  support  the  birds  in  their  untiring  journey  through 
the  air;  and  thus  armed  against  the  forces  of  nature,  nothing  can  daunt  them.  I  have  seen 
them,  when  the  wind  blew  high,  circling  with  motionless  wings  and  calmly  breasting  the 
rising  gale.  The  storm  bursts  and  the  waves  are  lashed  into  fury  by  the  raging  hurricane; 
great  trees  on  the  neighboring  land,  which  have  stood  the  blasts  of  a  hundred  years,  totter 
and  fall;  while  the  spray  flies  in  clouds  from  the  now  mountainous  breakers;  even  then, 
when  all  else  bows  to  the  relentles  Storm  King,  the  noble  Frigate  Bird  does  not  deign  to 
alight,  but  with  a  few  strokes  of  his  strong  pinions,  moves  majestically  into  the  very  teeth 
of  the  driving  elements,  or  plunging  downward,  will  sail  as  grandly  above  the  tempestuous 
billows,  as  the  Swallow  skims  over  the  surface  of  the  summer  lake,  showing  that  in  the 
Man-of-war  Bird,  the  power  of  flight  is  developed  in  the  highest  degree. 

FAMILY  VI.     PIL^TO-NID^E.     THE  TROPIC  BIRDS. 

Bill,  about  equal  in  length  to  head,  strong,  and  pointed  at  tip.  Gular  sac,  absent. 
Sternum,  longer  than  wide.  Keel,  projecting  forward  considerably. 

The  oesophagus  is  wide  and  somewhat  dilated.  Proveutriculus,  large  with  glands  ar- 
ranged in  a  zonular  band.  Stomach,  small  and  not  muscular;  Coeca,  very  small.  Ster- 
num, arched,  with  the  central  posterior  margin  concave.  Keel,  high.  Furcula,  short  and 
lying  nearly  perpendicularly.  Head,  not  crested.  Legs  and  neck,  very  short. 

,       CiENUS  I.    PILETON.    TI1E  LONG-TAILED  TROPIC  BIRDS. 

GEN.  Cu.  Resemble  those  given  under  Family  heading.  Tail,  wedge-shaped,  with  central  feathers  excessively  elon- 
gated. Sexes,  similar.  There  is  but  one  s|>ecies  within  our  limits. 

PH-3BTON  FLAVIBOSTRIS. 
Yellow-billed  Tropic  Bird. 

Pfufton  Jlavirostris  BDT.,  Bull,  So.  Acad.  Imp.  St.  Pet.  I;  1837,  349. 
DESCRIPTION. 

Sr.  Cu.  Form,  slender.  Size,  medium.  COLOR.  Adult.  White  throughout  with  a  satiny  gloss,  tinged  with  pale 
salmon  which  becomes  deeper  on  elongated  central  tail  feathers,  the  shafts  of  which  are  black.  Curved  patch  on  side  of 
Ix'inl,  unc  on  scnpularies  and  secondaries,  passing  back  war  1  in  a  line  along  wing  coverts,  and  spot  near  terminal  portion  of 
primaries,  purplish-Mack.  The  feathers  of  flanks  arc  centrally  streaked  with  dusky.  Hill,  tarsi  and  base  of  feet,  orange, 
remainder  of  latter,  black,  iris,  brown.  Young.  Similar  but  paler,  and  the  central  tail  feathers  are  nut  as  long. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  by  the  donated  central  tail  feathers  and  orange  bill.  Constantly  resident  on  ttie  Bermuda  and  Bahama  Is- 
hni'is.  Rare  on  the  Florida  coast.  Accidental  in  the  Northern  Atlantic  States. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens.  Length,  30'75;  stretch,  37'00;  wing,  1T25;  tail,  19'25;  bill,2'10;  tarsus,  P08. 
Longest  specimen,  32'00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  :!8-<X);  longest  wing,  ll'SO;  tail,  21 '00;  bill,  2'25;  tarsus,  T25.  Shortest 
specimen,  29-50;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  SG'OO;  shortest,  wing,  ll'OO;  tail,  18'50;  bill,  2'00;  tarsus,  -90. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NKSTS  AND  KUG.S. 

Efl'jf,  usually  placed  in  holes  of  rocks,  one  in  numlier,  rather  oval  in  form,  chalky-white  in  color,  usually  very  thickly 
spotted  with  reddish-chocolate  of  varying  .shades.  Dimensions  IVom  l-OOx'J'I/)  to  I'60x2'25. 

HABITS. 

Some  years  ago,  when  sailing  along  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  not  far  from  the  Florida  Keys, 
in  little  sleaiinT,  early  in  November,  I  observed  a  Tropic,  Bird  flying  high  in  air.  Tin; 
bird  was  pursuing  the  same  course  that  we  were  and  remained  in  sight  lor  several  hour. 

en 


474  STERNA  ANOL1CA. 

This  is  the  only  living  specimen  of  the  species  that  I  ever  saw  and  consider  it  very  rare  on 
the  coast  of  Florida.  They  are,  however,  not  uncommon  on  both  the  Bahamas  and  Bermu- 
das, where  they  breed,  placing  the  single  egg  in  a  hole  in  the  rocks.  It  is  rather  singu- 
lar that  the  eggs  of  these  birds  should  vary  so  much  from  those  of  other  members  of  the 
order,  in  being  spotted,  but  many  eggs  of  both  of  our  Pelicans,  show  some  indication  of 
markings  in  the  form  of  streakings,  which,  at  first  sight,  appear  to  be  caused  by  blood, 
but  which  is,  I  think,  a  regular  pigment  coloration.  A  specimen  of  the  Yellow-billed 
Tropic  Bird,  evidently  a  straggler,  was,  singularly  enough,  taken  in  the  interior  of  New 
York  State,  about  the  middle  of  November,  1870. 

'     ORDER  XVII.   LONGIPENNES.   LONG-WINGED  BIRDS. 

Wings,  very  long.  Tail,  short.  Legs,  moderatelly  long  with  anterior  toes  webbed. 
Hind  toe,  short  and  elevated. 

The  bill  is  variable  in  form,  either  curved,  pointed,  or  laterally  flattened.  Sternum, 
longer  than  wide,  with  keel  equalling  one  half  its  width  or  higher.  Marginal  indenta- 
tions, four  or  absent.  Coracoids,  longer  than  width  of  sternum.  Furcula,  well  arched 
and  approximating  closely  to  tip  of  keel  which  is  projected  forward.  Sterno-trachealis, 
present.  There  is  a  small  bronchialis  but  no  other  laryngeal  muscles.  Oesophagus,  straight 
without  dilatation.  Proventriculus,  not  very  large,  with  glands  arranged  in  a  zonular  band. 
Stomach,  rather  muscular.  Cceca,  short.  Sexes,  similar. 

FAMLY  I.'    LAREDO.     THE  GULLS  AND  TERNS. 

Bill,  generally  shorter  than  head,  curved,  pointed,  or  flattened  laterally.  Hind  toe, 
usually  present.  Marginal  indentations,  four.  Keel,  not  perforated. 

Members  of  this  family  are  closely  feathered,  possess  the  power  of  swimming,  and  also 
move  with  ease  upon  the  ground.  The  young  are  covered  with  down  at  birth  and  run  as 
soon  as  hatched,  but  are  fed  by  the  parents  until  able  to  fly. 

GENUS  I.    STERNA.    THE  TERNS. 

GEN.  CH.  Bill,  about  as  lony  as  head,  and  pointed.  Toes,  webbed  nearly,  or  quite,  to  lips.  Legs,  short.  Tail,  lony 
and  deeply  forked. 

Members  of  this  genus  are  generally  very  light  in  color.    Sexes,  similar.    There  are  two  species  within  our  limits. 

STERNA  ANGLICA. 

Marsh  Tern. 
Sterna  anylica  MONT..  Orn.  Diet.  Sup.,  1813. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  Bill,  short  and  rather  thick.  COLOR.  Adult.  Above,  pale  bluish-ash.  Outer 
webs  of  primaries,  hoary,  inner,  ashy-gray,  becoming  lighter  toward  base.  Outer  tail  feathers,  nearly  white.  Top  of  head 
to  lower  eyelid  and  occiput,  black.  Line  at  base  of  upper  mandible  and  under  parts  pure  white.  Iris,  brown,  bill  and 
feet,  black.  In  winter,  the  anterior  portion  of  head  becomes  more  or  less  whits. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  by  the  large  size,  thick  black  bill  and  feet,  nearly  white  outer  tail  feathers,  and  hoary  primaries.  Distribu- 
ted, in  summer,  from  New  Jersey,  southward.  Rare  in  New  England.  Winters  south  of  the  United  States. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  North  America.  Length,  I3'75;  stretch,  34-00;  wing,  U'15,  tail.  5'25;bill, 
1'30;  tarsus,  1-25.  Longest  specimen,  14'50;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  35'CO,  longest  wing,  12-50;  tail,  5  50:  bill,  1-40-.  tarsus, 
1-30.  Shortest  specimen,  13-00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  33-00;  shortest  wing,  11'75;  tail.S'OO;  bill,  1-20;  tarsus,  1'20. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

F.ygs,  placed  on  the  ground  in  sandy  places,  three  or  four  in  number,  oval  in  form,  and  varying  from  yellowish-bulf 
to  greenish  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  with  yellowish-brown  and  lilac.  Dimensions  from  l'30x  1'75  to  l'40x  1-8(1. 


CASPIAN  TEKN.  476 

HABITS. 

Terns!  What  a  multitude  of  pleasant  memories  is  conjured  up  at  the  sight  of  this  short 
word,  for  these  graceful  birds  have  always  been  special  favorites  of  mine  and  I  have  spent 
many  delightful  hours  along  our  shores,  studying  their  habits.  The  Marsh  Tern  is  far  from 
bring  very  common  anywhere,  for  although  I  have  shot  it  in  Massachusetts  and  Florida, 
it  is  rare  in  both  States.  It  breeds,  however,  in  the  intermediate  districts,  nesting  on  the 
islands  oil  the  coast  of  Virginia,  late  in  June,  depositing  the  eggs  on  sand  hills.  The 
flight  of  this  Torn  is  rather  heavy  and  its  cries  are  harsh,  but  it  does  not  differ  essentially 
in  habit  from  many  other  members  of  the  genus. 

STERNA  CASPIA. 

Caspian  Tern. 
Sterna  cag/iia  PALL.,  Nov.  Com.  Petr. ;  1770,  582. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cu.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  Bill,  stout.  COLOR.  Adult.  Above,  pule  bluish-ash  with  primaries  dark-slaty 
on  inner  webs.  Tail  and  coverts  ashy-white.  Top  of  head  and  occiput,  black,  glossed  with  greenish.  Beneath,  white. 
Bill,  red,  iris,  brown,  and  feet,  black.  In  winter,  and  Youny.  Similar  but  paler,  and  the  top  of  head  is  more  or  less  white. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  by  the  large  size,  ashy-gray  inner  webs  of  primaries,  and  red  bill.  Distributed,  in  summer,  along  our  entire 
coast;  winters  from  Massachusetts  southward. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  North  America.  Length,  21*50;  stretch,  50*50;  wing,  16*3D;taiI,  5*60;  bill, 
2  (tf;  tarsus,  1'63.  Longest  specimen,  22*00;  greatest  extent  ofwing,  51*00;  longest  wing,  10*75;  tail.  6'(X);  bill,  2  75;  tarsus, 
1  75.  Shortest  specimen,  21-03;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  SO'OO;  shortest  wing,  16'00;  tail,  5-00;  bill,  2*50;  tarsus,  1-50. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

K/ys,  placed  on  the  ground,  three  or  four  in  number,  oval  in  form,  and  varying  from  whito  to  gresnish-buff  in  color, 
spotted  and  blotched  with  brown  and  lilac  of  varying  shades.  Dimensions  from  1*85  x  2*70  to  1-90x2-75. 

HABITS. 

The  large  and  handsome  Caspian  Tern  is,  perhaps,  the  least  agile  on  the  wing  of  any 
of  the  genus,  moving  in  a  similar  manner  to  that  of  some  of  the  smaller  Gulls,  but  in  hab- 
its it  closely  resembles  its  other  relatives  and  the  note  is  extremely  harsh.  Former,  the 
Caspian  Tern  was  supposed  to  breed  only  in  the  North  but  recently  it  has  been  found  nest- 
ing, though  not  in  any  numbers,  on  the  islands  off  the  coast  of  Virginia  and  further  south 
It  is  possible  that  this  bird  occurs  in  Florida  in  summer  but  I  have  never  mot  with  speci- 
mens there,  although  I  have  killed  many  of  the  succeeding  species,  which  they  closely  re- 
semble, in  the  State. 

STERNA  REGIA. 

Royal  Tern. 
Sterna  regia  GAHB.,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sc.  Phil.,  1848,  228. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  Bill,  stout.  COLOR.  Adult.  Pale  bluish-ash  above,  with  primaries  darker  on 
outer  webs  and  on  a  narrow  line  next  the  shaft  of  inner,  the  remainder  of  which  being  white.  Tail  and  coverts,  ashy- white. 
Top  of  head  ami  ooriput,  black,  glossed  with  greenish  White  beneath,  tinged  with  rosy.  Iris,  brown,  feet,  black,  bill, 
ri'd.  Winter  adult  and  Youny.  Similar  but  paler,  the  primaries  are  overwashed  with  hoary,  and  the  crown  is  partly  white. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

K::-iiy  j  r,'i,i'iii/j  1  liy  the  large  size,  red  bill,  and  nearly  white  inner  webs  to  primaries.  Distributed,  in  summer,  from 
New  Jersey,  southward.  Winters  in  Florida.  Rare  as  far  north  :LS  Massachusetts. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Florida.  Length,  19'88;  stretch,  43*50;  wing,  14-00;  tail,  fi'12;  hill,  2'58; 
tarsus,  1-30.  Longest  specimen,  -JO'50;  greatest  extent  of  win:;,  II  50;  longest  wing,  14*50;  tail,  7'(H);  bill,  2*90;  tarsus,  1*40. 
Shortest  sjitriiiien,  l'J'*25;  smullust  extent  of  wing,  4*J*50;  shortest  wiug,  13*50;  tail,  5*25*  bill.  2*25-  tarsus  1*20 


476  SANDWICH  TERN. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Eyys,  placed  on  the  ground  in  sandy  places,  two  to  three  in  number,  rather  pyriform  in  shape,  varying  from  white  to 
greenish-buff  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  irregularly  with  brown,  umber,  and  lilac  of  varying  shades,  and  having  an  c»c- 
casional  tinge  of  yellowish.  Dimensions  from  I'70x2'70  to  I'75x2'75. 

HABITS. 

The  Royal  Terns  are  common  on  the  larger  lakes  and  rivers  throughout  the  interior  of 
Florida,  as  well  as  on  the  coast,  during  winter,  but  as  spring  approaches,  they  retire  to  the 
sea-shore  to  breed.  The  eggs  are  deposited  about  the  first  of  June  and  are  placed  on  the 
naked  sand.  These  birds  are  very  shy  at  all  times;  even  when  breeding,  they  will  instant- 
ly leave  the  immediate  vicinity  when  it  is  approached,  but  like  all  other  Terns,  they  are 
always  attracted  by  the  cries  of  a  wounded  comrade,  and  at  such  times,  appear  to  lose  all 
fear,  for  if  repeatedly  fired  at,  the  survivors  will  continue  to  hover  about,  uttering  pierc- 
ing cries.  The  Royal  Terns  gather  by  thousands  on  the  sand  bars  among  the  keys,  at  low 
tide,  but  rise  at  high  water  to  fish,  at  which  craft  they  are  very  expert,  diving  downward 
with  the  speed  of  an  arrow  to  secure  their  prey.  Mr.  Brews ter  and  myself  secured  two 
birds  which  were  evidently  breeding,  at  Nantucket,  about  the  first  of  July,  some  five  or  six 
years  ago,  but  this  is  beyond  their  usual  range. 

STERNA  CANTIACA. 
Sandwich  Tern. 

Sterna  cantiaca  Gin.,  Syst.  Nat.,  I;  1788,  606. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  slender.  Size,  rather  large.  COLOR.  Adult.  Above  light  pearly  blue,  with  the  four  first  primaries 
dusky-gray  on  outer  webs,  and  in  a  narrow  line  next  the  shaft  on  inner,  the  remainder  of  which  is  white.  Tail  and  cov- 
erts, and  under  parts,  white.  Crown,  occiput  and  nape, black.  Bill,  black,  with  terminal  fourth,  yellow,  iris,  brown,  and 
feet,  black.  Winter  adult  and  Vouny,  Similar  but  paler,  with  more  or  less  white  on  top  of  head. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  by  the  white  tail  and  yellow  terminal  fourth  to  slender,  black  bill.  Distributed  as  a  constant  resident  in  south- 
ern Florida.  Accidental,  in  summer,  as  far  north  as  Massachusetts. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Florida.  Length,  15'39;  stretch,  33'38;  wing,  12'25;  tail,  5'75;  bill,  2-12; 
tarsus,  1 -05.  Longest  specimen,  15-75;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  33'75;  longest  wing,  12-50;  tail,  6'00;  bill,  2'25;  tarsus, 
1-10.  Shortest  specimen,  15  00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  33-QO;  shortest  wing,  12'00;  tail,  5'50;  bill,  2'00;  tarsus,  1-00. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Et/ys,  placed  on  the  ground  in  sandy  places,  two  or  three  in  number,  rather  oval  in  form,  varying  from  white  to  buff 
in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  with  brown,  umber,  bluish,  and  reddish.  Dimensions  from  1-25x2  OO  to  I'30x2'15. 

HABITS. 

I  found  the  beautiful  Sandwich  Terns  common  all  winter  among  the  Florida  Keys  and 
they  were  not  at  all  shy;  consequently,  I  procured  as  many  as  I  wanted.  They  breed  on 
a  small,  sandy  key  off  Cape  Sable,  late  in  June,  placing  the  eggs  on  the  naked  ground.  I 
have  seen  specimens  of  the  Sandwich  Tern,  which  were  taken  on  Cape  Cod,  but  consider 
the  species  very  rare  so  far  north. 

STERNA  FLUVIATILIS. 
Common  Tern. 

Sterna  Jluvialilis  NAUM.,  Isis;  1H19. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Size,  medium.  Form,  rather  slender.  Bill,  slender.  COLOR.  Adult.  Back  and  wings,  ashy-blue,  with 
primaries  dusky  on  outer  webs  and  white  on  inner  two  thirds  of  inner.  Rump,  upper  coverts,  and  tail,  white,  with  outer 
webs  of  last,  ashy,  which  becomes  dusky  on  extreme  outer  webs.  Crown  and  occiput  sooty-black.  Beneath,  pale  ashy- 
blue.  Incoming  white  on  under  wing  and  tail  coverts.  Iris,  brown,  feet,  red,  bill,  red,  dusky  at  tip.  In  winter,  similar, 
but  paler,  with  crown  more  or  less  white.  Youny,  similar  to  winter  adult,  but  are  tinged  with  yellowish  above  where  tho 
feathers  arc  edged  witli  whitish ;  ruinp  and  upper  tail  coverts,  bluish ;  shoulders,  dusky.  White  beneath;  bill,  black. 


FORSTER'S  TERN.  477 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  from  the  closely  allied  fonteri,  by  the  dnrk  color  of  the  outer  webs  of  outer  tail  feathers,  and  from  adult  mac- 
roura  by  the  black  tip  to  bill  and  longer  tarsus.  See  other  species  for  further  comparison.  Distributed,  in  summer,  form 
Virginia  to  the  far  North.  Winters,  south  of  the  United  States. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  North  America.  Length,  14'60;  stretch,  30'20;  wins,  10'40;  tail,  6'25;  bill, 
I  1-':  tarsus,  -HO.  Longest  specimen.  15'filt;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  31*9  I;  Impost  wing,  ll'.lfl;  tail,?  00;  bill,  1-55;  tarsus, 
•!)tl.  Shortcut  sperimcn,  13'W);  smallest  extent  of  wing,  28'50;  shortest  wing,  !)  3.j;  tail,  5-5:2;  bill,  1'30;  tarsus,  -75. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EUGS. 

V  N/.<,  placed  on  the  ground  in  sandy  places,  composed  of  grass,  sea-weeds,  etc.  Eggs,  from  three  to  four  in  number, 
oval  in  form,  varying  from  white,  through  green,  to  deep  brown  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  irregularly  with  brown,  um- 
ber, and  lilac  of  varying  shades.  Dimensions  from  1  *05zl '40  to  1 '25x1*83. 

HABITS. 

The  Common  Terns  are  by  far  the  most  abundant  species  on  our  coast,  north  of  Vir- 
ginia, and  extend  their  range  into  the  far  North.  I  found  them  very  abundant  on  the  Mag- 
dalen Islands,  breeding,  not  only  on  the  sand-bars,  but  also  on  the  grassy  tops  of  isolated 
rocks,  two  hundred  feet  high,  with  precipitous  sides,  and  which  had  become  detached  from 
the  cliffs  on  the  western  shores  of  Grindstone  Island,  but  which  were  only  separated  from 
the  shore  by  a  chajiu  of  a  few  yards  in  width.  As  the  eggs  of  these  Terns  are  much  sought 
after  for  food  by  fishermen  and  others,  it  is  probable  that  they  were  driven  to  these  nearly 
inaccessible  places  by  constant  persecution.  When  nesting,  these  Terns  are  not  re'marka- 
bly  shy,  and  if  the  breeding  ground  is  approached,  all  the  birds  will  rise  and  fly  to  meet 
the  intruder,  uttering  their  loud,  shrill  notes  which  sound  likete-arr  te-arr;  then  will  hov- 
er over  the  head  of  the  invader,  often  but  a  short  distance  from  him,  or  will  make  frantic 
dives  at  him,  passing  within  a  few  feet  of  his  head.  If  a  shot  be  fired  at  them,  every  bird 
will  dash  downward  and,  for  a  moment,  become  silent,  only,  however,  to  resume  their  cries 
with  greater  vehemence.  They  gather  around  a  wounded  or  dead  companion,  especially 
if  it  chance  to  fall  into  the  water,  hovering  directly  over  it,  and  displaying  by  their  cries, 
the  most  profound  sympathy  for  its  misfortunes.  These  Terns,  when  unmolested,  breed 
about  the  middle  of  June,  and  the  young  make  their  appearance  during  the  first  week 
in  July,  running  as  soon  as  hatched,  but  are  cared  for  by  the  parents  until  able  to  fly  well, 
which  occurs  in  August.  The  young  are  easily  tamed,  and  I  once  possessed  one  that  dis- 
played considerable  intelligence.  It  fed  readily  on  small  fish  and  grew  to  be  a  fine,  large 
bird,  when  it  was  accidently  killed. 

STERNA  FORSTEJII. 

Forster's  Tern. 
Sterna  Fonteri  NUTT.,  Man.  Orn.,  II;  1834,274. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  rather  slender.  Size,  medium.  COLOR.  Adult.  Above,  bluish-ash.  Outer  webs  of  primaries,  hoary, 
inner,  dusky  next  the  shaft.  Rump  anil  outer  web  of  outer  tail  feather,  white,  frown  and  occiput,  deep  black.  White 
beneath.  Iris,  brown,  feet,  yellow,  and  bill,  blaek,  yellow  at  extreme  tip.  Winter  adult.  Similar,  but  the  forehead  and 
entire  top  of  head  with  hind  neck  arc  whitish,  leaving  a  black  patch  around  and  behind  eye. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

I'irds  in  winter  dress  were  formerly  considered  u  specie-  an  i  "allud  Hnnlli.  Known  by  the  black  bill,  yellow  feet,  and 
white  outer  web  to  outer  tail  feathers  which  is  always  the  reverse  with  the  Common  Tern.  Distributed  in  summer  through- 
cm  the  West.  Winters  in  Florida.  Rare  along  the  New  Kii_rl:iu<l  c>>ast  in  autumn. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  m<  asureinerits  of  speeimen«  from  North  America.  Length,  14'5(p;  stretch,  3I-.10;  wing,  10'75,  tail.  5'35;bill, 
I '9!);  tarsus,  PIS.  Longest  s|<>eimen,  15'(K);  .tent  of  wing,  37'00,  longest  wing,  IT. 10;  t:iil,4*f>;V.  bill,  S'lO-.  tarsus, 

1  SKI.     Shortest . specimen,  1 J  00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  3d'0(l;  shortest  wing,  10'05;  tail,  3'0">;  bill,  l'*i;  tarsus,  1'OsJ. 


478  STERNA  MACROURA. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Egg*,  placed  on  the  ground  in  sandy  places,  three  or  four  in  number,  oval  in  form,  varying  from  nearly  pure  white, 
through  green,  to  deep-brown  in  color,  spotted  and  blotcbed  irregularly  with  brown,  umber,  and  lilac  of  varying  shades. 
Dimensions  from  l'05x  1-40  to  1 -25 x  1-80. 

HABITS. 

Forster's  Tern  is  very  common  in  Florida  in  winter,  frequenting  the  inland  waters  as 
well  as  the  coast.  They  are  then  in  the  dress  which  was  formerly  known  as  Ilavell's  Tern, 
but  they  moult  in  April,  assuming  the  black  head  of  the  summer  plumage.  In  spring,  they 
gather  on  the,  sand-bars  of  Indian  River,  in  great  numbers,  in  company  with  other  mem- 
bers of  the  genus.  The  notes  have  some  resemblance  to  those  of  the  preceding  species,  but 
are  easily  recognized,  being  somewhat  harsher.  Forster's  Terns  breed' on  the  Great  Lakes 
of  the  interior  but  are  occasionally  found  on  the  New  England  coast  in  autumn. 

STERNA  MACROURA. 

Arctic  Tern. 

Sterna  macroura  NAUH.,  Isis.  1819. 
DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  On.  Form,  rather  slender.  Size,  medium.  Bill,  slender.  Bottom  of  feet,  roughened.  COLOR.  Adult.  Rath- 
er dark  ashy-blue  throughout,  becoming  lighter  on  throat.  Under  portion  of  wings,  rump,  and  tail,  white,  the  last  har- 
ing  some  of  the  outer  webs  dusky.  Primaries,  dusky,  white  on  two  thirds  of  inner  webs.  Top  of  head  to  lower  eyelid  and 
occiput,  black.  Iris,  brown,  bill  and  feet,  coral-red.  In  winter,  the  anterior  portion  of  head  becomes- more  or  less  white. 
Young.  Similar  to  winter  adult  but  with  shoulders  dusky,  back  obscurely  banded  with  dusky  and  reddish,  and  white  be- 
neath. Bill,  black,  and  feet,  yellow. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

The  young  with  the  white  forehead  and  dusky  shoulders  which  were  hatched  late  and  which  apparently  failed  to  moult 
the  following  spring  have  been  described  as  Sterna  Portlandica.  Known  in  the  adult  stage  by  the  medium  size  and  slender 
red  bill  and  the  young,  by  the  abruptly  white  rump,  short  tarsus  and  roughened  feet.  Distributed,  in  summer,  from  Vir- 
ginia to  the  Gulf  of  St.  Lawrence.  Winters  south  of  the  United  States. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens.  Length,  14'25;  stretch,  27'95;  wing,  10-88;  tail,  6'85;  bill,  1'30;  tarsus,  "65. 
Longest  specimen,  1700;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  32*  15;  longest  wing,  1V75;  tail,  8'30,  bill,  l'3fi;  tarsus,  '71.  Shortest 
specimen,  11-50;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  23'75;  shortest  wing,  lO'OO;  tail,  6'00;  bill,  1'25;  tarsus,  '60. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Eggs,  placed  on  the  ground  in  sandy  places,  three  or  four  in  number,  oval  in  form,  varying  from  nearly  pure  white  to 
deep  brown  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  irregularly  with  brown,  umber,  and  lilac  of  varying  shades.  Dimensions  from 
l-05x  1-40  to  1-25x1-80. 

HABITS. 

I  think  the  name,  Arctic  Tern,  has  been  misapplied  to  the  present  species,  for  as  far 
as  my  observations  extend,  it  is  not  nearly  as  northern  in  distribution,  at  least  on  our  side 
of  the  Atlantic,  as  the  Common  Tern.  Thus,  I  found  these  birds  rare  on  the  Magdalens, 
where  the  others  were  abundant,  and  collections  that  I  have  examined,  from  Labrador  and 
northward,  contained  nothing  but  Common,  although  almost  invariably  labeled  as  Arctic. 
The  Arctic  Terns  breed  along  the  coast  of  New  England,  almost  always  placing  the  eggs 
on  the  naked  sand,  and  appear  especially  fond  of  sand-bars  that  are  entirely  destitute  of 
vegetation.  In  habits  and  time  of  breeding,  they  closely  resemble  the  Common  Tern,  and 
the  notes  of  the  two  species  are  nearly  alike. 

STERNA  DOTJGALLI. 

Roseate  Tern. 
Sterna  Dougal/i  MONT.,  Orn.  Diet.  Sup.,  1813. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.     Form,  slender.    She,  medium.     Bill,  long  and  slender.     COLOR.     Aduh.     Above,  pale  ashy-blue,  lightest 
on  neck  and  tail.     Outer  tail  feathers!,  white.     Primaries,  dasky  on  outer  webs  and  on  inner  next  the  shaft.     Beneath. 


STERNA  ANT1LLARUM.  479 

white  strongly  tinged  with  rosy.     Iris,  brown,  feet,  orange,  bill,  black,  orangeatbii.se.    In  winter,  and  Youny.    Similar  but 
paler,  anil  tin1  top  of  lirad  Ls  more  or  less  white. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  by  the  slender  form,  blnek  bill,  and  wholly  white  outer  tail  feathers.  Nestlings  of  this  anil  of  the  three  pre- 
ceding species  are  indistinguishable,  being  yellowish  above  mottled  with  black,  and  white  beneath.  Distributed,  in  sum- 
mer, from  Massachusetts,  southward,  Rare  as  far  north  as  Maine.  Winters  south  of  the  United  States. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  North  America.  Length,  15'15;  stretch,  28'50;  wing,  9'60;  toil,  fi-()5;  bill, 
1  '48:  tarsus,  '70.  Lon^c-t  -penmen.  Hi-Jj;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  3U'4'I;  longest  wing,  10-3:);  tail,  7  30;  bill,  1'55;  tarsus^ 
•8().  Shortest  specimen,  ll'OO;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  2<>'60;  shortest  wing,  8-90;  tail,  4'80;  bill,  1'40;  tarsus,  -60. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  KOUS. 

Nesls,  placed  on  the  ground  in  sandy  places,  composed  of  sticks,  sea-weeds,  etc.  Ityys,  from  three  to  fyur  in  number, 
oval  in  form,  varying  from  white,  through  green,  to  deep  brown  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  irregularly  with  brown,  um- 
ber,  and  lilac  of  varying  shades.  Dimensions  from  1 '05 z  1*40  to  l'25zl'8,2. 

HABITS. 

The  flight  of  the  Roseate  Terns  is  exceedingly  graceful,  and  I  know  of  no  finer  sight 
than  a  group  of  these  lovely  birds,  moving  along  over  the  green  water,  pausing  now  and 
then  to  hover  for  a  moment,  that  they  may  peer  into  the  depths  below.  Gazing  upon  their 
perfectly  symmetrical  forms  and  elegant  evolutions,  one  can  scarcely  consider  them  birds,  but 
rather,  as  beautiful  Nereids  of  the  sea,  which  have  left  their  native  element,  to  sport  for  a 
time  in  the  delightful  summer  air.  The  Roseate  Tern  is  one  among  our  birds,  that  I  nev- 
er care  to  shoot,  for  aside  from  a  dislike  to  destroy  a  being  so  lovely,  the  delicate  tints  of  the 
plumage  are  so  evanescent  and  so  easily  soiled,  and  there  is  such  a  marked  difference  be- 
tween cabinet  specimens,  no  matter  how  carefully  prepared,  and  the  living  birds,  that  the 
contrast  is  absolutely  painful.  The  notes  of  the  Roseate  Terns  are  quite  harsh,  sounding, 
when  the  birds  are  excited,  like  hoyet,  hoyet,  ending  with  a  kind  of  prolonged  cry.  They 
lay  about  the  same  time  as  the  other  Terns,  and  their  principal  breeding  ground  on  our 
mast  is  on  Muskfeget,  a  small,  sandy  island  with  a  slightly  rolling  surface,  on  which  noth- 
ing larger  in  the  way  of  vegetation  grows,  than  a  few  dwarf  plum  bushes.  In  the  hol- 
lows, however,  is  a  somewhat  luxuriant  crop  of  ivy  and  beach  grass,  among  which  the  Ro- 
seate Terns  build  their  nests  of  sticks.  They  arc  very  solicitous  for  the  safety  of  their 
young  and  in  general  habits  resemble  the  preceding  species. 

STERNA  ANTILLAHUM. 

Least  Tern. 
Sterna  antillarum  LESS.,  Des.  Mam.  et  Ois;  1848,  256. 

DESCRIPTION.    „ 

Sr.  Cu.  Form,  slender.  Size,  very  small.  Bill,  long  and  slender.  COLOR.  Adult.  Above,  light  pearly  blue  with 
two  or  'in-ee  lirst  primaries  sooty-black,  white  on  inner  webs  of  inner.  Outer  webs  of  outer  tail  feather,  white,  Crown 
and  occiput,  deep  Mack,  l.unatr  spot  on  forehead  and  under  parts,  white.  Bill,  yellow,  with  terminal  fourth,  black, 
iris,  brown,  and  feet,  yellow.  Winter  adult  and  Young.  Similar  but  white  of  forehead  more  extended.  Bill,  black. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  by  the  small  size  and  white  lunet  on  the  forehead.  Distributed,  in  summer,  from  Massachusetts,  southward. 
Winters  south  of  the  United  States. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  North  America.  Length,  8'88;  stretch,  19-40;  wing,  6'65.  tail,  2'95;  bill, 
I'll;  tarsus,  -7(1.  Lonire<t  spoci  men,  9"<J5;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  l'J'75,  longest  wing,  7 '(X);  tail,  31 15:  bill,  I'lo.  tarsus,  -73. 
Shortest  specimen,  8'5il;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  1'J'lKl;  shortest  wing,  0'30;  tail,  sJ'75;  bill,  l'(  (1;  I;UMIS,  '65. 

DESCRIPTION  OK  NESTS  AND   ECCS. 

Eijuf,  placed  .in  the  ground  in  sandy  plan--,  three  or  I'-ur  in  nunilirr,  rather  o\»l  in  form,  \ar\ini;  from  »  liilc  to  hull 
ill  color,  spotted  and  blotched  irregularly  with  brown,  umber,  und  lilac  of  \arjingshades,  and  having  an  occasional  tin.uc 
of  yellowish.  Dimeasions  from  '75z  TlK)  to  ''JOx  1-30. 


480  SOOTY  TERN. 

HABITS. 

The  Least  Terns  differ  somewhat  in  flight  from  the  larger  species,  moving  with  a  rai.Ii- 
er  jerking  motion  which  is  not  very  graceful.  Their  notes  are  shrill,  quite  short,  and  ab- 
ruptly given,  especially  when  the  birds  are  disturbed.  They  place  the  eggs  on  the  naked 
sand,  preferring,  as  breeding  places,  sandy  beaches  which  are  without  a  vestige  of  grass  or 
other  vegetation.  I  procured  eggs  of  the.  Least  Tern  on  the  Florida  Keys,  early  in  May 
but  the^e  birds  do  not  nest  on  our  New  England  coast  until  about  the  tenth  of  July.  They 
are  expert  at  fishing,  catching  young  mackerel  and  other  small  fish,  and  may  frequently 
be  seen  carrying  their  prey  crosswise  in  their  beaks,  as  they  fly  to  their  breeding  grounds. 
In  being  solicitous  for  the  safety  of  their  eggs,  and  in  hovering  about  a  dead  or  wounded 
companion,  they  do  not  differ  from  other  Terns,  and  may,  like  them,  be  decoyed  within 
shooting  distance  by  waving  a  white  handkerchief,  at  the  same  time  imitating  their  cries. 

STERNA  FULIGINOSA. 
Sooty  Tern. 

Sterna  fuliginosa  GM.,  Syst.  Nat.,  I;  1788,  605. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cu.  Size,  large.  Form,  slender.  Bill,  rather  slender.  COLOR.  Adult.  Above,  black.  Lunate  spot  on  top  of 
head,  outer  welis  of  the  tail  and  basal  half  of  inner,  and  under  part-*,  white.  Iris,  brown,  bill  and  f'eot,  black.  Vouny. 
Brownish  throughout,  paler  beneath,  with  the  feathers  more  or  less  edged  with  white  and  rufous. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  by  the  large  size,  dark  color  above,  and  white  lunet  on  head.  Distributed  as  a  constant  resident  on  the  Flori- 
da Keys  and  Bahamas.  Accidental  further  north. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Florida.  Length,  16'00;  stretch,  34'CO;  wing,  11-50;  tr.il,  7-£5;  bill,  1-62; 
tarsus,  1-05.  Longest  specimen,  17'00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  35'00;  longest  wing,  IsJ'OO;  tail,  7'50;  bill,  1-75;  tarsus, 
MO.  Shortest  specimen,  15-00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  33-00;  shortest  wing,  ll'OO;  tail,  7'00;  bill,  1'50;  tarsus,  TOO. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 


s,  placed  on  the  ground  in  sandy  places,  two  or  three  in  number,  oval  in  form,  pinkish  white  in  color,  spitted  and 
blotched  with  reddish-brown  and  lilac.     Dimensions  from  l*45x  1'95  to  1*50  x<MX). 

HABITS. 

The  Sooty  Terns  are  now  only  found  in  any  numbers  on  the  small  islands  which  lie  to 
the  southward  of  Key  West  and  which  are  known  as  the  Dry  Tortugas.  Here  they  breed 
on  Bird  Key  which  is  about  four  miles  from  Fort  Jefferson,  depositing  their  eggs  early  in 
May.  The  birds  are  extremely  tame  when  nesting,  insomuch  so,  that  they  may  be  killed 
with  sticks  or  even  caught  with  the*hand,  and  they  deposit  the  eggs  on  the  naked  sand, 
There  were  thousands  of  these  birds  on  this  little  key,  in  1874,  but  as  the  soldiers  of  Fort 
Jefferson  had  been  in  the  habit  of  taking  the  eggs  regularly  every  other  day,  but  few  or  no 
young  were  raised.  The  officer  \vho  had  command  of  the  post,  prohibited  shooting  the  birds 
on  the  island,  but  the  continual  robbing  of  the  eggs  must  ultimately  drive  the  Sooty  Terns 
from  this  breeding  ground.  It  is  difficult  to  find  a  nesting  site  of  either  Terns  or  Gulls, 
from  Grand  Menan  to  Florida,  where  the  birds  are  not  subject  to  systematic  pillage,  not  by 
scientific  collectors  but  by  fishermen  and  others,  who  simply  want  the  eggs  as  an  article  of 
diet,  with  which  they  could  dispense  without  the  slightest  inconvenience;  and  as  I  have 
had  occasion  to  remark  many  times  before,  in  other  places,  unless  the  General  Government 
interposes  stringent  laws  for  the  protection  of  this  class  of  birds,  there  will  not  be  one  left, 
where  there  are  thousands  now,  but  where  there  were  once  millions. 


SHORT-TAILED  TEPN  481 

GENUS  II.    IIYDROCIIELIDON.    THE  BLACK  TERNS. 

Gf.v  I'll.  Bill,  about  as /any  at /lead  and  pointed.  Toe*,  not  webbed  to  lips.  Leys,  short.  Tail,  short  <mJ  not  </«•/*- 
lyfurkul. 

Members  of  this  genus  an;  generally  very  dark  in  color.     Sexes,  similar.     There  is  but  one  species  within  our  limits. 

HYDROCHELIDON  NIGTIA. 

Short  -tailed  Tern. 
Sterna  niyra  LINN  ,  Syst.  Nat. ;  1766,  227. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sr.  Cn.  Form,  slender.  Size,  small.  COLOR.  Adult.  Under  portion,  head,  and  neck, sooty-black,  becoming  dark 
ashy-gray  above,  and  hoary  on  primaries.  Under  wing  coverts,  nshv-blue,  and  under  tail  coverts,  white.  JrLs,  brown,  bill 
ami  left,  black.  Youny.  Posterior  portion  of  the  head  and  patch  around  eye,  dusky.  Remainder  of  plumage,  ashy-blue, 
tinged  with  reddish  above  and  becoming  white  on  forehead,  throat,  ring  around  neck,  and  central  under  parts. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  by  the  small  si/.e,  short  tail,  and  dark  colors.  Distributed,  in  summer,  throughout  the  West.  Winters  south 
of  the  United  States.  .\..(  uncommon  on  the  coast  of  Massachusetts  in  autumn. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  North  America.  Length,  9-50;  stretch,  23'50;  wing,  8'3!»;  tail,  3'50;  bill, 
T12;  tarsus,  -55.  Limgest  specimen,  lO'OO;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  2VOO;  longest  wing,  H'75;  tail.  4'00;  bill,  1'25;  tarsus, 
•60.  Shortest  specimen,  9'00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  23-00;  shortest  wing,  8'00;  tail,  3'00;  bill,  1'05;  tarsus,  -50. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

^<W7X>  placed  on  the  ground,  three  or  four  in  number,  pyrifonn  in  shape,  and  varying  from  brown  to  greenish  in  color 
spotted  and  blotched  with  brown  and  lilac  of  varying  shades.  Dimensions  from  '90x  1'25  to  1'OOx  1'40. 

HABITS. 

The  Short-tailed  Terns  breed  on  the  marshes  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Great  Lakes,  and 
on  the  bodies  of  water  throughout  the  West,  but  are  not  very  uncommon  along  our  New 
England  const,  late  in  August,  at  which  time  all  Terns  are  inclined  to  wander.  These 
birds,  although  fond  offish,  live  largely  upon  insects  and  are  very  expert  at  catching  them. 
In  manner  of  fliglit,  they  resemble  the  Least  Tern. 

GENUS  III.    ANGUS.  -  THE  NODDYS. 

GKX.  Cu.  Bill,  lonyer  than  head,  curved,  and  pointed.  Toes,  webbed  to  tips.  Feet,  large,  Legs,  short.  Tail,  long  ana 
roundf.it. 

Members  of  this  genus  are  very  dark  in  color.    Sexes,  similar.    There  is  but  one  species  within  our  limits. 

ANOiJS  STOLIDUS. 

Noddy  Tern. 
Anous  sto/idus  GY..  List  Gen.;  1841,  100. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sr.  CM.  Form,  slender.  Size,  large.  COLOR.  Adult.  Sooty-brown  throughout,  becoming  darker  on  wings,  tail,  and 
patch  before  eye.  Crown,  yellowish-white  becoming  ashy  posteriorly.  Iris  and  feet,  brown,  bill,  black. 

OBSERVATIONS. 
Easily  recognized  by  the  uniform  dark  colors  and  whitish  crown.    Coastantly  resident  on  Florida  Keys  and  Bahamas. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  Florida.     Length,  15-50;  stretch,  30'60;  wing,  10  25;  tail,  5'55;  bill,  1-62; 
(  tarsus,  -9S.     Longest  specimen,  16'00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  31  10;  longest  wing,  HV55;  tail,  6  05,  bill,  1  75;  tarsus,  1-05. 
Shortest  specimen,  13'00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  30-00;  shortest  wing,  10'05;  tail,  4  95;  bill,  1-52  ;  tarsus,  -«3. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nfft.i.  placed  in  trees,  composed  of  sticks.  Kyys,  two  or  three  in  number,  oval  in  f,>rm,  iisliy-yellow  in  color ,  spot- 
ted and  blotched  with  pale  reddish-brown  and  lilac.  Dimensions  from  1'4J.\  I'M!  to  1  f>'J  xii't'O. 

II. VISITS. 

The  Noddy  Tern  is  only  found  regularly  on  Hie  west  side  of  the  Gulf  Stream,  on  I  In- 
extreme  southern  Florida  Keys,  and  breeds  on  Bird  Key  at  the  Dry  Tortugos,  in  company 


482  RHYNCHROPS  N1GRA. 

with  the  Sooty  Terns,  but  always  places  the  nest  in  trees,  and  like  the  other  species, is 
so  tame  that  the  eggs  may  be  removed  from  beneath  the  bird  without  causing  it  to  leave 
the  nest.  The  eggs  are  deposited  early  in  May. 

GENUS  IV.    RHYN CHOI'S.    THE  SKIMMERS. 

Bill,  broad  at  base,  much  compressed  laterally,  with  the  lower  mandible  e.rtendiny  considerably  beyond  upper.  Lrys  and 
winijs,  /any. 

Members  of  this  genus  are  remarkable  on  account  of  the  peculiarly  constructed  bill,  the  elongated  under  mandible  of 
which  has  numerous  oblique  ridges  along  its  sides.  Tail,  .short  and  forked.  T?here  is  but  one  species  within  our  limits. 

RHYNCHOPS  NIGRA. 
Black  Skimmer. 

Khynchops  niyra  LI.NN.,  Syst.  Nat..  I,  1766,  228. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  COLOR.  Adult.  Above  sooty-black,  with  tips  of  secondaries,  forehead,  outer 
webs  of  tail  feathers,  and  entire  under  parts,  white.  Bill,  black,  yellow  at  base,  iris,  brown,  and  feet,  yellow. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  by  the  peculiar  bill.  Distributed,  in  summer,  from  New  Jersey,  southward.  Rare  further  north.  Winters 
in  Florida. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens.  Length,  17'52;  stretch,  41'95;  wing,  14'75;  tail,  5'25;  bill,  3'72;  tarsus,  I  35. 
Longest  specimen,  20' 1C;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  44'05;  longest  wing,  15-52;  tail,  6:12,  bill,4'52:  tarsus,  1-53.  Shortest 
specimen,  14  95;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  39'i>8;  shortest  wing,  14'05;  tail,  4  38;  bill,  2'88;  tarsus,  1'20. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Eyys,  placed  on  the  ground  in  sandy  places,  two  or  three  in  number,  oval  inform,  yellowish-white  in  color,  spotted  and 
blotched  rather  coarsely  with  brown,  umher,  and  lilac  of  varying  shades.  Dimensions  from  l'35x  1'65  to  l'40x  1  08. 

HABITS. 

One  night,  late  in  December,  after  a  long  and  stormy  voyage  from  the  cold,  frozen 
North,  I  was  leaning  over  the  rail  of  a.  steamer  which  was  lying  at  Fernandina,  Florida,  en- 
joying the  summer-like  warmth  of  the  air,  and  watching  the  play  of  the  moonlight  on  the 
water,  when  I  was  almost  startled  by  hearing  a  harsh  note,  sounding  like  the  bark  of  a 
young  dog.  Turning  quickly  in  the  direction  of  the  sound,  I  saw  several  shadowy  forms 
moving  swiftly  along  the  surface  of  the  water,  but  they  quickly  disappeared  in  the  sur- 
rounding gloom,  yet  the  singular  note  came  to  my  ears  several  times  from  the  distance. 
What  these  mysterious  birds  were,  I  knew  not  at  the  time,  but  later,  discovered  that  the  note 
I  then  heard,  was  produced  by  the  Black  Skimmers,  and  I  found  that  the  habit  of  flying  by 
night  in  order  to  feed,  was  regular;  in  fact,  the  species  is  almost  wholly  nocturnal  in  win- 
ter. I  have,  however,  frequently  seen  them  on  cloudy  days,  skimming  along. in  the  usu- 
al way,  with  the  elongated  under  mandible  beneath  the  water.  They  generally  move  in 
small  companies  and  fly  up  rivers  or  creeks.  During  the  day,  they  gather  in  large  flocks 
on  sand-bars  to  rest,  but  are  exceedingly  wild  and  very  difficult  to  approach.  They  breed 
late,  about  June  first  in  Florida,  but  not  until  the  last  of  the  month,  further  north.  The 
handsomely  marked  eggs  are  deposited  on  the  naked  sand. 

GENIS  V.  LARUS.  THE  GULLS. 

GEN.  Cn.  Bill,  shorter  than  head,  usually  slronr;,  somewhat  curved.  Leys,  tony,  toes  webbed  to  tips,  while  the  tail  is  ei- 
ther rounded,  square,  or  cmaryinate. 

•Members  of  this  genus  are  usually  large  in  size  and  light  in  color.     We  have  eight  species  within  our  limits. 

LARUS  GLATJCUS. 

Glaucous  Gull. 
Larus  ylaucus  Brim.,  Orn.  Bor. ;  1764,44. 

DESCRIPTION. 
SP.  Cn.     Form,  robust.     Size,  very  large.     COLOK.     Adult.     Buck  aud  upper  portion  of  wings,  very  light  pearly-blue. 


LAHUS  LEVCOPTERUS.  483 

Primaries  and  remainder  of  plumaire,  white.     Bill,  yellow,  iris  white,  and  feet,  pinkish.     In  winter,  similar  hut  streaked 
<;n  lii-ail  ami  noek  with  nshy-hmwn.     Young.     Similar  to  winter  adult  hut  streaked  and  spotted  with  ashy-brown. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Rcco.irni7.eil  by  tlio  large  si/o  and  white  primaries.  Distributed,  in  summer,  throughout  the  Arctic  Regions,  wander- 
ing sisfar  south  a>; Ma->uriiusetts  in  winter.  DIMENSIONS.  Length,  30*00;  stretch,  62-00;  wing,  18'50,  tail.  8'7fl;  bill,  3*00; 
tarsus,  3'00. 

DESCRIPTION  OP  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Wests,  placed  on  rock.v  cliffs,  oomposvd  of  sticks,  sea-weeds,  etc.  £gg>,  three  or  four  in  number,  oval  in  form,  vary- 
ing from  blui<li-white  to  dark  brownish-yi-llow  in  color,  spotted,  blotched,  and  sprinkled  with  brown  and  lilac  of  varying 
shades.  Dimensions  from  2'18x2-95  to  2*25x3'00.  . 

HABITS. 

The  largo  and  handsome  Glaucous  Gull  is  extremely  rare-  on  our  New  England  coast 
in  winter,  but  is  occasionally  taken  as  far  south  as  Massachusetts,  both  in  the  adult  and 
immature  plumages.  I  learned,  however,  when  on  the  Magdalen  Islands,  that  it  is  quite 
common  there  in  winter.  This  bird  has  much  the  same  habits  as  those  of  the  larger  Gulls. 

LARUS  LEUCOPTKRUS. 

White-winged  QulL 
Larus  leucopierus  FAB.,  Prodr.  Isl.  Orn.,  J820,  91. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sr.  Cu.  Size,  medium.  Form,  robust.  COLOR.  Adult.  Back  and  upper  part  of  wings,  pale  pearly-blue,  with  prima- 
ries nnd  remainder  of  plumage,  white.  Iris,  white,  bill,  greenish-yellow,  and  feet,  pinkish.  Winter  adult.  Similar  but 
with  head  and  neck  narrowly  streaked  with  dusky.  Young.  Pale  yellowish-brown  throughout,  faintly  mottled  with 
darker,  and  with  primaries  dusky  at  tips.  Bill,  dusky. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  by  the  medium  size  and  pale  color.  Distributed,  in  summer,  throughout  the  Arctic  Regions.  Winters  from 
Massachusetts,  northward.  DIMENSIONS.  Length, 24 '15;  stretch,  52*00;  wing,  16*75;  tail;  6*55:  bill,  1*9«;  tarsus,  2'55. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  KGGS. 

Nests,  placed  on/rocky  clifls,  composed  of  sticks,  sea-weeds,  etc.  F.yys,  from  three  to  four  in  number,  ovul  in  form, 
deep  brownish-yellow  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  with  rather  round  marks  of  brown  and  lilac  of  varying  shades.  Di- 
mensions from  1 -85x2-70  to  2-()Ox2-7li. 

HABITS. 

On  the  thirty-first  day  of  January,  1880,  an  immature  White-winged  Gull  was  brought 
to  me  by  the  Bangs  Brothers  for  identification.  It  was  killed  while  flying  over  the  Mill- 
dam,  in  Boston,  near  Charles  River,  and  another  was  seen  at  the  same  tihie.  This  is  the 
only  specimen  of  this  rare  bird  that  I  ever  saw  in  the  flesh,  and  consider  it  of  very  uncom- 
mon occurrence  as  far  south  as  Massachusetts,  as  it  breeds  in  the  Arctic  Regions. 

LARUS  MARINUS. 

Great  Black-backed  Gull. 

Larus  marinus  LINN.,   Syst.  Nat..  I;  1766,  225. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Size,  very  large.  Form,  robust.  COLOR.  Adult.  Back  and  win;?s.  dark-slaty,  becoming  black  on  prima- 
ries, which  with  secondaries  and  tertiaries  are  broadly  tipped  with  white.  Remainderof  plumage,  white.  Iris, yellowish- 
white,  bill,  yellow,  with  a  vermilion  spot  near  tip  of  under  mandible,  and  feet,  pinkish.  Winter  adult.  Similar  but  with 
lii-ail  and  neck  streaked  with  dusky.  Young.  Ashy-brown  throughout,  more  or  less  mottled  with  white.  Primaries  and 
tail,  dusky.  Bill,  black. 

OBSERVATIONS, 

Known  by  the  larire  size  and  dark  colors  above,  in  adult,  and  rather  pale  Colors  iu  young.  Distributed  in  summer  from 
Bay  of  Fundy,  northward.  Winters  from  Maine  to  Florida 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  North  America.    Length,  30'50;  stretch,  65'00;  wing,  19*2(1;  toil,  8'4H;bill, 

2*38:  tarsus,  -J  s7.     longest  spceimcn. 31 -(Ml:  irrisitiNt  extent  of  wing.GTrlli);  longest  wing.20'25;  tail,!*  05;  hill/J-.W;  tarmis, 
3'05.     Shortest  -penmen,  30-lM),  smallest  e.Uent  of  wing.  ti-l'(K);  shortest  wing,  17  8W; -tail,  7  !)H;  hill,sJ-2f»;  tarsus,  2'7;i. 


484  HERRING  GULL. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  on  rocky  cliffs,  composed  of  sticks,  sea-weeds  etc.  Eggs,  three  or  four  in  number,  oval  in  form,  varying 
from  bluish-white  to  deep  yellowish-brown  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  with  reddish-brown  and  lilac  of  varying  shades. 
Dimensions  from  2'20x2'95  to  2'30  x  3-00. 

HABITS. 

The  Great  Black-backed  Gulls  are  quite  common  along  our  northern  coast,  becoming 
rare,  however,  to  the  southward,  but  occur  quite  to  Florida.  Of  all  shy  birds,  these  large 
Gulls  are  the  shyest,  it  being  difficult  to  walk  within  rifle  range,  especially  of  mature 
birds.  They  are  fond  of  haunting  sand-bars  that  are  left  exposed  by  the  falling  tide, .but 
will  rise  at  high  water  to  fish.  These  Gulls,  like  many  other  species,  are  fond  of  the  vari- 
ous species  of  echinoderms,  or  sea  urchins,  as  well  as  mollusks,  and  in  order  to  break  them 
open,  will  fly  with  their  booty  to  a  great  height,  then  let  it  fall  upon  the  rocks  below.  The 
notes  of  the  Great  Black-backs  are  not  only  harsh  but  loud,  and  are  uttered  most  frequent- 
ly, during  storms,  when  their  wild  cries,  coming  to  the  ear  amid  the  sounds  of  shrieking 
winds  and  dashing  breakers,  produce  a  singularly  weird  effect,  though  in  perfect  keeping 
with  the  fury  of  the  elements.  The  southernmost  breeding  grounds  of  the  Black-backs,  is 
a  little,  rocky  island  in  the  Bay  of  Fundy,  the  top  of  which  is  so  high  as  to  be  almost  in- 
accessible. Perce  Rock,  in  Gaspe  Basin,  is  another  resort  for  them,  but  I  do  not  know 
of  any  more  this  side  of  Labrador. 

LAKXJS  ABGENTATUS. 

Herring  Gull. 
Larus  aryentatus  Brunn.,  Orn.  Bor.;  1764,  44. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP  CH.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  COLOR.  Adult.  Back  and  entire  wings,  light  pearly  blue.  Primaries,  tipped 
with  white  which  ispreceded  and  banded  with  black.  Secondaries  and  tertiaries  also  tipped  with  white.  Iris,  yellowish- 
white,  bill,  yellow,  with  a  vermilion  spot  near  tip  of  under  mandible,  and  feet,  pinkish.  Inwinler.  Similar  but  the  head 
and  neck  are  streaked  with  dusky.  Young,  dark  ashy-brown  throughout,  more  or  less  mottled  with  white.  Bill,  black. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  in  the  adult  stage  by  the  large  .size  and  white  tipped  primaries  which  are  black  banded,  and  young  by  the  dark 
colors.  Distributed,  in  summer,  from  Massachusetts,  northward.  Winters  from  Maine  to  Florida. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens.  Length,  24'25;  stretch,  56'50;  wing,  17'00;  tail,  6'50;  bill,  2'38;  tarsus,  S'13. 
Longest  specimen,  26'00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  59'CO;  longest  wing,  18'OC;  tail,  7'00;  bill,  2'75;  tarsus,  2'25  Shortest 
specimen,  22  50;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  54'00;  shortest  wing,  lfi'00;  tail,  6'00;  bill,  2'05;  tarsus,  2'05. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  plnced  on  the  ground,  on  rocky  cliffs,  and  in  trees,  composed  of  sticks,  sea-weeds,  etc.  Eggs,  three  or  four  in 
number,  oval  in  form,  varying  from  bluish-white  to  deep  yellowish-brown  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  with  brown  and 
lilac  of  varying  shades.  Dimensions  from  P80  x  2'70  to  2'05  x2'9l). 

HABITS. 

The  Herring  Gulls  are  the  most  abundant  of  all  the  genus  on  our  shores,  frequenting 
every  harbor  and  river  mouth  along  -the  entire  coast,  and  gathering  by  thousands  on  the 
sand-bars  to  rest,  or  during  storms,  resorting  to  the  flats.  Their  notes  are  not  quite  as 
harsh  as  those  of  the  preceding  species,  but  resemble  them  somewhat.  Herring  Gulls  are 
very  shy,  and  even  when  breeding,  take  good  care  to  keep  out  of  gun  shot,  although  they 
display  considerable  solicitude  for  the  safety  of  their  eggs.  It  is  probable  that  these  birds 
formerly  nested  on  the  coast  of  Massachusetts,  north  of  Cape  Ann,  but  now  they  do  not 
breed  nearer  than  the  coast  of  Maine.  The  eggs  are  deposited  about  the  first  of  June,  and 
the  nests  are  placed  on  rocky  cliffs,  in  marshes,  or  in  trees.  The  habit  of  building  their 


RING-BILLED  GULL.  )Sf> 

domiciles  in  (he  last  named  situation,  is  duo  to  the  constant  persecution  to  which  the  birds 
arc  subjected.  Another  peculiarity  which  is  observable  in  the  history  of  these  Gulls,  is  that 
they  arc  retreating  from  the  coast  to  breed  in  the  interior,  where  they  are  not  as  liable  to 
be  molested.  Some  of  these  Gulls,  mostly  immature  birds,  linger  about  the  northern  coast 
of  Massachusetts  all  summer. 

LARUS  DELAWARENSIS. 

Ring-billed  QuU. 
Larus  De/awarensis  Ord.,  Guth.  (J°og.,  II;  1815,  319. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  robust.  Size,  medium.  COLOR.  Adult.  Back  and  entire  wings,  very  light  pearly-blue.  Primaries, 
very  brnailly  tipped  with  black,  first  quill  broadly  banded ,  second  spotted  and  others,  with  secondaries  and  tertiaries,  tipped 
with  white.  Remainder  of  plumage,  also  white.  Bill,  greenish,  crossed  near  tip  with  a  band  of  dark-brown,  iris,  yellow, 
and  feet,  greenish.  In  winter.  Similar,  but  with  head  and  neck  spo»tei  with  dusky.  .Young,  ashy-brown  throughout, 
darkest  above,  mottled  with  lighter.  Primaries,  black.  Tail,  white  with  subterminal  band  of  black. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Kasily  recognized  by  the  ring  around  bill.  Distributed,  in  summer,  from  Labrador  and  the  Great  Lakes,  northward. 
Winters  f'ruiii  Chesapeake  Bay,  southward. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  North  America.  Length,  19'50;  stretch,  49'00:  wing,  14'53;  tail,  5'50;  bill, 
1  02;  tarsus,  2' 12.  I,  m.nest  specimen,  20'00;  greatest  extent  of  win?,  59'2'J;  longest  wing,  15*  Is?:  tail,  6'00;  bill,  I "75;  tar- 
sus, 2  25.  Shortest  specimen,  19'00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  48-00;  shortest  wing,  H'OO;  tail,  5'00;  bill,  I'M;  tarsus,  2-00. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  BUGS. 

Nests,  placed  en  the  ground  or  on  clitfs,  composed  of  sticks,  etc.  Eyys,  three  or  four  in  number,  oval  in  form,  vary- 
ing'from  bluish-white  to  dark-brown  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  with  brown  and  lilac  of  varying  shades.  Dimensions 
from  1  60x2-75  to  I'75x2-80. 

HABITS. 

I  found  the  Ring-billed  Gulls  more  abundant  in  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  during  winter, 
than  I  ever  saw  them  elsewhere,  but  they  occur  on  the  east  coast  of  Florida  at  this  season, 
and  also  further' north  in  autumn,  though  they  are  never  very  common  in  Massachusetts. 
These  Gulls  which  resemble  the  Laughing  Gull  in  general  habits,  breed  along  the  borders 
of  the  Great  Lakes,  in  Labrador,  and  northward. 

LARUS  ATRICILLA. 

Laughing  Gull. 
Larus  atrictlla  LINN.,  Syst.  Nat.,  I,  1766,  225. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Si*.  Cn.  Form,  robust.  Size,  medium.  COLOR.  Adu/l.  Back  and  wings,  slaty-blue,  becoming  black  toward  termi- 
nal portion  of  primaries,  which  with  secondaries  are  tipped  with  white.  Remainder  of  plumage,  white,  strongly  tinged 
with  rosy  beneath.  Iris  and  feet,  brown,  bill,  dark  purplish-lake.  In  winter,  and  Yiruny.  Similar,  but  lacks  the  dark 
head  which  is  replaced  by  white  mottled  with  ashy. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  by  the  dark  head,  rosy  tint,  and  slaty-blue  color  above.  Distributed,  in  summer,  from  Maine,  southward,  win- 
ters in  Florida. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens.  Length,  16-25;  stretch,  4T50;  wing,  12-50;  tail,  5'45;  bill,  T62;  tarsus,  1-88. 
Longest  specimen,  17-00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  42'50;  longest  wing,  13-00;  tail,  5-90;  bill,  1  75;  tarsus,  2-00.  Shortest 
specimen,  15'50;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  40'50;  shortest  wing,  12'00;itail,  5-00;  bill,  1"52;  tarsus,  T75. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  KCfJS. 

Nats,  placed  on  the  ground  in  >an'ly  places,  composed  of  grass,  weeds,  etc.  Eyyi,  three  or  four  in  number,  oval  in 
form,  varying  froih  bluish-white  to  ii.-hy-grecn  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  with  brown,  umber,  and  lilac  of  varying 
shades.  DiOMUiODI  from  1-52x2-00  <.<>  Hi5x2'30. 

11. VISITS. 

The  notes  of  Gulls  are  loud  and  startling,  but  those  of  the  Laughing  arc  the  most  sin- 
gular of  them  all,  (or  their  cries,  especially  when  the  birds  are  excited,  sound  like  loud 


486  LARUS  PHILADKLPHIA. 

peals  of  prolonged,  derisive  laughter.  These  Gulls  now  breed  in  one  or  two  localities  on 
the  southern  coast  of  Maine,  on  Muskeget  island,  and  southward,  depositing  the  eggs  early 
in  July.  On  Muskeget,  the  nests  are  placed  in  the  depressions  among  the  ivy,  and  the  eggs 
are  often  concealed  by  the  overhanging  leaves.  When  I  first  visited  this  islet,  about  fif- 
teen years  ago,  there  were  some  fifty  pairs  breeding  there,  but  now,  only  a  quarter  part  of 
this  number  resort  to  the  island.  When  the  nests  are  aproached,  the  Laughing  Gulls  si- 
lently leave  them,  and  rising,  circle  at  a  great  height,  uttering  their  oddly  sounding  notes, 
or  will  occasionally  plunge  downward  toward  the  intruder.  The  Gulls  migrate  early  in 
September,  with  the  Terns. 

LARUS  PHILADELPHIA. 

Bonaparte's  Gull. 
'Sterna  Philadelphia  Ord.  Guth.,  Oeog.,  II;  1815,  3W. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  slender  Size,  small.  COLOR.  Adult.  Back  and  wings,  bluish-ash,  with  greater  portion  of  two  first, 
and  outer  webs  of  two  next,  primaries,  white.  Outer  webs  of  first  and  terminal  portion  of  all,  tipped  with  white.  Ileiul, 
sooty-Mack.  Half  ring  around  back  of  eye  and  remainder  of  plumage,  white.  Iris,  brown,  bill,  black,  and  feet,  yellow. 
In  winter,  lacks  the  black  head  and  there  isaspot  of  dusky  back  of  ear  coverts.  Youny.  similar  to  winter  adult,  but  witli 
a  line  through  wings,  tips  of  secondaries,  outer  portion  of  three  first  primaries,  and  subterminal  band  on  tail,  dusky. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  by  the  small  size  and  colors  as  described.  Distributed  in  summer  from  the  Great  Lakes,  northward.  Win- 
ters in  Florida. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens.  Length,  13'52;  stretch,  Sl'10;  wing,  9'65;  tail,  4'52;  bill,  1-12;  tarsus,  l'38. 
Longest  specimen,  M'OO;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  32'05;  longest  wing,  1(V25;  tail,  5'05,  bill,  1'25;  tarsus,  1'53.  Shortest 
specimen,  12  95;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  29'S»8;  shortest,  wing,  8'9H;  tail,  4'05;  bill,  '98;  tarsus,  1'25. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  on  the  ground  or  rocky  cliffs  and  composed  of  sea-weeds,  etc.  Eygs,  three  or  four  in  number,  oval  in 
form,  varying  from  greenish  to  brown  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  with  brown,  umber  and  lilac  of  varying  shades.  Di- 
mensions from  l'12x  1'38  to  l'15x  1'45. 

HABITS. 

The  pretty,  little  Bonaparte's  Gulls  come  to  us  on  the  coast  of  New  England,  in  num- 
bers, only  in  autumn,  usually  late  in  August.  They  are  fond  of  flying  in  small  companies, 
along  the  beaches,  low  down,  just  over  the  water,  when  they  somewhat  resemble  Terns.  I 
found  them  quite  common  on  Indian  River,  Florida,  in  winter,  where  they  have  much  the 
same  habits  as  further,  north.  They  breed  on  the  Great  Lakes,  in  Labrador,  and  north- 
ward. 

LATIUS  TRIDACTYLTJS. 

Kittiwake  Gull. 
Larut  tridactylus  LINN.,  Syst.  Nat.,  I;  1766,  224. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  robust.  Size,  medium.  Tail,  slightly  forked.  Hind  too,  very  short.  COLOR.  Adult.  Back  and 
entire  wing,  rather  dark  ashy-blue,  becoming  lighter  toward  terminal  portion  of  primaries  which  have  the  outer  webs  of 
first,  tips  of  three  outer,  and  subterminal  band  on  next  two,  black.  Remainder  of  plumage,  white.  Iris,  brown,  bill,  yel- 
low and  feet,  black.  In  winter,  similar  but  with  posterior  portion  of  head  and  upper  neck  overwashed  with  ashy-blue. 
Youny,  similar  to  winter  adult  hut  with  an  indistinct  collar  on  back  of  neck,  line  through  wing,  outer  two  thirds  of  four 
or  five  outer  primaries,  tip  of  tail,  and  bill,  black. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  by  the  very  short  hind  toe,  slightly  forked  tail  and  yellow  bill.  Distributed  in  summer  from  the  Gulf  of  St. 
Lawrence,  northward,  wintering  from  Massachusetts,  southward. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements.  Length,  16-55;  stretch,  36'53;  wing.  12'55;  tail,  5-56;  bill,  l'4.r>;  tarsus,  1-25.  Longest  spec- 
imen, 17-12:  greatest  extent  of  wing,  37-15:  longest  wing,  13-12:  tail,  5'95:bill,  1'50:  tarsus,  1'33.  Shortest  specimen,  UVOO; 
smallest  extent  of  wing,  36'15;  shortest  wing,  12"05;  tail,  4'95;  bill,  T40;  tarsus,  T25. 


XEMA  SAB1N1.  487 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  E(!<iS. 

;Y'.<^.«,  placed  en  rock.v  dill's  eimipn-ed  nl'  sen-weeds,  etc.  £yys,  two  or  three  in  number,  oval  in  form,  yellowish-huff 
in  color,  spotted  and<blotched  with  rounded  murks  of  brown  and  lilac  of  varying  shades.  Dimensions  from  1  OOx'2-JO  to 
1-70  x  2  \>5. 


The  southernmost  breeding  ground  of  the  Kittiwake  Gull,  with  which  I  am  acquaint- 
ed, is  Bird  Rock,  where  a  few  pairs  make  their  homes,  placing  their  nests  in  the  most  inac- 
cessible portions  of  the  rock.  The  eggs  are  deposited  about  the  middle,  of  June,  and  both 
birds  sit  persistently  on  them  until  they  are  hatched.  Like  other  members  of  the  genus, 
the  Kittiwakes  are  particularly  active  and  noisy  during  severe  storms,  and  when  the  huge 
breakers  were  dashing  against  Bird  Rock,  with  a  fury  which  sent  the  salt  spray  flying  over 
the  top  of  the  island,  producing  a  continuous  thunder,  the  loud  kittiwake,  wake,  wake,  wak- 
er  of  the  Gulls,  came  distinctly  to  the  ear,  as  they  flew  high  over  the  storm-tossed  waves. 
Many  Kittiwakes  pass  the  winter  in  Massachusetts,  frequenting  the  harbors  along  the  coast. 

GENLS  VI.    XEMA.    THE  FORK-TAILED  GULLS. 

GEN-.  Cn.  Dill,  shorter  than  head  and  slender.  Tail,  forked.  Hind  toe.  short.  Members  of  this*  genus  are  remark- 
able on  account  of  the  forked  tail.  There  is  but  one  species  within  our  limits. 

XEMA  SABINI. 

Fork-tailed  Gull. 

Xema  sabini  LEACH.,  App.  Ross's  Voy.  ;  1819. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Size,  small.  Form,  slender.  COLOR.  Adult.  Head,  back  and  upper  part  of  wings,  slaty-blue.  Ringa- 
ronnd  neck,  edge  of  wings,  spurious  quill,  and  first  five  primaries,  black.  Tipa  of  tertiaries,  greater  part  of  upper  wing 
diverts,  and  remainder  of  plumage,  white.  Bill,  black  toangleand  then  yellow  to  tip.  Feet.black.  Young.  Upper  parts, 
slat.\-^ray  w  itli  the  feathers  tipped  with  white.  The  under  parts  and  tail  are  white,  the  latter  baring  a  subtermiiial  band 
of  black.  Wings,  similar  to  adult  but  with  white  more  restricted.  Bill,  dusky. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  by  th«  small  sizeand  forked  tail.  Distributed  in  summer  throughout  tho  Arctic  Regions.  Wandering  in  win- 
ter as  far  south  as  Massachusetts.  DIMENSIONS.  Length,  13'75  ;  stretch,  33-00  ;  wing,  10'75;  tail,  5  00;  bill,  1-00;  tarsus,  I  -25. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  KGGS. 

Eyys,  placed  on  the  ground  in  sandy  places,  two  in  number,  oval  in  form,  deep  greenish-brown  in  color,  obscurely  spot- 
ted and  blotched  with  darker.  Dimensions  from  l'05x  1'45  to  1'lOx  1'50. 

HABITS. 

Although  the  Fork-tailed  Gull  has  been  taken  on  the  coast  of  Massachusetts  several 
times,  it  is  extremely  rare  and  only  reaches  us  in  winter,  as  it  breeds  in  the  Arctic  Re- 
gions, where  it  is  said  to  nest  like  the  Terns  and  to  have  similar  habits. 

GENUS  VII.    PAGOPIIILA    THE  WHITE  GULLS. 

(ihv.  Cn.  Bill,  shorter  than  head  and  very  stout  .  Tail,  square.  Feet,  larye  and  leys  stout.  Members  ol  this  genus 
are  very  light  in  color.  We  have  but  one  species  within  our  limits. 

PAGOPHILA  EBUENEA. 

Ivory  Gull. 
Pagophila  eburnea  KAUP.,  Sk.  Ent.  Eur.  Thier.,  1829,  69. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Size,  medium.  Form,  robust.  COLOR.  Adult.  White  throughout,  with  shafts  of  primaries  pale  yellowish. 
Youny.  Similar  but  mottled  with  dusky  on  head,  neck,  and  tips  of  primaries  and  tail. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Ki-eoirni/rd  I-y  tin-  -tout  liill  and  while  color  Distributed  throughout  the  Arctic  Regions,  wandering  a  little  ^>,ith 
wan!  in  winter.  DIMIA-IU\>.  Length,  lll-.'Ki;  itMteh,  -11-00;  wing,  i:i'">0,  tail,  6  ir>;  bill,  1'40,  tarsus,  1'45. 

II  A  KITS. 

The  handsome  Ivory   Gull  is  an  exceedingly  rare  visitor,  even  to  the  coasl  of  New- 


488  POMARINE  SKUA. 

foundland  and  Labrador,  and  never,  so  far  as  I  can  learn,  extending  its  range  to  our  New 
England  shores.  This  Gull  is  described  as  inhabiting  the  open  ocean  and  feeding  upon  the 
blubber  of  whales,  walruses,  etc.,  keeping  on  the  edge  of  the  ice  in  winter,  which  thus  lim- 
its its  southern  range. 

GENUS  VIII.    STERCORAR1US.    THE  SKUAS. 

GEN.  CH.  Bill,  strony  and  curved  at  tip,  with  nostrils  linear.  Central  tail  feathers ,  projecting.  Tarsus  and  feet, stout. 
Members  of  this  genus  are  usually  dark  in  color.  There  are  three  species  with-in  our  limits. 

STERCORAKIUS  POMATORHINUS. 

Pomarine  Skua. 
Slercorarius  pomatorhinus  VIEILI,.,  Nov.  Diet.;  1819,  158. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  Bill,  stout.  Central  tail  feathers,  rounded  at  tip  and  projecting  about  three  in- 
ches. Color.  Adult.  Above  and  on  under  tail  coverts,  dark-brown.  Beneath,  white.  Sides  of  neck,  pale  yellow.  Iris, 
brown,  bill,  greenish,  and  feet,  black.  Youny.  Sooty-brown  throughout,  sometimes  quite  dark,  but  generally  with  the 
feathers  edged  with  whitish  and  rufous.  Central  tail  feathers,  short. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

In  some  intermediate  stages  of  plumage,  there  is  a  band  of  spots,  of  greater  or  less  width,  across  breast.  Known  by 
the  large  size,  the  wing  being  at  least  one  inch  longer  than  that  of  the  preceding  species,  and  the  rounded  tips  to  elonga- 
ted central  tail  feathers.  Distributed  in  summer  throughout  the  Arctic  Regions;  wintering  as  far  south  as  New  Jersey. 
DIMENSIONS.  Length,  -20-00;  stretch,  48'00;  wing,  13'50;  tail,  8'50;  bill,  1'75:  tarsus,  2-00. 

HABITS. 

The  Poinarine  Skua  breeds  in  high,  northern  latitudes,  only  coming  south  during  au- 
tumn and  winter.  Like  all  the  Skuas,  they  are  parasitical  in  habit,  pursuing  Gulls  and 
Terns  in  order  to  force  them  to  drop  their  prey,  which  is  snatched  up  by  the  Skuas  before 
it  reaches  the  water.  The  Pomarine  Skuas  are  very  shy  birds  and  keep  well  out  to  sea. 

STERCORARIUS  CREPIDATUS. 

Richardson's  Skua. 
•  Stercorarius  crepidatus  VEILL.,  Nov.  Die.;  1819,  155. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  robust.  Size,  rather  small.  Bill,  rather  slender.  Central  tail  feathers,  acutely  pointed  at  tip  and  pro- 
jecting about  four  inches.  COLOR.  Adult.  Above  and  under  tail  coverts,  dark  sooty-brown  with  a  slaty  tinge,  and  be- 
coming bluish  on  wings  and  tail.  Sides  of  neck,  pale  yellow.  White  beneath.  Iris,  brown,  bill,  yellowish  and  feet,  black. 
Young.  Dusky  brown  throughout,  sometimes  very  dark  but  usually  with  the  feathers  edged  with  whitish  and  rufous. 
The  central  tail  feathers  are  short.  DIMENSIONS;  length,  21-00;  stretch,  45-00;  wing,  12-00;  tail,8'50;  bill,  1-_30;  tarsus,  1-75. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  from  the  preceding  species  by  the  smaller  size,  the  wing  measuring  only  about  twelve  inches  in  length;  and 
from  the  succeeding,  when  adult,  by  the  shorter  central  tail  feathers;  and  in  young  by  the  shaft  of  all  the  primaries  being 
mostly  white.  This  species  passes  though  many  variations  between  the  young  and  adult. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS, 

Eyys,  placed  on  the  ground,  two  or  three  in  number,  oval  in  form,  deep  yellowish  or  greenish-brown  in  color,  spotted 
and  blotched  with  brown  and  uiubur  of  varying  shades.  Dimensions  from  1-53  x  2'12  to  1 '60x2-35. 

HABITS. 

Richardson's  Skua  is  much  more  common  than  any  of  the  genus  which  occur  with  us, 
frequenting  the  bays  and  harbor  mouths,  where  it  may  often  be  seen  in  pursuit  of  Gulls,  a 
habit  which  has  earned  for  it  the  name  of  Gull  Chaser.  Although  very  shy  when  with  us 
in  autumn,  Mr.  Howard  Saunders  writes  me,  that  he  found  them  so  tame  on  their  breeding 
grounds  on  the  Shetlands,  that  they  frequently  struck  his  head  in  their  downward  swoops, 

sTERCORAnras  BTTPPONI. 

Buflbn's  Skua. 
Sierairarius  BuffoniCuvts.,  Pr.  Phil.  Acad. ;  1863,  136. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sr.Cn.     Form,  rather  slender.    Size,  small.  Central  tail  feathers,  long  and  slender,  projecting  from  eight  to  ten  ini-h- 


PLATE  XAXI. 


DENDRdCA    CASTANE.A 

Ba- breasted  WarVle  r 


FULMAR  PETKEL  489 

cs.  ('OU>R.  Adult,  Above,  dnrk  slaty-blue.  White  beneath  to  brea«t,  tlicn  gradually  becoming  dusky  until  the  under 
tail  coverts  arc  us  dark  as  back.  Sides  of  head  and  neck  all  nruiind,  pale  yellow.  Shaftnof  primaries. brown, esctptnig  the 
first  two  which  are  white.  Iris,  brown,  bill,  greenish,  and  feet,  black.  Young,  smoky-brown  throughout,  mottled  with 
ashy,  and  the  central  tail  feathers  only  project  slightly. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  by  the  long  central  toil  feathers,  which  are  acuminate  even  in  the  young,  small  size,  And  white  shads  to  two 
outer  primaries.  Distributed,  in  summer,  throughout  the  Arctic  Regions,  wandering  as  far  south  aa  Massachusetts  in  win- 
ter. DIMENSIONS.  Length,  2tr(>0;  stretch,  40-00;  wing,  12'<iO;  tail,  12'00;  bill,  1-15;  tarsus,  I'55. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Eyys,  placed  on  the  ground,  two  or  three  in  number,  rather  pointed  oval  inform,  deep  yellowish-brown  in  color,  «pot- 
ted,  blotched,  and  lined  with  redJish-brown  and  umber  of  varying  shades.  Dimensions  from  I'50x3'l&  to  1  56x2'25. 

II.  U5ITS. 

Buffon's  Skua  is  by  far  the  rarest  of  the  three  species  of  the  genus,  which  are  of  reg- 
ular occurrence  with  us,  as  it  appears  to  spend  the  greater  portion  of  its  time  far  out  to  sea. 
On  account  of  the  peculiar,  long  tail,  this  species  is  called  Whip-tail  by  sailors. 

FAMILY  II.     PROCELLARID^E.     THE  PETRELS. 

Bill,  generally  shorter  than  head  and  strongly  curved  at  tip.  Nostrils,  tubular.  Hind 
toe,  present  or  absent.  Marginal  indentations,  four  or  absent.  Keel,  usually  perforated. 
Primaries,  long  and  secondaries,  short. 

Members  of  this  family  are  closely  feathered,  fly  remarkably  well,  .and  possess  the  pow- 
er of  swimming,  but  do  not  move  with  ease  upon  the  ground.  The  bill  is  made  up  of  sev- 
eral parts.  The  young  are  covered  with  down  at  birth,  but  are  helpless  and  ure  fed  by  the 
parents  until  able  to  fly. 

GENUS  I.    PROCELLARIA.    THE  FULMARS. 

Gen.  Cli.  Bill,  strong,  rather  short,  and  somewhat  compressed  near  tip.  Tarsus,  short  and  strong.  Toes,  fully  webbed 
and  with  a  spur  in  place  of  the  hind  toe.  Tatl,  rounded.  Members  of  this  genus  are  generally  largo  and  of  varying  color. 
There  are  two  s|*des  within  our  limits. 

PBOCELLARIA  GLACIALIS. 

Fulmar  Petrel. 
Procellaria ylacialis  LINN.,  Syst.  Nat.,  I;  1760,  213. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sr.  Cu.  Form,  robust.  Size,  medium.  COLOR.  Adult.  Back  and  wings,  pale  bluish-ash,  becoming  brownish  on 
primaries.  Remainder  of  plumage,  white,  strongly  tinged  with  ashy  on  tail.  Iris,  bill,  and  fe«:t,  yellow. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Ivi^ily  recognized  by  the  pure  white  head.  Occurs  in  the  Northern  Atlantic.  DIMENSIONS.  Length,  19'95;  stretch, 
32-00;  winj;,  l.'J-00;  tail,  4'25;  bill,  1'85;  tarsus,  2'00. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Eyys,  placed  m  holes  of  rocky  cliffs,  one  in  number,  elliptical  in  form,  pure  white  in  color,  with  the  shell  very  brittle 
Dimensions  from  2'00x2'75  to2'05x2'80. 

HABITS. 

The  Fulmar  Petrels  are  found  far  out  to  sea,  often  accompanying  whaling  ships,  for 
they  are  fond  of  feeding  upon  blubber.  They  breed  in  holes  of  rocky  cliffs,  in  the  far  North, 
:ind  the  young  are  at  first  fed  by  regurgitation,  upon  oil,  with  which  the  stomachs  of  the 
adults  are  so  filled,  that  they  vomit  it  upon  the  slightest  provocation,  and  thus  are  extreme- 
ly disagreeable  birds  to  handle. 

PROCELLARIA  ILffiSITATA. 

Black-capped  Fulmar. 
Procellaria  htesilata  Krni..  MOD.  Proc.  Beit.  Zool.;  1820,  14-J. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sr.  CM.     Form,  slender.     Size,  smaii.     COUJK.     Adult,     llnck,  wiiys,  terminal  lialioftail,  a  fuw  of  its  up|icrcoViTls 


490  LEACH'S  PETREL. 

and  spot  on  top  of  head,  dark-brown.   Remainder  of  plumage,  white.   Bill,  black,  iris,  brown,  feet,  pinkish.    Youny,  sim- 
ilar, but  with  white  of  head  more  extended. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  by  the  wliite  head  and  dark  crown.  Occurs  off  the  Atlantic  Coast  from  New  York,  southward.  Dimensions; 
length,  16-00;  stretch,  39'00;  wing,  12  00;  tail,  5'45;  bill,  1'50;  tarsus,  1'50. 

HABITS. 

The  Black-capped  Fulmar  inhabits  the  Southern  Atlantic  but  does  not  appear  to  be 
very  common,  though  specimens  are  occasionally  taken  off  the  coast.  Its  habits  are  simi- 
lar to  those  of  the  preceding  species. 

GENUS  II.    TilALASSIDROMA.    THE  STORMY  PETRELS. 

GEN.  CH.  Bill,  not  stout  but  short.  Tail,  forked.  Members  of  this  genus  are  small  in  size  and  rather  dark  in  color. 
Legs,  long  with  feet  as  in  preceding.  We  have  three  species  within  our  limits. 

THALASSIDROMA  LEUCORRHOA. 

Leach's  Petrel. 
Thalassidroma  leucorrhoa  VIEH,.,  Nov.  Die,;  181H. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sr.  CH.  Form,  robust.  Size,  medium.  COLOR.  Adult.  Sooty-brown  throughout,  darkest  on  wings  and  tail,  and 
ashy  in  a  line  through  wing.  The  upper  tail  coverts  and  base  of  lower  are  white.  Iris,  brown;  bill,  feet  and  webs,  black. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Nestlings  are  covered  with  black  down.  Known  by  the  lougish  bill,  short  legs,  and  brack  webs  to  feet.  Distributed, 
in  summer,  from  the  coast  of  Maine,  northward.  Winters  off  the  coast  of  the  Southern  States. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  North  America.  Length,  8'45;  stretch,  18'50;  wing,  6'25;  tail,  3'25;  bill,  '72; 
tarsus,  1'02.  Longest  spacitnsa,  8'1) );  greatest  extant  of  wing,  19'OJ;  bags-it  wing,  6'5,);  tail.  3-5D;  bill,  '75;  tarsus,  1  05. 
Shortest  specimen,  8'00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  18'00;  shortest  wing,6'00;  tail,  3-00;  bill,  '70;  tarsus,  1-00. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Egys,  placed  in  burrows,  one  in  number,  elliptical  in  form,  chalky-white  in  color,  with  the  shell  brittle,  dotted  finely 
on  larger  end,  often  in  a  ring,  with  purplish-red  and  lilac.  Dimensions  from  '90  x  1'25  to  I'OO  x  1'36. 

HABITS. 

On  the  fifteenth  of  July,  some  years  ago,  in  company  with  some  ornithological  friends, 
I  stood  on  a  small,  low  island,  just  off  Grand  Menan.  As  this  spot  of  land  contained  only 
some  two  or  three  acres,  we  could  see  over  its  entire  surface,  and  to  all  appearances,  there 
was  not  a  living  thing  on  it,  larger  than  a  beetle;  yet  really,  it  was  tenanted  by  hundreds 
of  interesting  birds,  and  a  closer  inspection  soon  disclosed  their  whereabouts.  Walking 
toward  the  middle  of  the  island,  we  distinctly  perceived  the  peculiar,  oily  odor  which  is  so 
characteristic  of  Petrels  of  all  species,  and  looking  down  among  the  little  hummocks  at  our 
feet,  we  observed  numerous  holes  among  the  somewhat  luxuriant  growth  of  grass,  each  of 
which  was  the  entrance  to  a  burrow  of  a  Leach's  Petrel.  The  holes  were  about  four  inches 
in  diameter  and  of  varying  depths,  from  six  inches  to  four  feet,  straight  or  crooked,  some 
with  two  or  even  three  entrances,  and  all  had  been  drilled  in  the  peculiar  soil,  which  con- 
sisted of  a  light,  black  loam,  by  the  birds.  The  extremity  of  the  burrows  was  slightly  en- 
larged and  the  single  egg  was  placed  in  it,  frequently  on  a  little  dried  grass.  It  was  rare 
to  find  an  egg  which  did  not  have  a  bird  over  it,  while  in  a  few  holes,  there  were  two  birds, 
but  then  there  were  never  any  eggs.  Usually  the  birds  would  bite  quite  fiercely  and  strug- 
gle when  they  were  being  removed,  then,  almost  as  soon  as  they  saw  daylight,  up  would 
come  about  two  tea-spoonfuls  of  clear,  yellow  oil,  filling  the  air  with  its  peculiar  odor.  If 
the  birds  were  placed  on  the  ground,  they  would  run  away  and  conceal  themselves  among 
the  grass;  if  thrown  in  air,  would  mount  upward,  though  invariably  disgorging  the  oil  be- 
fore going  far,  circle  about  the  spot  a  few  times,  then  fly  out  to  sea.  If  not  forcibly  re- 


WILSON'S  PETREL.  491 

moved,  they  would  never  attempt  to  leave  (ho  burrows,  and  when  first  brought  out,  ap- 
peared very  stupid,  for  they  could  often  be  thrown  from  hiind  to  hand  like  balls,  without 
flying.  When  one  nest  was  being  disturbed,  the  Petrels  in  neighboring  burrows,  of  which 
there  were  often  eight  or  ten  within  a  few  square  yards,  kept  up  a  constant  squeaking  like 
mice.  At  this  time,  the  eggs  were  in  an  advance  stage  of  incubation,  but  I  found  fresh 
ones  on  the  southern  end  of  Bryon  Island,  the  first  of  July,  a  year  later.  Here  Leach's 
Petrels  were  nesting  in  burrows  on  the  face  of  a  sandy  bank,  in  a  similar  manner  to  that 
practiced  by  Bank  Swallows.  When  not  breeding,  these  Petrels  are  found  on  the  open 
ocean,  running  lightly  over  the  waves,  with  extended  wings,  like  other  allied  species. 

THALASSIDROMA  WILSON!. 

Wilson's  Petrel. 
Thalassidroma  Wilsoni  Bon.  Syn.;  1828. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cu.  Size,  medium.  Form,  slender.  COLOR.  Adult.  Dark  Booty-brown  throughout,  becoming  blackish  on  pri- 
maries and  tail  and  ashy  in  a  line  through  wings.  Upper  tail  coverts,  basal  third  of  under,  and  base  of  tail,  white.  Iris, 
brown,  bill  and  feet,  black  with  webs  yellow,  excepting  at  margin. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Recognized  by  the  short  bill,  long  legs,  and  yellow  webs  to  feet.  Distributed  in  summer  from  the  Gulf  of  St.  Lawrence, 
northward,  wintering  off  the  Atlantic  Coast 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens.  Length,  7'25;  stretch,  13'30;  wing.  5'75;  tail,  5'50;  bill,  '58;  tarsus,  T45.  Long- 
e<t  specimen,  7'50;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  13'65:  longest  wing,  6' 10;  tail,  5'75;  bill, 'GO;  tarsus,  1  50.  Shortest  specimen, 
7'00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  12'95;  shortest  wing,  5'50  tail,  5'25;  bill,  '50;  tarsus,  1'40. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

£gyt,  placed  in  burrows,  one  in  number,  elliptical  in  form,  chalky  white  in  color,  occasionally  spotted  with  purplish, 
sometimes  in  a  ring  around  larger  end.  Dimensions  from  '80x  1*10  to  '85  x  1'15. 

HABITS. 

A  portion'of  the  surface  of  the  Magdalen  Islands,  is  covered  with  a  thick  growth  of 
low,  scrubby  spruces  and  hemlocks  which  often  approach  quite  near  the  edge  of  the  high 
cliffs  that  form  a  large  part  of  the  coast.  There  was  a  dwarf  forest  of  this  description,  on 
the  western  side  of  Bryon  Island,  which  grew  so  near  the  brink  of  a  cliff,  some  two  hundred 
feet  high,  that  there  was  only  about  twenty  feet  between  the  margin  of  the  wood  and  edge 
of  the  precipice.  There  were,  however,  some  small,  straggling  spruces  growing  in  this 
intervening  section,  and  under  these,  I  was  informed,  Wilson's  Petrels,  or  Long-legged 
Mother  Gary's  Chickens  as  they  were  there  called,  made  their  burrows.  I  visited  the  place 
repeatedly  in  search  of  their  nests,  but  although  I  could  perceive  the  unmistakable  odor  of 
Petrels,  I  was  not  fortunate  enough  to  find  a  hole.  It  is  probable  that  I  was  too  early 
and  that  the  burrows  were  not  dug  until  later,  although  it  was  the  first  week  in  July,  when 
I  made  the  last  search.  I  found  these  birds  very  abundant  in  the  neighboring  waters  of 
the  Gulf,  feeding  on  floating  garbage.  They  were  very  tame,  often  coming  so  near  the 
boats,  that  several  were  killed  with  oars.  I  have  also  met  with  this  species  off  thu  coast 
in  winter. 

THALASSIROMA  PELAGICA. 

Stormy  Petrel. 
Tha/assidnima pelayica  Vic.,  Zoo).  Jour.,  II;  1825,  405. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sr.  Cn.  Form,  slender.  Size,  small.  Color.  Adult.  Dusky-brown  throughout,  lighter  beneath.  Hand  on  rump, 
base  of  up|>er  mid  under  tail  coverts  aud  tail,  uiillaries,  and  some  under  wing  coverts,  white.  Iris,  brown,  bill  and  feet, 
bl:vck. 


492  PUFFIN  US  MAJOR. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  by  the  white  axillaries.  Distributed  off  the  Northern  Atlantic  Coast.  DIMENSIONS.  Length,  5-75;  stretch, 
13-50;  wing,  5-10,  tail,  2'25;  bill,  "60;  tarsus,  '80. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  KGGS. 

Eggs,  placed  in  holes  of  cliffs,  one  in  number,  elliptical  in  form,  white  in  color,  obscurely  dotted  with  reddish  on  the 
larger  end.  Dimensions  from  -75  x  1-10  to  -78 x 1-12. 

HABITS. 

The  small  Stormy  Petrel  is  said  by  Audubon  and  others,  to  occur  on  the  Banks  of  New- 
foundland and  off  the  coast,  but  I  have  never  met  with  it,  although  it  is  doubtlessly  occa- 
sionally found  with  us.  This  species  breeds  in  a  few  localities  on  the  islands  north  of  Scot- 
land, placing  the  eggs  in  holes  of  cliffs,  and  does  not  differ  in  general  habits  from  other 
Petrels. 

GENUS  III.    PUFFINUS    THE  SHEARWATERS. 

GEN.  Cn.  Bill,  about  as  long  as  head  and  strongly  curved  at  the  tip.  Tail,  short  and  rounded.  Primaries,  very  wide. 
Members  of  this  genus  are  rather  large  and  usually  dark  in  color.  There  are  three  species  within  our  limits. 

PUFFINUS  MAJOR. 

Greater  Shearwater. 

Puffinus  major  Bon.,  Con.  Avi. ;  1855,  203. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  COLOR.  Adult.  Above,  dark-brown  becoming  lighter  on  occiput  and  margin 
of  feathers,  and  darker  on  primaries  and  tail.  Inner  webs  of  secondaries  and  beneath,  white  which  nearly  encircles  neck. 
Lower  tail  coverts,  ashy.  Iris,  brown;  bill  and  feet,  yellowish.  Young,  similar  but  with  white  overwashed  wiih  sooty. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  by  the  large  size  and  dusky  color  above.  Occurs  off  the  coast.  DIMENSIONS.  Length,  20'00;  stretch,  45'00; 
wing,  13-25;  tail,  5  00;  bill,  2'25;  tarsus,  2'25. 

HABITS. 

The  Greater  Shearwaters  appear  to  be  quite  common  on  the  Banks  of  Newfoundland 
and  northward,  especially  in  autumn,  when  they  migrate  southward.  They  have  all  the 
light,  graceful  movements  of  the  smaller  Petrels,  and  swim,  as  well  as  dive,  with  ease. 
They  accompany  the  fishing  vessels  to  feed  upon  the  offal,  and  are  called  Hagdons  by  sail- 
ors. The  Greater  Shearwaters  breed  far  north. 

PUFFINUS  OBSCURUS. 

Dusky  Shearwater. 
Puffinus  obscurus  LATH.,  Ind.  Orn.,  II;  1790,  828. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  COLOR.  Adult.  Above,  sooty-brown,  becoming  white  beneath.  Iris,  brown; 
bill,  bluish,  black  at  tip;  and  feet,  pinkish. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  by  the  small  size,  blue  bill,  and  white  beneath.  Occurs  off  the  Florida  Coast.  DIMENSIONS.  Length,  11 '00; 
stretch,  -20-50;  wing,  7'8();  tail,  3'50;  bill,  1'30;  tarsus,  1-50.  See  last  part  of  Appendix  for  description  of  other  Petrels. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGa 

Eggs,  placed  in  holes  of  rocks,  one  in  number,  elliptical  in  form,  pure  white  in  color.  Dimensions  from  J'20x  1'85 
to  1-25x1-90. 

HABITS. 

The  Sooty  Shearwater  occurs  in  the  Southern  Atlantic  and  consequently,  off  the  coast 
of  Florida.  It  has  similar  habits  to  those  of  other  Petrels,  but  occasionally  associates  with 
Gulls,  Terns,  etc.  It  breeds  on  the  Bahamas  and  Bermudas  in  March,  placing  the  single- 
egg  in  holes  of  rocks. 


COLYM8US  TOKQl'ATUS.  493 

ORDER  XVIII.   PYGOPODES,   DIVING  BIRDS. 

Wings,  not  very  long.  Tail,  short.  Tibia,  inclosed  within  skin  of  body.  Anterior 
toes,  fully' webbed,  or  lobcd.  Hind  toe,  short  and  elevated. 

The  bill  is  variable  in  form,  being  either  pointed  or  flattened  laterally.  Sternum,  at 
lens),  twice  as  long  us  wide,  but  with  keel  low,  rarely  equalling  in  height  one  half  its  width. 
Marginal  indentations,  two  or  four.  Coracoids,  short,  about  equalling  width  of  sternum. 
Kurcula,  short,  rather  rounded,  and  well  arched.  Sterno-trachealis,  present,  and  there  is 
a  small  bronchialis,  but  no  other  laryngeal  muscles.  Sexes,  similar. 

FAMILY  I.     COLYMBID^l.     THE  LOONS. 

Bill,  about  as  long  as  head  and  pointed.  Legs  and  feet,  long.  Toes,  fully  webbed. 
Members  of  this  family  have  the  neck  rather  long.  The  legs  are  placed  very  far  back  in 
the  body,  so  that  the  birds  cannot  stand  in  a  perpendicular  position  with  ease;  and  there 
is  quite  a  long,  bony  process  at  basal  extremity  of  tibia,  which  greatly  assists  in  swim- 
ming, at  which  art  these  birds  are  very  expert.  The  young  are  covered  with  down  at  birth 
and  enter  the  water  at  once.  Sternum,  long  with  two  marginal  indentations. 

GEN'.S  I.    COLYMBUS.    TIIE  LOONS. 

(IKS.  1'n.    Similar  to  those  given  under  Family  heading.    There  are  three  species  within  our  limits. 

COLYMBXJS  TORQUATTJS. 

Great  Loon. 
Colymbtu  lorquatus  lirun.  Orn.  Bor.;  1764. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Size,  rery  large.  Form,  robust.  COLOR.  Adult.  Upper  parts,  sides  and  flanks,  brownish-black,  spotted 
with  .rounded  marks  of  white  which  become  larger  on  back,  and  linear  near  neck.  Head  and  neck  black,  glossed  with 
greenish  and  purple,  .with  evelated  lines  of  white  in  crescent-shnped  spots  on  throat  and  sides  of  neck.  White  beneath, 
with  band  across  base  of  tail  and  tips  of  under  coverts,  dusky  spotted  with  white.  Iris,  ruby-red,  bill,  black,  and  feet, 
greenish.  Young,  brownish  above  with  the  feathers  edged  with  lighter,  and  white  below,  with  iris,  brown,  bill,  bluish. 
Nestlinys.  A  specimen  kindly  sent  me  by  Mr.  J.  C.  Mead  is  dark  sooty-brown  throughout,  lightest  on  neck  and  gradual- 
ly changing  to  white  beneath.  Bill  and  feet,  black. 

OBSERVATIONS. 
Known  by  the  large  size.     Distributed,  in  summer,  from  Maine,  northward;  wintering  from  Massachusetts  to  Florida. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Avcnige  measurements  of  specimens  from  North  America.  Length,  32'00;  stretch,  50'50;  wing,  li'55;  tail,3'50;  bill, 
2'75;  tarsus,  2'fi5.  Longest  spec! men,  3R-00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  52'00;  longest  wing,  13'10;  tail.  4*00;  bill,  3  (K);  tar- 
su-,  •«.'  80.  Shortest  specimen,  28-00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,'  49'00;  shortest  wing,  12-00;  tail,  3-00;  bill,  2*50;  tarsus,  2-50. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGOS. 

Westi,  placed  on  the  ground  near  water,  composed  of  grass,  weeds,  etc.  Eggs,  two  or  three  in  number,  rather  point- 
ed oval  in  form,  deep  greenish-brown  in  color,  spitted  and  blotched  with  very  dark-brown.  Dimensions  from  2'15x3'50 
t> i  "J  35x3-85. 

1 1.  \IiITS. 

The  Great  Loons  are  very  abundant  in  Chesapeake  Bay  in  winter,  especially  during 
storms,  but  many  fly  out  to  sea  in  pleasant  weather;  then  as  soon  as  there  is  an  indication 
of  a  change,  back  they  come  into  land-locked  waters.  Just  before  bad  weather,  they  sound 
their  loud,  peculiarly  long-drawn  cry  which  has  a  singular  effect,  especially  when  heard 
at  nijrht  on  the  open  ocean,  and  when  sailors  hear  this  note,  they  say  that  the  Loous  are 
crying  for  wind.  The  flight  of  these  birds  is  steady  and  rapid,  while  their  power  of  swim- 
ming and  diving  has  become  proverbial.  The  Loons  breed  on  inland  ponds  and  lakes,  from 
Massachusetts,  northward,  and  the  nests  are  placed  on  low  islands,  marshy  shores,  or  occa- 
sionally on  banks,  though  at  no  great  distance  from  the  water.  The  eggs  are  deposited 


494  RF.D-THROATED  LOOiV. 

the  second  or  third  week  in  June,  and,  as  I  am  informed  by  Mr.  J.  C.  Mead,  the  young 
may  be  seen  in  company  with  their  parents,  by  the  first  of  August,  not  only  swimming  but 
diving  well,  even  at  this  early  age.  Mr.  Mead  also  states  that  the  adults  are  extremely 
solicitous  for  the  safety  of  their  offspring,  and  if  their  young  chance  to  be  captured,  they 
will  follow  the  boat,  crying  loudly,  and  often  remaining  about  the  spot  where  the  dospoiler 
left  the  water,  for  some  days.  The  Great  Loons  are  migratory  and  I  have  shot  them  in 
Middle  Florida,  but  they  are  not  common  so  far  south. 

COLYMBUS  SEPTENTRIONALI8. 

Red-throated.  Loon. 
Colymbus  septentrion<ilii  LINN.,  Syst.  Nat.,  I;  1766,  220. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CH.  Form,'robu«t.  Size,  medium.  COLOR.  Adult.  Sides  and  upper  parts,  brownish-black,  thickly  spotted  with 
oval  marks  of  white  and  the  tail  is  tipped  with  it.  Top  of  head,  greenish-black  narrowly  streaked  with  wliite.  Sides  of 
head  and  throat,  bluish-ash,  with  a  large  triangular  patch  of  chestnut  on  latter.  Beneath,  white.  Bill,  black,  iris,  ruby- 
red,  and  feet,  greenish.  Young,  ashy-brown  above,  each  feather  having  two  subterminal  spots  of  white.  White  beneath, 
occasionally  tinged  with  ashy  on  throat.  Iris,  brown;  bill,  bluish. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  in  adult  stage  by  the  red  throat;  in  young  by  the  suhterininal  spotting  to  feathers  above.  Distributed  in  sum- 
mer, from  Labrador,  northward.  Winters  from  Grand  Menan,  southward. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens.  Length,  25'50;  stretch,  42-00;  wing,  11-30;  tail,  2'25;  bill,  1'87;  tarsus,  2'88. 
Longest  specimen,  27'CO;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  43'00;  longest  wing,  1 1  65;  tail,  2-55;  bill,  2-00;  tarsus,  3'M.  Shortest 
specimen,  24'00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  41'00;  shortest  wing,  ll'OO;  tail,  1-95;  bill,  1'75;  tarsus,  2'75. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  on  the  ground  near  water,  composed  of  grass,  weeds,  etc.  Egys,  two  or  three  in  number,  pointed  oval 
in  form,  deep  greenish-brown  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  with  very  dark-brown.  Dimensions  from  T75x2'65  to  T90 
X3-00. 

HABITS. 

I  procured  a  pair  of  adult  Red-throated  Loons  at  the  Magdalen  Islands  in  June,  but 
did  not  see  any  more,  nor  do  I  think  that  they  usually  breed  there.  These  Loons  are,  how- 
ever, very  abundant  in  the  coast  waters  of  Massachusetts  and  southward,  in  autumn  and 
winter,  behaving  much  like  the  larger  species.  I  do  not  think  that  either  of  these  Loons 
when  adult,  assume  a  winter  dress  different  from  that  worn  in  summer,  but  that  the  birds 
found  with  us  are  merely  immature  specimens,  for  I  have  met  with  the  present  species  in 
full  spring  dress,  in  December.  These  birds  are  not  very  common  in  the  interior  but  are 
occasionally  found  on  small  ponds.  None  of  the  Loons  can  rise  from  the  ground,  nor  from 
shallow  water,  nor  from  deep  water,  if  it  be  only  a  few  yards  in  diameter,  as  they  are 
obliged  to  swim  rapidly  for  some  distance,  before  flying,  in  order  to  gain  headway. 

COLYMBUS  ARCTICUS. 

Black-throated  Loon. 
Colymbus  Arcticus  Linn.,  Syst.  Nat.,  I;  1766,  221. 

DESCRIPTION.    ' 

SP.  CH  Form,  robust.  Size,  medium.  COLOR.  Adult.  Chin,  throat,  and  neck  in  front,  black  with  purplish  reflec- 
tions, becoming  ashy-blue  above,  and  separated  from  the  black  by  a  series  of  white  lines.  Body  above  and  sides,  black. 
Crescent  of  short  lines  on  throat,  spots  in  bands  on  back  and  upper  wing  coverts,  streaks  on  sjdes  of  breast,  and  under  parts, 
wliite.  Line  across  base  of  tail  beneath  and  lower  coverts,  dusky.  Iris,  ruby-red,  bill,  black,  and  feet,  slaty.  \oung, 
very  dark-brown  above,  the  feathers  having  broad  ashy-gray  margins.  Side  of  head,  ashy  very  finely  streaked  with  brown. 
Beneath  wliite  becoming  ashy  on  neck.  Sides  of  body  and  tips  of  lower  tail  coverts,  dusky.  Bill,  bluish  and  iris,  brown. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Recognized  in  the  adult  stage  by  the  black  throat,  and  in  young,  by  the  broad,  bluish-gray  margin  to  feathers  above. 
Distributed  in  summer  throughout  the  Arctic  Regions,  wandering  southward  in  winter.  DIMENSIONS.  Length,  2900: 
stretch,  39'50;  wing,  12'00;  tail,  2'75;  bill,  2'45;  tarsus,  2'90. 


RED-NECKED  GREHE.  496 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

A»-</.«,  placed  on  the  ground  nenr  water,  composed  of  grass,  weeds,  etc.  Eygs,  two  or  three  in  numl>er.  pointed  ovnl 
in  form,  deep  greenish-brown  in  color,  spotted  and  blotclied  with  very  dark-brown.  Dimensions  from  1 '90  x2'!)0  to  2'0u 
x300. 

HABITS. 

From  reading  Audubon's  account  of  the  Black-throated  Loon,  one  would  expect  it  to 
occur,  at  least,  occasionally  on  our  coast,  but  according  to  my  experience,  such  is  not  a  fact 
at  present,  for  although  I  have  examined  hundreds  of  Loons  in  the  flesh  and  in  collections, 
and  seen  thousands  living,  I  have  yet  to  met  with  a  single  specimen  taken  on  our  coast, 
and  it  is  with  some  hesitation  that  I  admit  it  among  our  birds.  It  may,  however,  reach 
our  western  borders  from  the  Pacific  side,  where  it  is  not  at  all  rare. 

FAMLY  II.     PODICIPID^E.     THE  GREBES. 

Bill,  equal  in  length  to  head  or  shorter,  and  pointed.  Legs  and  feet,  long,  with  toes 
lubed. 

Members  of  this  family  have  the  neck  rather  short.  The  legs  are  placed  far  back  in 
the  body,  so  that  the  birds  cannot  stand  in  a  perpendicular  position  with  ease.  Tail,  rudi- 
mentary. Sternum,  short  and  wide,  with  four  marginal  indentations.  The  young  are  cov- 
ered with  down  at  birth  and  enter  the  water  as  soon  as  hatched. 

GENUS  I,    PODICEPS.    THE  CRESTED  GREBES. 

GEN.  Cn.  Bill,  rather  strong  and  usually  shorter  than  head  and  not  curved  at  lip.  head,  ornamented  with  tufts  and 
crests.  Members  of  this  genus  are  remarkable  on  account  of  the  elongated  feathers  on  head  which  are,  however,  only 
worn  during  the  breeding  season.  There  are  three  species  within  our  limits. 

PODICEPS  GRISEIGEHA. 

Bed-necked  Grebe. 
Podtceps  griseigena  Gray,  Gen. ;  1855. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  COLOR.  Adult.  Above,  black,  glossed  with  greenish,  with  feathers  of  lurk 
edged  with  whitish  and  becoming  brown  on  wing  coverts  and  primaries.  Secondaries,  white  tipped  with  brown.  Neck, 
excepting  above,  deep  brownish-red  extending  interruptedly  on  to  breast,  with  a  broad  patch  of  8ilvery-ash  on  throat  that 
extends  up  on  sides  of  head  and  is  edged  with  lighter.  Beneath,  silky-white,  each  feather  having  central  line  and  termi- 
nal spot  of  dusky.  Iris,  red;  bill,  black  and  feet,  greenish.  Young,  Dark-brown  above,  with  the  feathers  slightly  edged 
with  whitish.  Edge  of  wing  and  patch  on  secondaries,  white.  Silky-white  beneath,  with  neck  all  around  tinged  with 
ashy  and  reddish.  Iris,  yellow;  bill,  brown,  yellow  at  base. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  by  the  large  size  and  reddish  neck.  Occurs  in  summer  throughout  the  Arctic  Regions,  wintering  as  far  south 
as  Pennsylvania. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens.  Length,  lv)'62;  stretch,  31  "50;  wing.  7'00;  tail,  1  '56;  bill,  2'00;  tnrsus,  2-53.  Long- 
o<t  specimt-n,  •JO-xi.);  greatest  extent  of  wing,  32'25:  longest  wing,  7'60;  tail,  1'65;  bill,  "210;  tarsus,  2'4i).  Shortest  speci- 
men, 19-00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  2'J"J5;  shortest  wing,  C'40;  tail,  1'55;  bill,  I  "90;  tarsus,  2'30. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  on  the  ground  in  marshy  plnces,  composed  of  grass,  weeds,  etc.  Eggs,  eight  to  ten  in  number,  oval  in 
form,  yellowish-white  in  color,  covered  with  a  white  calcareous  deposit.  Dimensions  from  1'35  x  2-00  to  I'40x2-10. 

HABITS. 

The  large  Red-necked  Grebes  are  found  in  autumn  and  winter,  on  the  salt,  land- 
locked waters  of  the  coast  of  the  New  England  and  Middle  States,  and  I  have  even  seen 
thorn  far  out  at  soa,  but,  they  prefer  the  mouths  of  rivers.  They  arc  omnium  as  far  south 
as  Pennsylvania  but  occur  to  the  Carolina*.  These  Grebes  resemble  the  following  species 
in  general  habits  but  breed  in  the  Arctic  Regions. 


496  POD1CEPS  CORNUTUS. 

PODICEPS  CORNUTUS. 
Horned  Grebe. 

Podiceps  cornulus  LATH.,  Ind.  Orn.;  1790, 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Size,  small.  Form,  slender.  Head,  furnished  with  elongated  plumes.  COLOR.  Adult.  Throat,  crown,  and 
upper  parts,  black,  becoming  brownish  on  latter  where  the  feathers  are  edged  with  lighter.  Stripe  from  base  of  bill  to 
occiput  through  eye,  front  of  neck,  hides,  and  flanks,  yellowish-chestnut,  mixed  with  dusky  on  latter.  Patch  on  seconda- 
ries, white.  Silky-white  beneath.  Iris,  yellow,  bill,  black,  and  feet,  greenish.  In  winter  and  Young,  Ashy-brown  above 
and  on  sides.  Silky-white  beneath  but  lacks  the  black  and  chestnut;  otherwise  as  in  the  summer  adult. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  in  adultstageby  the  red  markings,  and  in  young,  by  the  small  size,  slender  bill,  and  white  throat  and  front  of 
neck.  Distributed  in  summer  throughout  the  North-west  and  North.  Winters  in  the  South. 

DIMENSIONS 

Average  measurements  of  specimens.  Length,  14'25;  stretch,  24'55;  wing,  4*65;  tail,  1-35;  hill,  '93;  tarsus,  T75. 
Longest  specimen,  15'25;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  25-10;  longest  wing,  5'75;  tail,  1-45;  bill,  '95;  tarsus,  1-85.  Shortest 
specimen,  13-25;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  24-15;  shortest  wing,  4'55,  tail,  1'25;  bill,  '90;  tarsus,  1'70. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Nests,  placed  in  marshes  or  on  floating  debris,  composed  of  grass,  weeds,  etc.     Eggs,  four  to  six  in  number,  elliptical 
in  form,  yellowish-white  in  color.     Dimensions  from  l'15x  1'70  to  l'2()x  1'75. 

HABITS. 

The  pretty,  little  Horned  Grebes  are  very  common  in  the  mouths  of  our  New  England 
rivers  which  empty  into  the  sea,  in  autumn,  when  on  their  way  south,  but  are  rare  here  in 
spring;  yet  in  April,  they  are  very  abundant  in  the  Susquehanna  River,  in  Pennsylvania, 
when  they  are  in  full  plumage.  Like  all  members  of  the  Family,  these  Grebes  possess  the 
power  of  diving  with  remarkable  quickness,  and  can  remain  under  water  for  a  great  length 
of  time,  or  will  project  the  bill  above  the  surface,  the  body  -remaining  concealed.  Accord- 
ing to  writers,  they  breed  in  the  North-west  and  North,  about  the  last  week  in  June,  nest- 
ing like  the  succeeding  species. 

GENUS  II.    PODILYMBUS.    THE  THICK-BILLED  GREBES. 

(jen.  Ch.  Bill,  itrony,  much  shorter  than  head,  and  curved  at  tip.  head,  without  crest.  Members  of  thLs genus  ha?e 
the  wings  very  short.  We  have  but  one  species  within  our  limits. 

PODILYMBUS  PODICEPS. 
Pied-billed  Grebe. 

Podilymbus  podiceps  LAW.,  B.  N.  A.;  1858,  898. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Sr.  Cu.  Form,  robust.  Size,  medium.  COLOR.  Adult.  Upper  parts,  breast,  "and  sides,  brown ,  darkest  on  crown 
and  two  latter  where  it  is  mixed  with  the  silky-white  of  the  lower  surface.  Sides  of  head  and  neck  in  front,  reddish-ash, 
with  a  broad  patch  of  black  on  throat.  Secondaries,  tipped  with  white.  Iris,  brown,  feet  and  bill,  greenish,  the  latter 
crossed  midway  by  a  broad  band  of  black.  In  winter  and  Young.  Similar,  but  tipped  with  reddish  and  lacks  the  black  of 
throat,  which  is  replaced  by  white,  and  band  on  bill.  Nesl/inys.  Blackish  above,  marked  with  red  on  head  and  streaked 
with  white  on  neck  and  body.  White  beneath. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Recognized  by  the  short,  thick  bill  and  brown  breast.  Distributed  ia  summer  from  Pennsylvania,  northward;  winter- 
ing in  the  South. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens.  Length,  13  75;  stretch,  23'50;  wing,  5-25;  tail,  1'40;  bill,  -85;  tarsus,  1-49. 
Longest  specimen,  14'50;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  2400;  longest  wing.  5'50;  tail,  1'60;  bill,  '95;  tarsus,  1-58.  Shortest 
specimen,  13'00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  23'00;  shortest  wing,  5 -00;  tail,  1-5(1;  bill,  '75:  tarsus,  T42. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

jVf.-»/.«,  placed  in  marshes  or  on  floating  debris,  composed  of  gross,  weeds,  etc.  Eyys,  four  to  six  in  number,  elliptical 
in  form,  yellowish-white  in  color.  Dimensions  from  l'15x  T65  to  l'25x  1'85. 

HABITS. 

The  Pied-billed  Grebe  is  one  of  the  best  known  species  of  the  gonus,  as  it  is  remark- 


ALCA  TOKDA.^  497 

ably  common,  especially  during  migrations,  throughout  our  section.  They  winter  from  the 
Garotinas,  southward,  but  are  particularly  common  in  Florida  at  this  season,  where,  per- 
haps, a  few  remain  to  breed.  As  do  all  the  members  of  the  family,  the  Pied-billed  Grebe 
places  its  nest  on  a  mass  of  floating  debris  in  some  quiet,  reedy  cove  of  a  pond  or  river, 
depositing  the  eggs  early  in  June.  The  young  follow  their  parents  as  soon  as  hatched  and 
are  cared  for  by  them  with  great  assiduity.  All  the  Grebes  possess  the  power  of  inflat- 
ing the  space  between  the  skin  and  body,  and  thus  they  can  ride  lightly  on  the  water,  or 
by  contracting  the  skin  and  feathers,  are  enabled  to  sink  slowly  beneath  the  surface,  often 
'swimming  with  only  the  head  exposed;  or  they  will  remain  hidden  in  the  reeds,  with  the 
bill  alone  projecting.  This  Grebe  migrates  with  the  other  species  in  September  and  October. 

FAMILY  I.     ALCID.E.     THE  AUKS,  PUFFINS,  ETC. 

Bill,  usually  short  and  more  or  less  compressed.  Legs,  short,  with  toes  fully  webbed. 
Members  of  this  family  have  the  neck  quite  short.  The  legs  are  placed  far  back  in  the 
body,  yet  the  birds  can  generally  stand  in  a  perpendicular  position  with  ease.  Sternum, 
long  and  narrow,  with  two  marginal  indentations.  The  outer  covering  of  the  bill  is  moult- 
ed in  some  species.  The  young  are  covered  with  down  at  birth  but  do  not  enter  the  wa- 
ter until  fully  fledged,  being  fed  by  the  parents  by  regurgitation. 

GENUS  I.    ALGA.    THE  AUKS. 

(•EN.  Cu.  Bill,  shorter  than  Head,  feathered  at  bate,  compressed ,  but  not  as  hiyh  as  long.  The  bill  is  ridged  transvereo- 
ly.  There  is  but  one  species  within  our  limits. 

ALCA  TORDA. 

Razor-billed  Auk. 

Alca  torda  LI.NN.,  Syst.  Nat.,  1;  1766,  210. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Si*.  Cn.  Form,  rather  slender.  Size,  medium.  COLOR.  Adult.  Head,  upper  neck,  and  upper  piirtH,  sooty-brown, 
lightest  anteriorly.  Very  Harrow  line  from  bill  to  eye,  tip  of  secondaries,  and  beneath,  white.  Iris  and  feet,  brown,  bill, 
K-ick,  crossed  with  a  curved  line  of  white.  In  winter.  Similar,  but  white  beneath  to  bill.  Youny,  .similar  to  the  winter 
adult,  but  with  hill  weaker. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  by  the  peculiar  bill  and  white  line  in  front  of  eye.  Distributed,  in  summer,  from  Maine,  northward;  winter- 
ing from  Massachusetts  to  Florida. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens  from  North  America.  Length,  17  00;  stretch,  26'flO;  wing,  7-65;  tail,  3-35;  bill, 
T-15;  tarsus,  T15.  Longest  specimen,  18-00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  27'00;  longest  wing,  7'75:  tail,  3-50;  hill,  1'30;  tarsus, 
1  via.  Shortest  specimen,  15'00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  25'00;  shortest  wing,  7'20;  tail,  3'25;  bill,  1'40;  tarsus,  TOO. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Eyyf,  placed  in  holes  of  clifts.  one  or  two  in  number,  rather  oval  in  form,  white  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  with 
very  dark-brown  and  umber.  Dimensions  from  <HOx3-10  to  2'15x3'15. 

II A  KITS. 

The  southernmost  locality  from  which  I  have  ever  received  eggs  of  the  Razor-billed 
Auk,  is  a  cluster  of  rocks,  about  twenty  miles  from  Grand  Menan,  but  the  favorite  breed- 
ing ground  of  the  species,  is  further  north,  and  I  found  them  very  abundant  on  the  Mag- 
dalen Islands.  Here,  they  place  their  eggs  in  holes  of  rocky  cliffs  or  beneath  slabs  on  the 
surface.  On  Bird  Rock,  where  the  Razor-bills  abound,  they  were  quite  tame,  allowing 
me  to  approach  within  a  few  feet  of  them  as  they  sat  on  the  rocks,  but  they  always  managed 
to  elude  my  grasp,  even  when  incubating,  and  each  bird  usually  deposits  but  one  <•££, 
though  I  have  occasionally  found  tsvo. 


498  .  COMMON  PUFFIN. 

When  living,  these  Auks  are  particularly  trim  and  elegantly  formed  birds,  for  they  sit 
upright,  resting  upon  the  tarsi,  and  keep  themselves  very  clean  with  the  feathers  perfectly 
smooth  and  glossy.  The  Razor-bills  are  inclined  to  be  quarrelsome  birds,  especially  with 
other  species,  and  they  would  seldom  allow  a  Puffin  or  Murre  to  alight  very  near  them, 
opening  their  bills  at  the  intruder,  and  disclosing  the  bright  orange  mouth.  The  eyes  of 
the  Razor-bills,  when  examined  carefully,  are  peculiar,  as  the  edge  of  the  iris,  next  the 
pupil,  is  scalloped,  not  perfectly  circular  as  ordinarily.  The  Razor-billed  Auks  not  only 
dive  but  swim  well,  and  ride  lightly  on  the  water.  The  eggs  are  deposited  during  the  last 
week  in  July,  and  the  birds  migrate  southward  late  in  October. 

GENUS  II.    MORMON.    THE  PUFFINS. 

Bill,  shorter  than  head,  much  compressed,  and  hiyher  than  long.  The  bill  is  crossed  by  several  ridges.  There  is  but  a 
single  speuies  within  our  limits. 

MORMON  ARCTICA. 

Common  Puffin. 
Mormon  Arctica  ILL.,  Prod. ;  1811. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  robust.  Size,  small.  COLOR.  Adult.  Broad  collar  around  neck,  upper  parts,  and  sides,  bruwnisli- 
black,  lightest  on  latter  and  crown.  Sides  of  head  and  chin,  ashy.  White  beneath.  Iris,  brown;  bill,  bluish,  with  ridg- 
es orange,  and  feet,  coral-red.  Youny.  similar,  but  the  bill  is  small,  without  prominent  ridges,  and  is  du.sky.  Ashy  of  sidi-s 
of  head,  obscured  with  dusky. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  by  the  compressed,  triangular  bill  and  small  size.  Distributed  in  summer  from  the  Golf  of  St.  Lawrence,  north- 
ward; wintering  from  Grand  Menan,  southward. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens.  Length,  13-35;  stretch,  23'50;  wing,  6'35;  tail,  T95;  bill,  1  85;  tarsus,  1'05. 
Longest  specimen,  13-75;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  2VOO;  longest  wing,  6'50;  tail,  2-03;  bill,  2'00;  tarsus,  I'M.  Shortest 
specimen,  13-00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  23'00;  shortest  wing,  6'25;  tail,  1'90;  bill,  1'75;  tarsus,  I'OO. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Eyys,  placed  in  burrows,  one  in  number,  oval  in  form,  white  in  color,  occasionally  mottled  with  greenish.  Dimen- 
sions from  1-60x2-30  to  l'70x  2-80. 

HABITS. 

I  found  these  odd,  little  Puffins  nesting  on  the  face  of  the  high  cliffs  on  Bryon  Is- 
land, but  on  Bird  Rock,  they  dug  their  burrows  on  the  surface,  often  excavating  beneath 
aflat  slab  of  limestone,  with  which  a  portion  of  the  rock  was  strewed.  The  burrows  were 
about  six  inches  in  diameter,  usually  turned  either  to  the  right  or  left,  and  were  from  two 
to  six  feet  long;  but  the  terminus  which  was  slightly  enlarged,  was  never  very  far  from  the 
surface.  The  single  egg  was  placed  in  this  chamber  and  was  always  covered  by  either 
the  male  or  female  Puffin,  which  bravely  resisted  my  efforts  to  remove  the  egg,  biting 
fiercely;  and  as  these  birds  are  endowed  with  the  same  tenacity  of  purpose  which  charac- 
terizes a  snapping  turtle,  I  would  frequently  withdraw  my  hand  with  a  Puffin  attached  to 
one  finger.  When  brought  to  the  surface,  however,  and  allowed  to  escape,  they  would 
mount  into  air,  and  darting  downward,  would  fly  out  to  sea;  but  if  held  in  the  hand,  would 
struggle  constantly,  uttering  a  croaking  sound. 

The  Puffins  are  quite  unsuspicious,  and  during  foggy  mornings,  when  all  the  species 
which  inhabit  the  Rock,  are  much  tamer  than  at  other  times,  they  would  permit  me  to  ap- 
proach very  near  them.  Indeed  I  have  often  seated  myself  upon  a  rock  on  the  breeding 
ground,  when  several  of  the  little  red-beaked  fellows  would  alight  within  three  or  four  feet 
of  me,  and  I  could  thus  observe  their  habits  very  closely.  They  fly  with  exceeding  swil't- 
'  ness,  but  when  about  to  settle,  the  speed  is  checked,  the  feet  which  in  air  are  held  hori- 


LITTLE  AUK.  409 

zontal  with  the  tail,  :ire  brought  straight  forward  and  spread  out;  then  the  bird  perches 
upon  the  Rock.  When  down,  they  assumed  a  perpendicular  position,  resting  upon  the  feet, 
not  touching  the  tarsi,  and  after  regarding  me  attentively  for  a  moment,  would  gape  once 
or  twice,  and  then  proceed  leisurely  to  arrange  their  feathers.  The  eyelids  of  the  Puffins 
are  provided  with  a  singular  appendage  which  gives  the  birds  the  appearance  of  wearing 
glasses,  thus  producing  a  quizzical  expression  while  they  were  scrutinizing  me. 

They  are  of  affectionate  disposition,  and  I  have  frequently  seen  two  of  them  rubbing 
their  bills  together  or  playfully  pecking  each  other.  They  are  also  very  peaceful;  indeed, 
I  never  saw  them  quarrel  with  other  birds  or  among  themselves,  and  when  an  individual 
attempted  to  alight  on  a  shelf  of  the  rock,  which  was  so  crowded  with  his  fellows,  that  it 
seemed  impossible  for  him  to  find  space  on  which  to  settle,  they  would  endeavor  to  make 
room  for  him,  and  would  often  permit  him  to  stand  upon  their  backs  until  he  had  obtained 
a  footing.  The  Puffins  subsist  upon  small  fishes  which  they  catch  by  diving  and  swim- 
ming beneath  the  surface  of  the  water. 

GENUS  III.    MERGULUS.    THE  LITTLE  ADKS. 

I'n-n.  Ch.  Bill,  strony,  much  shorter  than  head,  and  with  upper  mandible  curved  at  tip.  Winys,  short.  Members  of 
tliis  i;rmis  are  very  small  in  size  and  the  bill  is  notcomprassed.  We  have  but  one  species  within  our  limits. 

MERGULUS  ALLE. 

Little  Auk. 
Meryulus  atle  VIEILL.,  Anal;  1816. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  robust.  Size,  small.  COLOR.  Adult.  Head  and  neck  nil  around,  and  upper  parts,  black,  glossed 
with  blui>h.  Tips  of  .secondaries  and  scnpularies,  and  lower  surface,  white.  Lower  wing  coverts,  dusky.  Iris,  brown; 
bBI  and  feet,  black.  In  winter.  Similar,  but  the  white  beneath  extends  to  bill,  and  is  dusky  on  sides  of  neck  and  throat. 
Young.  Similar  to  winter  adult,  but  lacks  the  dusky  on  sides  of  neck  and  throat. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Recognized  by  the  short,  thick  bill  and  small  size.  Distributed  in  summer  from  Labrador,  northward;  wintering  off 
toe  coast  from  Massachusetts,  southward. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  .specimens.  Length,  8'00;  stretch,  16'50;  wing,  4'25;  tail,  T55;  bill,  -63;  tarsus,  .92.  Long- 
est specimen,  9'00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  IT'OO;  longest  wing.  4'50;  tail,  1'60;  bill,  '65;  tarsus,  -95.  Shortest  speci- 
men, 7-00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  16-00;  shortest  wing,  4flO;  tail,  1'50;  bill,  '60;  tarsus,  '90. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Eyys,  placed  on  shelves  of  rocky  cliffs,  one  in  number,  pyriform  in  shape,  bluish-white  in  color.  Dimensions  from 
l-a5x  1-80  to  1-30x1-85. 

HABITS. 

The  Little  Auks,  or  Dovekies,  come  to  us  from  the  North,  late  in  autumn,  and  dur- 
ing severe  storms,  are  frequently  driven  inland  for  some  distance.  At  such  times,  they 
may  be  found  on  ponds  and  rivers,  or  even  in  small  pools  left  by  the  rain,  and  are  quite 
helpless,  being  apparently  in  an  exhausted  condition;  insomuch  so  that  they  can  be  easily 
captured,  but  specimens  which  I  have  possessed,  although  quite  gentle,  have  always  re- 
fused all  food  and  soon  died.  The  Little  Auks  appear  to  be  incapable  of  standing  upright 
without  making  a  strenuous  effort,  moving  along  a  level  surface  without  the  aid  of  the 
wings,  or  rising  from  it,  but  in  order  to  take  flight,  are  obliged  to  launch  out  from  some 
elevated  situation  or  rise  from  the  water.  A  specimen  of  the  Little  Auk  once  (low  within 
a  few  yards  of  me,  when  I  was  on  Indian  River,  Florida,  but  this  is  much  south  of  their 
usual  range. 


500  LRIA  GKYLLE. 

GENUS  IV.    URIA.    T11E  GUILLEMOTS. 

GKX.  CH.  Bill,  rather  slenJcr,  usually  shorter  than  head,  pointed  at  tip,  md  not  much  compressed.  The  bill  is  not 
ridged  and  only  slightly  curred  at  tip  of  upper  mandible.  There  are  two  species  within  our  limits. 

URIA  GRYLLE. 

Black  Guillemot. 

Uria  gtylle  Brnn. ,  Orn.  Bor;  17B4, S8, 

DESCRIPTION. 

•     SP.  Cn.     Form,  robust.    Size,  small.     COLOR.    Adult.    Sooty-black  throughout,  with  patch  on  wing,  which  is  rarely 
crossed  liy  a  black  band,  under  wing  coverts,  and  axillaries,  white.     Iris,  brown;  bill,  black;  feet,  coral-red. 

Winter  adult.  Wings  and  tail  a*  in  summer;  remainder  of  plumage,  white,  more  or  less  mottled  with  Mack  above  and 
in  a  collar  around  neck.  Ymmy,  quite  similar  but  darker  above  and  with  white  of  wing  and  beneath  mottleJ  with  dusky. 
ffesl/intfs  are  covered  with  a  sooty -black  down. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  by  the  small  size  and  dark  colors  in  summer;  white  moldings  above  in  winter.  Occurs  in  summer  from  Maine, 
northward,  wintering  from  Grand  Menan,  southward. 

DD1ENSIONS. 

Average  measurements  of  specimens.  Length,  12-50;  stretch,  23'50;  wing.  5'25;  tail,  1'93;  bill-.  T35;  tarsus,  1-25.  Long- 
est specimen,  13-00;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  24-0:>:  bngest  wing,  6'35;  tail,  2'0:>;  bill,  T40;  tarsus,  1  3(1.  Shortest  speci- 
men, 12-00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  23'00;  shortest  wing,  5'50;  tail,  1'90;  bill,  I  "30;  tarsus,  1'20. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  EGGS. 

Eggs,  placed  in  holes  of  cliffs,  three  or  four  in  number,  oval  in  form,  white,  creamy,  or  greenish  in  color,  spotted  and 
blotched  with  very  dark-brown  and  umber.  Dimensions  from  I'55x2'25  to  I'65x2'40. 

HABITS. 

I  found  the  Little  Black  Guillemots  very  common  on  Grand  Menan,  nesting  in  fis- 
sures of  the  high  cliffs  on  the  northern  end  of  the  island.  Here  the  eggs  were  fresh  as  late 
as  the  thirteenth  of  July,  but  this  was  owing  to  the  fact  that  the  birds  had  been  robbed, 
for  I  found  young,  as  well  as  fresh  eggs,  the  last  week  in  June,  on  the  Magdalens;  yet  it 
is  safe  to  say,  that  these  birds,  even  if  not  molested,  lay  from  the  middle  of  June  until  the 
first  week  in  July.  The  eggs  are  deposited  on  the  naked  rock  or  earth  and  are  constantly 
covered  by. the  male  or  female.  When  the  entrances  of  their  holes  are  approached,  the 
birds  scramble  out  and  take  wing,  then  they  will  fly  distractedly  about,  uttering  a  mourn- 
ful whistle,  besides  which  they  emit  a  chuckling  note.  The  Black  Guillemots  sit  lightly 
on  the  water  and,  like  the  larger  species,  dive  with  ease,  remaining  under  the  surface  for 
a  great  length  of  time.  They  have  the  habit,  shared  with  many  aquatic  birds,  of  dipping 
the  bill  into  the  water  when  excited.  They  migrate  southward  in  November. 

URIA  TROILE. 

Murre. 
Uria  troile  LATH.,  Ind.  Orn.  II;  1790,  796. 

DESCRIPTION. 

SP.  CB.  Form,  rather  slender.  Size,  large.  COLOR.  Adult.  Head  and  neck  all  around,  upper  parts,  and  sides. 
sooty-brown.  Tips  of  secondaries,  and  nndor  parts,  white.  Iris  and  feet,  brown;  bill,  black. 

In  winter,  and  Young.  Similar,  but  beneath,  white  to  bill,  with  throat  occasionally  dusky.  Nestlings.  BInck 
throughout,  sprinkled  with  yellowish-white. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Known  by  the  large  size  and  pure  white  beneath.  Distributed  in  summer  from  Gulf  of  St.  Lawrence,  northward. 
W  inters  from  Maine  to  Florida. 

DIMENSIONS 

Average  measurements  of  specimens.  Length,  17'5O;  stretch,  29-50;  win>:.  7-25;  tail,  2-25;  hill,  1-60;  tarsus,  1-45. 
bmgest  specimen,  18-110;  greatest  extent  of  wing,  30'(Ki;  longest  winjr,  8'(X);  tail,  2  50;  hill,  1'75;  tarsus,  1-55.  Shortest 
specimen,  17-00;  smallest  extent  of  wing,  29-00;  shortest  wing,  7'50.  tail,  2  «X>;  bill,  1'ftj;  tarsu>.  1'40. 


MUKRE.  501 

DESCRIPTION  OF  NESTS  AND  KGGS. 

F.'/t/s,  plncoil  on  shelves  of  rocky  cliffs,  one  in  number,  pyriform  in  shape,  varying  from  white,  through  blue,  to  green 
in  color,  spotted  and  blotolied  with  dark-brown  and  umber.     Dimensions  from  l-75xsJ'90  to  2'15x3'50. 

II A  HITS. 

I  did  not  find  the  Mnrres  on  any  of  the  Magdalen  Islands,  excepting  Bird  Rock,  but 
they  were  remarkably  abundant  there,  thousands  nesting  on  the  rocky  shelves,  sitting  side 
by  side  on  the  narrow  parapets,  and,  although  often  crowded  together,  never  making  the 
least  uHcnipt  to  quarrel.  When  we  descended  the  cliffs  and  approached  the  ledges  on 
which  the  Murres  were  nesting,  they  would  crowd  together  or  press  against  the  wall  be- 
hind them;  as  we  went  nearer,  the  birds  would  bow  the  head  forward  until  the  bill  almost 
touched  the  surface  upon  which  they  stood,  and  utter  a  curious,  gutteralnote  which  sound- 
i'd  almost  exactly  like  the  syllable  murre.  This  opperation  was  repeated  frequently,  until 
at  last  the  males  would  fly,  leaving  the  females  with  the  eggs  or  young.  When  we  were 
within  a  few  feet  of  them,  the  poor  birds  would  turn  their  heads  right  and  left,  open  their 
mouths  to  pant  for  breath,  shrink  as  far  from  us  as  they  could  without  exposing  their  charges, 
in  fact,  evincing  by  every  movement,  extreme  fear.  If  taken  in  the  hand,  they  never  at- 
tempted to  defend  themselves,  but  simply  gazed  at  us  piteously  with  their  beautiful,  almond 
shaped  eyes,  or  cast  imploring  glances  at  their  helpless  charge  left  unprotected.  The  Murres 
migrate  southward  in  November  and  I  have  seen  them  off  the  coast  of  Northern  Florida. 

My  readers  will  naturally  wonder  how  we  succeeded  in  getting  away  from  this  lonely 
islet,  for  we  had  not  been  on  the  Rock  more  than  forty-eight  hours,  when,  having  collect- 
ed quite  a  supply  of  birds  and  eggs,  we  became  anxious  to  leave,  that  we  might  take  prop- 
er care  of  our  specimens.  We  therefore  asked  the  light-keeper  what  signals  he  used  when 
IK-  wanted  assistance  from  vessels.  He  replied,  that  he  raised  the  British  flay  at  half-mast. 
Thus  we  kept  this  signal  flying  whenever  it  was  possible  for  a  boat  to  land,  but  it  was  not 
until  the  ninth  day,  that  we  perceived  signs  on  any  of  the  fishing  vessels,  which  indicated 
that  they  had  observed  our  call  for  aid.  On  this  day  there  had  been  a  slight  breeze  from 
the  west,  bringing  several  small  schooners  down  from  Bryon.  We  waited  patiently  until  one 
of  the  vessels  came  within  hailing  distance,  when  with  the  flag  still  half-mast,  we  gathered 
together  on  that  side  of  the  rock  and  discharged  our  guns  simultaneously,  at  the  same  time 
displaying  a  red  flag.  All  this,  at  last,  produced  the  desired  effect  and  they  came  to  anch- 
or. A  boat  was  lowered,  and  after  some  delay,  we  boarded  the  vessel  with  our  speci- 
mens. We  did  not  leave  the  locality,  however,  until  nearly  night,  and  the  last  view  I  had 
of  the  island,  was  by  the  light  of  the  setting  sun,  when  the  huge,  rocky  bastion  stood  out 
in  strong  relief  against  the  western  sky,  with  a  circling  coronet  of  Gannets  over  it,  form- 
ing a  picture  which  will  never  be  effaced  from  my  memory. 


APPENDIX. 


SPECIES  OF  REGULAR  OCCURRENCE  PREVIOUSLY  OMITTED. 

The  following  species  were  omitted  from  the  first  one  hundred  and  twenty-eight  pag- 
es  of  the  body  of  the  Work,  for  reasons  given  in  the  Preface. 

TURDUS  MTJSTELINTJS. 
Wood  Thrush. 

Ttirdus  fmtsteltniu  (in  ,  Syst.  Nat..  I ;  1788. 

Description.  Sr.  Cn.  Form,  robust.  Size,  medium.  COLOR.  Adult.  Above,  cinnnmon-brown,  brightest  on  crown, 
:md  liceumiiii;  greenish  on  rump,  tail,  and  wings.  White  beneath,  with  maxillary  line  und  large  rounded  spots  on  breast 
and  sides,  brown.  Iris,  brown;  bill,  brown,  yellow  at  base  of  lower  mandible;  and  feet,  yellow.  Youny.  similar,  but  with 
droj>-sliaped  marks  of  yellowish  on  crown  and  tips  of  wing  coverts,  and  tinged  with  yellowish  on  breast. 

Observations.  Known  by  the  large  size,  and  rounded  spots  beneath.  Distributed  in  summer  from  the  Carolina*  to 
Northern  Massachusetts;  wintering  in  the  South.  DIMENSIONS.  Length,  8'25;  stretch,  13'50;  wing,  4'50;  tail,  2'85;  bill, 
•7d;  liii-sus,  I'lO. 

Nests  and  Eyys.  NESTS,  placed  on  bushes,  composed  of  grots,  leaves,  and  mud.  EGGS,  three  or  four  in  number,  oval 
in  form,  bluish-green  in  color,  unspotted.  Dimensions  from  -65x  TOO  to  '75  x  1'05. 

HABITS. 

The  Wood  Thrushes  make  their  appearance  in  New  England,  about  the  second  week 
in  May,  and  shortly  after,  the  deeply  wooded  dells  which  these  birds  love,  are  ringing 
morning  and  evening,  with  the  clear,  bell-like  melody  which  has  rendered  these  birds  fa- 
mous. So  fond  are  these  Thrushes  of  the  woodlands,  that  they  seldom  leave  them,  and  the 
nests  are  usually  placed  in  a  bush,  at  no  great  height  from  the  ground,  beneath  the  shel- 
terof  some  tree.  The  eggs  are  deposited  in  Pennsylvania  about  the  last  of  May,  and  a  lit- 
tle later  further  north.  The  young  are  fledged  by  the  first  of  August,  and  all  depart  for 
the  South  early  in  October. 

SEIXTRUS  LUDOVIC1ANUS. 

Large-billed  Water  Thrush. 

SeiuruA  Ludovicanus,  BON.,  List.;  1838. 

Description.  SP.  Cn.  Form,  rather  robust.  Size,  large.  COLOR.  Adult.  Above,  uniform  dark  greenish-brown. 
Super,  iliary  -11  i)>e  and  beneath,  white,  the  latter  tinged  with  buff  posterially.  Maxillary  line  and  arrow-siiaped  spots  on 
breast  ami  side-.,  dusky.  Iris  and  bill,  brown;  feet,  very  pale  brown. 

Observations.     For  comparisons  with  allied  species  see  observations  on  page  14.  Breeds  from  Southern  Connecticut  Ugtlio 
Carolinas;  winters  south  of  our  limits.  DIMENSIONS.  Length,  6'30  stretch,  lO'OO;  wing,  3'25;  tail,  2-30;  bill,  '75  tursus,  -CO. 
.V  </.«  anil  l'';;n*.    JS'K^TS,  placed  on  the  ground,  composed  of  grass,  leaves,  etc.     Eccs,  four  or  five  in  number,  oval  in 
form,  creamy-white  in  color,  spotted  with  pale  reddish-brown.     Dimensions  from  '55  x  '75  to  '60 x  'HO. 

HABITS. 

Although  the  Large-billed  Water  Thrush  is  found  along  the  coast  of  Connecticut,  it  is 
much  more  common  further  south,  especially  along  the  rivers  and  creeks  of  Pennsylvania, 
for,  like  its  northern  representative,  it  appears  to  prefer  the  neighborhood  of  water.  It 
places  the  nest  on  the  ground  at  the  base  of  a  tree  or  stump,  or  near  a  prostrate  log,  and 
the  eggs  arc  deposited  early  in  June.  The  alarm  note  of  this  species  is  similar  to  that  of 
the  Short-billed,  but  the  song  is  quite  different,  being  loud  and  clear,  and  though  some- 
what short,  is  delivered  with  energy. 

503 


504  APPENDIX. 

PARUS  CAROLINENSIS. 

Carolina  Titmouse. 

Parus  Carolinensis  AUD.  Orn.  Biog.;  1834,  341. 

SP.  CH.  Precisely  like  alricapil/us,  described  on  page  30,  excepting  that  usually  the  lice  of  demarkation  between  the 
black  and  white  of  breast  is  more  decided,  and  the  size  is  smaller. 

Observations.  Resident  from  Virginia,  southward.  DIMENSIONS.  Length,  4'50;  stretch,  7'00;  wing,  2'45;  tail, 2  25; 
bill,  '30;  tarsus,  -50.  Nests  and  Eggs,  similar  to  those  of  the  Black-cap,  but  the  latter  are  usually,  but  not  always,  smaller. 

HABITS. 

Although  I  was,  at  one  time,  not  inclined  to  consider  the  Carolina  Tit  as  a  species, 
upon  becoming  more  familiar  with  the  bird,  I  have  decided  to  give  it  specific  rank,  for  it 
appears  to  differ  considerably  in  habits  from  the  northern  species,  even  when  it  is  found 
with  them.  The  Carolina  Titmouse  has  a  more  feeble  call  note  than  that  given  by  the 
Black-cap,  though  it  is  a  little  harsher,  but  both  sing  equally  well  and,  as  far  as  I  can  per- 
ceive, nearly  alike.  The  present  bird,  however,  is  not  as  active  nor  as  tame,  neither  is  it 
as  vociferous  as  the  Black-cap,  and  I  never  found  it  in  large  flocks.  In  breeding  habits, 
the  two  species  are  quite  similar  and  the  eggs  of  each  are  deposited  about  the  same  time. 

PARUS  HUDSONICUS. 

Hudsonian  Titmouse. 
Parus  Hudsonicus  Fors.,  Philos.  Trans.;  1772. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  robust.  Size,  small.  COLOR.  Adult.  Upper  parts,  yellowish-hrown,  becoming  darker  on  crown. 
Sides  of  head  and  lower  surface,  white,  tinged  with  chestnut  on  sides,  and  with  patch  on  throat  sooty-brown.  Iris,  brown; 
bill,  black;  feet,  bluish.  Youny  and  Nest/ings.  Quite  similar  but  paler  than  adults. 

Observations.    Known  by  the  brown  head.    Breeds  from  Northern  New  England,  northward,  wandering  a  littlesouth- 
ward  in  winter,  rarely  to  Massachusetts.    DIMENSIONS.    Length,  5'25;  stretch,  7' 10;  wing.  2'60;  tail,  2' 40;  bill,  '35;  tarsus,  '65. 
Nests  and  Eyys.     NESTS,  placed  in  holes  of  trees,  composed  of  hair,  feathers,  etc.     EGGS,  six  to  ten  in  number,  rather 
spherical  in  form,  white  in  color,  finely  spotted  with  reddish-brown.     Dimensions  from  '50  x  '60  to  '53  x  '66. 

HABITS. 

I  found  the  Hudsonian  Titmice  very  common  about  Errol,  New  Hampshire,  late  in 
autumn,  when  they  have  similar  habits  to  the  Black-caps,  excepting  that  the  note  is  short- 
er and  harsher,  and  is  easily  recognized.  Some  years  after,  near  th<:  fifteenth  of  July,  I 
met  with  them  on  the  Magdalen  Islands;  then  the  parents  were  accompanied  by  the  newly 
fledged  young,  and  the  little  families  behaved  almost  exactly  as  I  have  seen  the  Black- 
caps under  similar  circumstances,  the  young  uttering  a  continuous  begging  note,  as  they 
flew  after  the  adults.  This  species  deposits  its  eggs  about  the  second  week  in  May. 

SITTA  CANADENSIS. 

Red-bellied  Nuthatch. 

Silta  Canadensis  Linn.,  Syst.  Nat;  17H6,  177, 

%Si>.  CH.  Form,  slender.  Size,  small.  COLOR.  Adult  mule.  Above,  ashy-blue,  becoming  brown  on  wings.  Top  of 
head,  line  through  eye,  and  base  of  tail,  black.  Superciliary  line,  subterminal  band  on  tail,  excepting  on  central  feathers 
which  are  bluish  throughout,  and  beneath,  white,  tinged  on  breast,  sides  and  flanks  with  reddish.  Adult  female,  similar, 
but  the  crown  is  tinged  with  slaty.  In  winter,  lower  parts,  suffused  with  deep  yellowish-red.  Wesi/inys.  Like  summer 
female  but  more  ashy  on  crown.  Iris  and  feet,  brown;  bill,  black,  bluish  at  ba«e  of  lower  mandible. 

Observations.  Known  by  the  small  size  and  reddish  tints  beneath.  Breeds  from  Northern  New  England,  northward. 
Winters  in  the  South.  DIMENSIONS.  Length,  4'60;  stretch,  8'40;  wing,  2'70;  tail,  1-50;  bill,  -60;  tarsus,  '55. 

Nests  and  Eyy*.  NESTS,  placed  in  holes  of  trees,  composed  of  fine  grass.  EGGS,  four  to  sis  in  number,  oval  in  form, 
white  in  color,  spotted  and  dotted  with  reddish-brown.  Dimensions  from  '50  x  '60  to  '55  x  '64. 

HABITS. 

The  Red-bellied  Nuthatches,  although  not  rare  birds,  appear  to  be  somewhat  irregu- 
larly distributed,  especially  during  the  migrations.  Thus  I  have  found  them  very  common 
in  certain  portions  of  Newton,  in  September  of  somo  years,  and  then,  perhaps,  I  would 
not  find  a  specimen  in  the  same  localities  for  several  seasons,  while  they  would  occur  plen- 
tifully in  other  districts.  These  birds  emit  a  harsh  note,  not  unlike  that  of  the  White-bellied, 


APPENDIX  505 

smtl  have  similar  habits  to  (his  species.  They  build  their  nests  in  holes  of  trees,  in  North- 
ern New  England,  often  some  distance  from  the  ground,  and  they  are  said  to  place  pitch 
around  the  entrance,  but  lor  what  reason,  it  is  uncertain.  The  eggs  are  deposited  the  flrst 
or  second  week  in  May,  and  though  a  few  of  the  birds  probably  remain  in  Massachusetts 
to  breed,  the  majority  go  north. 

CEHTHIA  FAMILlARIS. 

Brown  Creeper. 

Certhia  familiaris  Linn.,  Sys».  Nat.;  1735. 

Si>.  Cu.  Form,  slender.  Size,  small.  Bill,  long  and  curved.  Tail  feathers,  long  and  acuminate.  COLOR.  Adult. 
Above,  dark-brown,  becoming  rufous  posteriorly.  Streaks  above,  tips  of  wing  feathers,  band  across  all  but  three  outer, 
and  beneath,  white  with  under  tuil  coverts  rusty.  Ms,  bill,  and  feet,  brown.  Young,  similar,  but  more  rufous  above. 

Otiserratians.     Recognized  by  the  curved  bill  and  acuminate  tail  feathers.     Breeds  from  Massachusetts  northward; 
wintering  from  this  point,  southward.    DIMENSIONS.    Length,  5-50;  stretch,  7'90:  wing, 2'60;  tail,  2'3ll;  bill,  "65;  tarsus, '55. 
Nests  anil  Eyys.     NESTS,  generally  placed  behind  loose  strips  of  bark  on  trees,  composed  of  fine  strips  of  burk,  moss,  etc. 
Kta:s,  four  to  six  in  numl>er,  rather  elliptical  in  form,  white  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  with  reddish-brown.     Dimen- 
sions from  -50x  -70  to  '52  x  "73. 

HABITS. 

Although  the  Brown  Creepers  are  quite  common  in  Massachusetts  during  winter,  the 
majority  go  north  to  breed.  The  nests,  according  to  Mr.  Brewster  and  others,  are  almost 
always  placed  behind  loose  strips  of  bark  which  so  often  are  found  in  the  woods  of  Maine, 
and  the  eggs  are  laid  about  the  first  week  in  June.  These  birds  have  the  habit  of  alight- 
ing at  the  base  of  a  tree,  in  search  of  insects,  and  winding  upward,  something  after  the 
manner  of  the  Nuthatches.  In  winter,  the  Brown  Creepers  emit  a  sharp,  rather  low,  whis- 
tling note,  but  in  summer,  they  have  a  remarkably  sweet  song. 

TROGLODYTES  BEWICKI. 

Bewick's  Wren. 
Trogloditex  Beiaicki  AUD.,  Orn.  Biog.  I;  1831,  96. 

Si-  Cu.  Form,  rather  robust.  Size,  medium.  COLOR.  Adult.  Reddish-brown  above,  with  the  wings  handed  with 
dusky.  Tail,  dark-brown,  banded  with  white  on  outer  webs  of  outer  feat  hers  and  on  tips  of  all,  but  eentral  pair  which  are 
barred  throughout  with  reddish-ash.  Beneath  ashy,  barred  on  under  tail  coverts  with  dusky.  Superciliary  line,  white 
edged  above  with  dark-brown.  Iris,  bill,  and  feet,  brown. 

Observations.  Recognized  by  the  ashy  under  parts  and  white  bandings  on  tail.  Breeds  from  Pennsylv«nia,  south- 
ward anil  westward.  Winters  in  the  South.  DIMENSIONS.  Length,  5'00;  stretch,  7'(>0;  wing,  2'12;  tail,  2  15;  bill,  -55; 
tarsus,  -60. 

Nesti  and  f'f/ys.  NESTS,  placed  in  holes  or  houses,  composed  of  sticks,  grass,  etc.  Eccs,  four  to  six  in  number,  oval 
in  form,  white  in  color,  spotted  and  dotted  with  reddish-brown  and  lilac.  Dimensions  from  "55  x  '70  to  '57  x  ^. 

HABITS. 

Bewick's  Wren  is  quite  local  in  distribution,  being  very  common  in  some  sections  of 
its  range,  and  rare  in  others.  I  never  found  it  in  Pennsylvania,  but  Mr.  Koch  sent  me  a 
specimen  taken  at  Williamsport  in  April,  and  it  doubtless  occurs  throughout  the  State.  It 
resembles  the  common  House  Wren  in  general  habits,  nesting  in  houses,  breeding  in  early 
May,  and  frequenting  towns  and  villages. 

EREMOPHILA  ALPESTRIS. 

Horned  Lark. 

Eremophila  a/]tcstn.<  Hoie,  Hs,  183ft,  322. 
N-.  Cu.    Bill,  shorter  than  head  tod  rounded.    Tufla  of  featbora on  xidee  of  orown,  ekmgttad.    Form,  robust     Size, 

me'liiim.     Coi.ou.     Atlult.     Above  and  on  sides,  pinki.-h-lirown,  brightest  on  nape  and  rump,  .-trcaked  wit  h  dark-brown. 

and  tail,  brown,  edged  with  pinkish  and  tipped  with  \\  hite.    I'Wcliead,  line  OUT  eye.  -ides  of  the  head,  and 
sulphury-yellow.     Crescent  on  crown,  line  from  base  of  bill  through  ear  and  broad  shield  on   brcn-t,  Mark.      l!>  nmndrr 
of  tinder  parts,  white.     Iri^,  bill,  and  feet,   In-own.     In  winter  and  Youny.     Similar  but  the  color.-,  are  olix  -un-d  and  the 
breast  is  frequently  tinged,  more  or  less,  with  dusky. 

*.     Known  by   the  yellowish  of  head,  and  tul't-  on  erowr..      Breed-  from  WcMern   New  York,   »e  i  >, 


506  APPENDIX. 

and  north  to  Labrador,  coining  to  the  coast  in  winter  as  far  south  as  the  Carolinas.     DIMENSIONS.    Length,  7  55;  >  tietch, 
13'35;  wing,  4"31;  tail,  2'ttO;  bill,  "50;  tarsus,  -90. 

Nests  and  Eggs.  NESTS,  placed  on  the  ground,  composed  of  grass,  weeds,  etc.  EGGS,  four  or  five  in  number,  oval  in 
form,  ashy  in  color,  thickly  spotted  with  yellowi.sh-brown  and  bluish.  Dimensions  from  '65x  '82  to  '70x  '£5. 

HABITS. 

The  Horned  or  Shore  Larks  are  very  common  along  our  coast  in  November,  remain- 
ing all  winter,  but  depart  westward  and  northward  in  spring,  none  breeding  nearer  to  us 
than  Western  New  York.  These  birds  are  highly  gregarious  and  often  accompany  the 
Snow  Buntings  and  Longspurs.  They  are  not  shy,  but  have  the  habit  of  squatting  behind 
stones  or  tufts  of* grass  when  they  perceive  an  intruder;  then,  if  approached,  will  rise  sud- 
denly, with  a  loud,  shrill  cry.  The  Horned  Larks  breed  in  April,  being  among  the  earli- 
est of  the  insessorial  birds,  to  deposit  their  eggs. 

PROTONOTARIA  C1TREA. 

Prothonotary  Warbler. 
Protonotaria  citrea  BD.,  Birds  N.  A. ;  1858,  239. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  slender.  Size,  medium.  Bill,  large  and  as  long  as  head.  COLOB.  Adjilt  male.  Head,  neck,  and 
beneath,  rich  yellow,  becoming  white  on  abdomen  and  under  tail  coverts.  Back,  greenish-yellow.  Rump,  upper  tail  cov- 
erts, tail,  and  wings,  bluish,  white  on  inner  webs  of  two  last.  Femiile.  similar  but  duller  throughout. 

Observations.  Known  by  the  yellow  head  and  neck.  Breeds  West  and  South;  wintering  south  of  our  limits  DIMEN- 
SIONS. Length,  5  50;  .stretch,  8'50;  wing,  'J'30;  tail,  2' 12;  bill,  '55;  tarsus,  '75. 

Nests  and  Eggs.  NESTS,  placed  in  holes  of  trees,  composed  of  grass,  leaves, 'and  moss.  EGGS,  four  to  six  in  number, 
elliptical  in  form,  white  in  color,  spotted  with  reddish-brown  and  lilac.  Dimensions  from  "55  x  '66  to  60s  -70. 

HABITS. 

I  have  recently  learned  from  several  collectors,  that  the  Prothonotary  Warbler  occurs 
in  Florida,  though  I  never  met  with  it  there,  nor  elsewhere  in  the  South,  but  it  appears  to 
be  somewhat  widely  distributed,  as  it  is  found  in  considerable  numbers  in  Illinois,  breeding 
from  the  middle  to  the  last  of  May,  and  the  nests  are  placed  in  holes  of  trees.  In  gen- 
eral habits,  it  agrees  closely  with  other  Warblers. 

DENDRCECA  VIRENS. 

Black-throated  Green  Warbler. 

Dendraeca  virens  BD.,  Birds  N.  A. ;  1858,  267. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  slender.  Size,  small.  COLOR.  Adult  male.  Above,  clear  yellowish-green.  Wings  and  tail,  brown 
with  tips  of  greater  coverts  and  inner  webs  of  three  outer  tail  feathers,  white.  Sides  of  head  and  neck,  yellow,  with  green- 
ish stripe  through  eye  and  one  below  it.  Chin,  throat,  and  upper  breast,  black,  continuing  along  sides  in  spottings.  Re- 
mainder  of  under  parts,  creamy  white.  Iris,  bill,  and  feet,  brown.  Adult  female.  Similar,  but  the  upper  part  of  throat 
js  yellow,  and  the  black  is  obscured  with  whitish.  In  autumn,  similar  to  summer,  but  the  green  above  and  markings  be- 
low are  obscured  with  whitish.  Young.  Similar  to  winter  adult  but  duller,  the  female  having  only  a  trace  of  black. 

Observations.  Known  by  the  green  back  and  yellow  sides  of  head.  Distributed  in  summer  from  Pennsylvania,  at 
least  to  Canada;  wintering  south  of  our  limits.  DIMENSIONS.  Length,  5'00;  stretch,  8'00;  wing,  2  75;  tail,-2'25;  bill,  '45; 
tarsus, '70. 

Nests  and  Eggs.  NESTS,  placed  in  trees,  composed  of  fine  grass,  rootlets,  strips  of  cedar  bark,  etc.,  lined  with  hair  and 
fine  moss.  EGGS,  three  or  four  in  number,  oval  in  form,  creamy-white  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  with  brown  of  vary- 
ing shades  and  lilac.  Dimensions  from '50  x -60  to '54  x '66. 

HABITS. 

The  peculiar,  plaintive  notes  of  the  Black- throated  Green  Warblers,  may  be  heard  in 
New  England,  from  early.  May  until  late  in  summer,  for  they  are  one  of  the  most  persistent 
songsters  that  haunt  the  deeply  wooded  valleys.  These  pretty  Warblers  prefer  woods  in 
which  there  is  a  plentiful  sprinkling  of  white  pines,  and  are  always  found  in  or  near  these 
trees.  During  the  breeding  season,  the  males  emit  a  peculiar,  continuous  note  which  sounds 
almost  exactly  as  if  it  were  given  by  a  young  bird,  but  they  will  pause  every  now  and  then 
to  give  the  long-drawn  melody  which  is  so  easily  distinguished.  These  birds  breed  early 
in  June,  often  placing  the  nest  in  a  low  cedar  or  pine. 


607 

DENDRCEOA  CCERULEA. 

Blue  Warbler. 

Dendraeca  carulea  BD.  Birds  N.  A. ;  IH58.  280. 

SP.  CM.  Form,  slender.  Size,  small.  COLOR.  Adu/tma/e.  Above,  bright  blue,  dnrkest  on  crown,  and  nsliy  on  rump 
with  lack,  sides  of  crown,  and  upper  tail  coverts,  streaked  with  black.  Two  Imntls  on  wings,  patcli  on  inner  wol)s  of  tail 
leathers,  excepting  central,  anil  hene.Uh,  white.  Lores,  line  through  eye,  hand  across  hrcust,  and  streakson  sides, dusky- 
liKie.  t'niui/i-,  similar,  but  greenish-blue  above  and  tinged  wit'i  greenish  beneath  and  also  on  a  superciliary  line,  and  the 
stri]>es  on  sides  are  duller. 

Olistrvations.  Known  by  the  hlue  and  white  colors.  Breeds  from  New  York  and  Pennsylvania,  westward,  wintering 
south  of  our  limits.  DIMENSIONS.  length,  4 '60;  stretch,  7'00;  wing,  2'40:  tail.  r«5;  bill,  '40;  tai-sus,  64. 

Nats  and  Kyys,  NESTS,  placed  in  trees,  composed  of  grass,  mosses,  stri|>s  of  bark,  etc.  Ecas,  three  or  four  in  number, 
oval  in  form,  creamy-white  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  with  reddish-brown.  Dimensions  from  '45  x  '5H  to  '4Sx  '60. 

HABITS. 

The  only  time  that  I  ever  met  with  the  beautiful,  little  Blue  Warbler  was  at  Williams- 
port,  Pennsylvania,  about  the  tenth  of  May.  There  was  a  large  migration  of  Warblers 
passing  at  the  time,  and  this  species  was  among  them,  but  was  rather  rare.  In  general 
habits,  this  bird  resembled  other  Warblers,  and  I  was  not  fortunate  enough  to  hear  the 
song. 

DENDRCECA  BLACKBURNI^J 

Blackbumian  Warbler. 

Dendrceca  Blackhurnut  BD.,  Birds  N.  A.;  1858,  274. 

Si-.  On.  Eorm,  slender.  Size,  large.  COLOR.  Adult  male.  Above,  sides  of  head  and  neck,  and  streaks  on  sides, 
black.  Outer  edge  of  secondaries,  large  patch  on  wings  and  one  on  inner  webs  of  three  outer  tail  feathers,  white.  Sjxit 
on  crown,  superciliary  stripe,  patch  on  neck,  throat,  and  upper  breast,  bright  orange,  becoming  creamy  on  remainder  of 
lower  surface.  Iris,  bill,  and  feet,  brown.  Female,  himilar  but  duller,  and  the  white  patch  on  wings  in  divided  into  two 
bands.  Young,  like  adulfc  female  but  very  much  paler,  the  yellow  on  the  breast  and  streaking*  above  in  young  females 
being  nearly  obsolete. 

Observations.  Known  by  the  dark  colors  above,  orange  throat  and  supercil  iary  line,  which  are  discernible  in  all  stag- 
es. Occurs  in  summer  from  Maine,  northward;  wintering  south  of  our  limits.  DIMENSIONS.  Length,  5  25;  stretch,  8  20; 
wing,  2-65;  tail,  1'85;  bill,  '75;  tarsus,  -38. 

HABITS. 

I  .shot  a  female  Blackburnian  Warbler  at  Williainsport,  Pennsylvania,  that  exhibited 
unmistakable  evidences  of  having  recently  deposited  her  eggs,  and  afterward  saw  several 
other  specimens  there,  so  I  have  no  doubt  but  what  these.  Warblers  breed  in  that  section, 
though  as  a  rule,  they  nest  much  further  north,  in  the  evergreen  woods  of  Maine,  where  they 
are  very  abundant.  The  Blackburnians  are  rare  in  Eastern  Massachusetts  during  migra- 
tions, but  are  remarkably  abundant  in  the  valley  of  the  Susquehanna  at  this  time,  insomuch 
so,  that  I  have  counted  upward  of  twenty  in  sight  at  once.  I  have  never  met  with  the  nest 
and  eggs  of  this  species,  but  am  confident  that  it  breeds  in  high  evergreen  trees. 

DENDRCECA  CASTANEA. 

Bay-breasted  Warbler. 
Dendrceca  castanca  BD.,  Birds  N.  A.;  1858,  276. 

SP.  Cii.  Form,  slender.  Size,  medium.  COLOR.  Adult.  Sides  of  head  and  upper  part",  sooty  black  with  the  feath- 
ers of  all  but  head,  edged  with  greenish-ash.  Two  bands  on  wing*  am)  patch  on  inner  webs  of  tl.ree  outer  tail  feathers, 
white;  hack  part  of  frown,  thr.ial,  and  sjde-.  dark-chestnut;  patch  on  side  of  neck  and  under  tail  coverts,  buff;  remainder 
of  under  parts,  creamy;  iris  and  bill,  brown;  feet,  bluish.  Female,  .similar  to  male  but  the  chestnut  is  not  as  extended  ami 
the  top  of  the  head  is  greenish.  In  autumn,  and  Youni/.  Above,  where  there  are  streakings  of  dusky,  and  sides  of  head 
and  neck,  greetii-h  hemming  huffy-yellow  below;  there  is  often  only  a  trace  of  chestnut  on  flanks,  and  this  occasionally 

•nt  in  youn 

Observation.     Known  by  the  chestnut  marking-;  also  see  observations  on  page  30.     Occurs  in  summer  from  Maine, 

northward;  winters  south  of  our  limits.     DIMES-  MS  -.     Length,  5  55;  stretch,  8'75;  wing,  2'85;  tail,  v!  05;  bill,  "73;  tarsus,  '40. 

Ntsts  and  Eyys.     NESTS,  placed  in  trees  and  romju.sed  of  small  twigs  and  moss,  lined  with  fine  roots  and  a  little  hair. 

EGGS,  four  to  six  in  number,  ovul  in  form,  bluish-green  in  Color,  spotted  with  browu  and  lilac.    Dimensions  from  '50  x  '70 

to  -55x-75. 


508  APPENDIX. 

HABITS. 

During  migrations,  both  in  spring  and  fall,  the  Bay-breasted  Warblers  are  common 
in  Pennsylvania,  but  are  rare  in  Eastern  Massachusetts,  reaching  their  breeding  grounds 
iii  Maine,  by  the  way  of  New  York  and  the  valley  of  the  Great  Lakes.  The  song  is  not 
unlike  that  of  the  Black-poll,  to  which  species  they  have  similar  habits,  but  ends  in  an  ab- 
ruptly given  warble.  They  breed  in  early  June,  placing  the  nest  on  a  horizontal  branch 
of  a  spruce  or  hemlock,  at  some  distance  from  the  ground. 

DENDRCECA  PENNSYLVAWICA. 
Chestnut-sided  Warbler. 

Dendrxca  Pennsy/vanica  BD,.  Birds  N.  A.;  1858,  270. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  slender.  Size,  small.  COLOR.  Adult  male.  Above,  bluish-ash  streaked  with  black,  and  becoming 
greenish  on  back.  Wings  and  tail,  brown  edged  with  bluish.  Topof  head,  yellow.  Forehead,  line  over  eye.  square  patch 
on  occiput,  two  bands  on  wing  tinged  with  greenish,  patch  on  inner  websof  three  outer  tail  feathers,  and  beneath,  white. 
Lores  and  line  above  and  below  eye,  black.  Stripe  on  sides,  deep  chestnut.  Iris,  bill,  and  fcot,  brown.  Female,  similar, 
but  yellowish-green  above  streaked  with  black,  and  the  markings  below  are  not  as  extended.  Vouny.  Quite  similar  to 
adults  but  lack  the  black  markings  and  there  is  only  a  trace  of  chestnut  in  males  and  none  in  females. 

Obscrration.1.  Known  by  the  white  and  chestnut  beneath.  Breeds  from  Pennsylvania  to  Canada;  winters  south  of 
our  limits.  DIMENSIONS.  Length,  5-15;  stretch,  8'10;  wing,  2;55;  tail,  2'00;  bill,  '75;  tarsus,  -35. 

Nesli  and  Eyys.  NESTS,  placed  in  bushes,  composed  of  fibrous  bark  of  weeds  and  cedars,  lined  with  fine  grass,  horse- 
hair, etc.  EGGS,  three  or  four  in  number,  oval  in  form,  ashy-white  in  color,  spotted  and  mottled  with  yellowish-I>n>wn 
and  lilac.  Dimensions  from  '50  x  '00  to  '55x°65. 

HABITS. 

The  song  of  the  Chestnut-sided  Warbler  somewhat  resembles  that  of  the  common  Yel- 
low Warbler,  but  is  readily  distinguished,  and  the  former  species  is  not  unlike  the  latter 
in  general  habits,  while  both  are  now  equally  abundant.  The  Chestnut-sided  are,  how- 
ever, more  often  fond  of  wooded  thickets,  and  usually  desert  the  nest  when  disturbed. 
They  make  their  appearance  a  few  days  later  than  the  Yellow  Warblers. 

DENDRCECA  KiriTLANDI. 

Kirtland's  Warbler. 

Dendraeca  Kirtlandi  Bd.,  Birds.  N.  A. ;  1859,  286. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  COLOR.  Adult  male.  Above,  bluish-ash  narrowly  streaked  on  crown  and  more 
broadly  on  back,  with  black.  Forehead,  lores,  and  space  beneath  eye,  black.  Eyelids,  two  narrow  hands  across  winus, 
und  patch  on  inner  webs  of  two  outer  tail  feathers,  white.  Under  parts,  clear  yellow,  becoming  nearly  white  on  under 
tail  coverts,  with  spots  in  band  across  breast  and  streaks  on  sides,  black.  Iris,  bill,  and  feet,  brown.  Femile,  similar, 
but  much  paler  beneath,  slightly  overwa-shed  above  with  reddish,  and  the  dark  markings  are  much  more  restricted. 

Cbfervations.  Known  by  the  large  size  and  yellow  colors  beneath.  Tl:e  tongue  is  short,  rather  fleshy,  and  provided 
with  coarse  cilia  at  extreme  tip.  Occurs  in  summer  in  certain  sections  of  the  West;  winters  on  the  Bahamas.  DIMENSIONS. 
Length.  5'50;  wing,  2'75;  tail,  2'58;  bill,  '45;  tarsus,  -H5. 

HABITS. 

The  first  specimen  of  Kirtland's  Warbler,  brought  to  the  notice  of  science,  was  shot 
in  1851,  near  Cleveland,  Ohio,  but  one  had  been  taken  at  sea,  off  the  Bahamas,  some  ten 
years  before,  though  it  was  not  identified  until  after  the  type  specimen  was  discovered. 
Since  then,  five  have  been  taken  in  Ohio,  one  on  the  Bahamas,  and  two  in  Ann  Arbor,  Mich- 
igan, both  of  the  last  being  females,  one  of  which  was  kindly  loaned  me  by  its  captor, 
Mr.  A.  B.  Covert,  to  figure  in  plate  XVII.  The  ovaries  of  this  specimen,  portions  of  the 
body  of  which  are  now  in  my  possession  in  alcohol,  were  slightly  advanced,  indicating  that 
the  bird  would  have  laid  in  about  two  weeks.  Mr.  Covert  states  that  these  birds  do  not 
differ  in  general  habits  from  other  Warblers,  but  are  not  at  all  shy.  I  think  this  species 
will  prove  common  and  probably  breeding  on  the  Bahamas  and  adjacent  islands. 

HELMINTHOPHAGA  PINUS. 
Blue-winged  Yellow  Warbler. 

Helminth:) phaya  pinus  BD.,  Birds  N.  A.;  JH58,  254. 
SP.  Cu.     Form,  slender.     Size,  small.     COLOR.     Adult  male.     Upper  parts,  yellowish-green,  brightest  on  rump,  with 


PLA  i 


HELMINTHCPHACA   LETUCOBRONCHIALIS    ET  LAWRENCE  I. 
tto    md  L  iwrenee'e  \'.' jfci.-rs. 
it. 


APPRND1X.  500 

wings,  upper  tail  covert*  and  tail,  bluish-ash.  Two  hands  across  wings,  under  wing  and  tail  coverts,  patch  on  inner  \\vl> 
of  four  outer  tail  feathrrs,  white.  Anterior  crown,  sides  of  head,  and  under  parts,  rich  orange-yellow.  Iris,  bill,  and 
feet,  drown.  Female.  Similar  hut  tlie  crown  is  overwashed  with  greenish. 

Clarrrations .  Known  by  the  continuous  yellow  beneath.  Breeds  throughout  the  Middle  and  Western  sections,  win- 
tering south  ofour  limits.  DIMENSIONS.  Length,  4'50;  stretch,  7'50;  wing,  2'4ll;  tail,  2'W;  bill)  '45;  tarsus,  -05. 

Next*  and  Eyyx.  NKSTS,  placed  on  the  ground,  composed  of  line  strips  of  bark,  moss,  gross,  etc.  KGUS,  four  or  live 
in  numlier,  oval  in  form,  white  in  color,  finely  spotted  with  reddish-brown.  Dimensions  from  '50  x  '63  to  '52  x  •(!?. 

HABITS. 

The  Rue-winged  Yellow  Warbler  has  been  taken  once  or  twice  in  Massachusetts  but 
is  extremely  rare  so  far  east,  being  confined  to  the  middle  and  western  districts,  where  it 
has  similar  habits  to  other  members  of  the  genus,  arriving  and  departing  about  the  same 
time  as  the  Golden -winded. 

HELMINTHOPHAGA  LAWRENCEI. 

Lawrence's  Warbler, 

Heiminthophaya  Lawrencei  Herrick,  Pro.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phil.;  1874,  2-.JO. 

Si'.  CH.  Similar  in  form  nnd  size  to  the  Blue-winged  Yellow  Warbler,  but  differs  in  being  darker  and  richer  in  color, 
and  in  having  a  large  black  patch  on  throat  and  upper  breast. 

HABITS. 

In  1874,  Lawrence's  Warbler  was  first  described  as  new- by  Mr.  Harold  Herrick,  from 
a  specimen  taken  in  New  Jersey,  and  in  1877,  another  was  obtained  by  Mr.  Geo.  N.  Law- 
rence, from  a  dealer  who  stated  that  it  was  taken  at  Iloboken,  New  Jersey,  in  the  spring. 
This  specimen  was  kindly  loaned  me  by  Mr.  Lawrence  to  figure  in  plate  XXII.  These 
two  specimens  are  all  that  have  yet  been  taken  and  nothing  is  known  of  the  habits  uf  the 
species. 

HELMINTHOPHAGA  CHRYSOPTEBA. 

Golden-winged  Warbler. 

Hflniinthi>i>haya  chrysoptera  CAB.,  Mus.  Ilein.;  1850,  3<l. 

Si>.  CIT.  Form,  slender.  Si/.e,  small.  COLOR.  Adult  male.  Ab;>ve,  bluish-ash.  Crown  and  patch  on  wing,  bright 
yellow.  Streak  from  bill  through  eye  and  large  patch  on  throat  and  upper  breast,  black.  Margin  of  crown,  patrh  on 
side  of  nap-.-,  maxilliary  stripe,  elongated  patch  on  outer  webs  of  outer  tail  feathers,  and  remainder  of  under  parts,  white, 
frequently  tinged  with  yellow  below  and  with  ashy  on  sides.  Iris  and  feet,  brown;  bill,  black.  Female,  and  Youny,  sim- 
ilar but  duller,  with  throat  often  tinged  with  dusky,  and  the  young  are  greener  above. 

Observation*.  Itecognized  by  the  white  lower  surface  and  dark  throat.  Bree-ls  from  the  Carolinas  to  Massachusetts. 
Winters  s,,uth  ofour  limits.  DIMENSION'S.  Length,  5'00;  stretch,  7*60;  wing,  2'42;  toil,  1  05;  bill,  '50;  tarsus,  -ti5. 

fieits  anil  Eyyi.  NESTS,  placed  on  the  ground,  composed  of  leaves  and  grape-vine  bark,  lined  with  line  grass  and 
horse-hair  Kuos,  thrt«  or  four  in  number,  oval  in  Conn,  white  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  with  reddish-'jrown.  I)i- 
int-n-ions  from  '50x  'Co'  to  '55  x  '(>7. 

HABITS. 

The  Golden-winged  Warbler  appears  to  be  somewhat  local  in  distribution,  but  has  the 
general  habits  of  other  members  of  the  genus.  The  song,  as  appears  to  be  the  fact  with 
all  the  allied  species,  is  characteristic,  being  a  lisping  warble.  I  found  the  first  nest  of 
this  species  ever  described,  in  Newton,  on  the  twelfth  of  June,  18G9,  since  which  time, 
however,  several  have  been  taken.  These  birds  appear  to  prefer  grassy  places  in  the 
neighborhood  of  thickets,  as  nesting  sites. 

HELMINTIIOPIIAGA  LEtTCOBRONCllIALIS. 

\Vhito-throated  Warbler. 

Helminthiiphaya  leucobronchialii  Brewster,  Am.  Sportsman.;  Oct.  17,  1874,  33. 

Sp.  Cn.  Similar  in  form  and  si/.e  to  the  (iolilen-winged  Warbler  but  there  in  no  black  patch  on  throat,  theunderpor- 
ti'ms  Iwing  wholly  white  tinged  with  greenish. 

HA  111  IS. 

On  the  eighteenth  of  May,  1870,  Mr.  Win.  Brewster  obtained  the  type  specimen  o!' 
the  White-throated  Warbler  in  West  Newton,  Massachusetts,  and  since  then,  some  ten 


510  APPENDIX. 

specimens  have  been  taken  in  several  localities  in  the  New  England  and  Middle  Slates. 
Nothing  special  is  known  of  the  habits  of  this  species.  The  specimen  figured  in  plate  XXII 
was  obtained  for  me  by  Mr.  Purdie,  and  w;is  killed  at  Saybrook,  Connecticut,  by  Mr.  J. 
N.  Clark,  on  the  thirtieth  of  May,  1879. 

HELMINTHOPHAGA  BACHMANI. 

Bachman's  Warbler. 

Helminthophaya  Bachmani  CAH.,  Jour.  Orn.,  Ill;  1855,  475. 

Si'.  Cn.  Form,  slender.  Size,  small.  COLOR.  Adull.  Above,  and  on  sides  of  head  and  neck,  yellowish-green,  tinged 
with  ashy  on  crown.  Patch  on  forehead,  and  beneath,  deep  yellow.  Band  across  crown,  throat,  and  upper  breast,  black. 
Patch  on  inner  webs  of  two  outer  tail  feathers,  white. 

Observations.  Known  by  the  black  throat  and  band  on  top  of  head.  Kare  on  coast  of  South  Carolina  DIMENSIONS. 
Length,  4'50;  stretch,  6-25;  wing,  2'35;  tail,  2'05;  bill,  "40;  tarsus,  -65. 

HABITS. 

As  far  as  I  can  ascertain,- Audubon  is  the  only  ornithologist  who  records  the  actual 
capture  of  this  very  rare  Warbler,  in  the  United  States,  and  his  specimens  were  obtained 
in  South  Carolina,  in  July,  1833,  near  Charleston;  therefore  it  is  rather  doubtful  whether 
this  bird  should  now  be  considered  a  bird  of  our  section.  Bachmau's  Warbler  is  said  to 
occur  in  Cuba. 

HELMINTHOPHAGA  PEREGRINA. 

Tennessee  Warbler. 

Helminthuphaya  pereyrina  CAB.,  Mus.  Hein.;  1851,  20. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  slender.  Size,  small.  COLOR.  Adult  male.  Top  and  sides  of  head  and  neck,  bluish-ash;  remainder 
of  upper  parts,  yellowish-green.  Beneath,  white  slightly  tinged  witn  greenish-yellow.  Inner  webs  of  outer  tail  feathers, 
edged  with  white.  Iris,  bill,  and  feet,  brown.  Female,  more  yellow  beneath  and  the  ash  of  head  is  obscured  by  greenish. 
In  autumn,  and  Young.  Similar  to  summer  female  but  much  more  yellow  beneath,  and  the  ash  of  head  is  quite  obscured 
with  greenish.  There  is  a  short,  dusky  line  bnck  of  eye,  and  the  wing  feathers  are  tipped  with  white. 

Observations.  Known  by  the  absence  of  any  chestnut  or  black  markings.  Distributed  in  summer  from  Northern 
Maine,  northward;  winters  south  of  our  limits.  DIMENSIONS.  Length,  4'75;  stretch,  8'35;  wing,  2'55;  tail,  T65;  bill,  '90; 
tarsus, '40. 

HABITS. 

The  plainly  colored,  little  Tennessee  Warbler  was  quite  abundant  in  Northcn  Maine, 
some  years  ago,  but  has  always  been  very  rare  in  Massachusetts.  It  is,  however,  very 
common  in  Pennsylvania  during  autumn,  but  is  not  met  with  so  frequently  in  spring,  in 
this  section.  For  other  habits  of  this  and  allied  species,  see  remarks  on  page  64. 

GEOTHLYPIS  PHILADELPHIA. 

Mourning  Warbler. 

Geothlypis  Philadelphia  BD.,  Birds  N.  A. ;  1858,  243. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  robust.  Size,  medium.  COLOR.  Adult  male.  Above,  and  on  sides,  yellowish-green.  Bright  yel- 
low beneath,  with  head  and  neck  all  aronnd  and  upper  breast,  black,  overwashed  with  ashy,  female,  similar  but  with 
the  head  tinged  with  greenish.  Young.  Similar  to  female,  but  overwaslied  with  greenish  on  ashy. 

Observations.  Known  by  the  dark  head  and  neck.  Occurs  in  summer  from  Maine,  northward;  wintering  south  of 
our  limits.  DIMENSIONS.  Length,  5'50;  stretch,  7'80;  wing,  2'45;  tail,  T90;  bill,  "75;  tarsus,  -45. 

HABITS. 

The  Mourning  Warbler  is  quite  rare,  both  in  Pennsylvania  and  Massachusetts,  in 
spring  and  fall,  but  is  not  uncommon  in  Maine,  frequenting  thorny  thickets,  and  behaving 
much  like  the  Maryland  Yellow-throat.  The  song  is,  however,  much  finer  than  that  of 
the  latter  named  species,  being  a  long,  clear  warble,  and  is  given  early  in  the  morning, 
while  the  bird  is  perched  in  some  slightly  elevated  situation. 

OPORORN1S  AG1LIS. 
Connecticut  Warbler. 
Opornrnis  ayi/is  BD.,  Birds  N.  A. ;  1858.  246. 
SP.  Oil.     Form,  slender.    Size,  medium.     COLOR.    Adult  male. .     Above  and  on  sides  of  neck  and  sides,  dark  yellow 


APPENDIX.  511 

isli-green,  tinged  with  ash  on  crown  and  sides  of  head.     Yellow  beneath,  with  throat  and  upper  breast,  ashy,  becoming 
darker  posteriorly.     Ring  around  eye,  white.     F?m>i/e.  and  Younij,  similar  but  much  duller  throughout. 

Observations.  Known  by  the  square  tail,  white  ring  around  eye,  and  ashy  throat.  Occurs  in  summer  from  Maine, 
northward,  wintering  south  of  our  limits.  DIMENSIONS.  Length,  5'25;  stretch,  9'00;  wing,  3'00;  tail,  2'28;  bill,  '40;  tar- 
sus, -80. 

HABITS. 

The  munitions  of  (he  Connecticut  Warblers  are  quite  singular,  for  although  it  is  one 
of  the  rarest  birds  which  are  to  be  found  in  Eastern  Massachusetts,  during  spring,  in  au- 
tumn, it  is  quite  common,  frequenting  swampy  thickets,  when  it  lias  much  the  same  hab- 
its as  the  Water  Thrush.  At  this  time,  the  note  is  a  low  chirp,  and  I  have  never  met  with 
this  species  in  spring. 

OPORORNIS  FORMOSUS. 
Kentucky  Warbler. 

Oporornisformosus  Bo.,  Birds  N.  A. ;  1858,  247. 

SP.  CM.  Form,  slender.  Size,  small.  Color.  Adult  male.  Above  and  on  sides,  yellowish-green.  Crown  and  sides 
of  head  and  patch  on  side  of  neck,  black  with  feathers  on  top  of  head  narrowly  tipped  with  dark  ash.  Superciliary  line 
and  under  part*,  bright  yellow.  Female,  similar  but  duller,  and  with  less  black  on  lieud. 

Observations.     Known  by  the  black  crown  and  yellow  under  parts.     Breeds  from  New  York,  westward  and  south- 
ward; wintering  south  of  our  limits.    DIMENSIONS.  Length,  5"36;  stretch,  8-85;  wing,  2'85;  tail,  2'20;  bill,  '43;  tarsus,  '82. 
slestf  and  Eyys.    NESTS,  placed  on  grass  stalks,  composed  of  fine  grass,  rootlets,  "trips  of  hark,  etc.    EGGS,  four  tu  six 
in  number,- oval  in  form,  white  in  color,  dotted  with  reddish-brown.     Dimensions  from  '50  x  '70  to  -55x'72. 

HABITS. 

The  Kentucky  Warbler  is  quite  rare  in  the  Eastern  of  the  Middle  States,  and  does 
not  occur  in  New  England  at  all,  but  the  great  strong-hold  of  the  species  appears  to  be 
in  the  West,  along  the  Mississippi  River.  I  have  never  met  with  this  bird  living,  so  can 
give  nothing  new  relative  to  its  habib. 

ICTERIA  VIRIDIS. 

Yellow-breasted  Chat. 

Icteria  uiridis  Bon.,  Obs.  Wils.;  ISiffi. 

Sr.  Cu.  Form,  slender.  Size,  large.  Bill,  slightly  curved.  Color.  Adult  male.  Above,  ashy-green;  beneath  to 
middle  of  lirc:i-t,  liglit-vellow;  ring  around  eye  and  line  from  it  to  bill,  and  remainder  of  under  part",  white.  Spot  in  front 
of  eye,  dusky;  iris  and  fret,  brown;  bill,  black.  Female,  similar,  but  duller. 

Cliserttaliuns.  Known  by  the  large  size  and  yellow  breast.  Breeds  from  Pennsylvania,  southward;  wintering  south 
of  our  limits.  DIMENSIONS.  Length,  G'75;  stretch,  9'75;  wing,  2  93;  tail,  3'l(i;  bill,  '58;  tnrsus,  TOO. 

Neils  and  ffyys.  NESTS,  placed  in  bushes  and  composed  of  grass,  grape-vine  bark,  weeds,  etc.  EGGS,  three  or  f,mr  in 
number,  elliptical  in  form,  white  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  with  reddish-brown  and  lilac.  Dimensions  from  'GOx'HO 
to  -07  x  <J5. 

HABITS. 

The  Yellow-breasted  Chats  appear  to  be  somewhat  local  in  distribution;  thus,  I  did 
not  find  them  common  in  the  valley  of  the  Susquehanna,  between  Williamsport  and  Wat- 
sontown,  a  distance  of  some  thirty  miles,  but  they  are  abundant  in  some  sections  of  the 
State,  while  the  only  place  that  I  know  in  Massachusetts,  where  they  occur  regularly,  is 
in  the  neighborhood  of  Lynn.  I  did,  however,  shoot  a  specimen  in  Newton,  some  years 
ago.  These  birds  frequent  thickets,  much  after  the  manner  of  the  Cat  Bird,  and  breed  about 
the  same  time.  They  sing  very  sweetly, 

MYIODIOCTES  CANADENSI8. 
Canada  Plycatching  Warbler. 

Myioiiiort/:*  Canailrniis  Al'D.  Syn.;  18:}9,  4'J. 

Si  .  Cu.  Form,  slender.  Si/,e,  medium.  Color.  Adult  male.  Above,  bluish-ash.  Line  from  bill  to  eye,  ring  a- 
lound  it,  and  under  parts,  yellow;  under  wing  and  tail  eoxerts,  white.  .S|N>ttin:_rs  on  crown  and  in  band  across  breast,  and 
maxilliary  line  Ix-LMiinini;  in  fn'iiL  of  eye,  Mack,  t'unale,  and  Yauny,  similar,  but  lack  the  black  on  heiid  and  are  duller. 

Otnurratiunx.  Known  by  the  flattened  bill  and  spotting  ac.-oss  yellow  breast.  Occur*  in  summer  from  Maine,  north- 
ward; winters  south  of  our  limit*.  DIMLNSIU.VS.  Length,  .V<IO;  stretch,  7'85;  wing,  ;.'•.">.");  tail,  2' 15;  bill,  "75;  tarMi-,  In 


512  APPENDIX. 

Nests  and  Eyys.  NESTS,  placed  on  or  near  the  ground,  composed  of  pine  leaves,  fine  roots,  and  grass.  EGGS,  four  in 
number,  oval  in  form,  ashy-white  in  color,  spotted  with  brown  and  lilac.  Dimensions  from  '45  x  '60  to  48  x  05. 

HABITS. 

'  The  Canada  Flycatching  Warblers  are  very  abundant  during  some  seasons,  in  Eastern 
Massachusetts,  when  migrating,  and  a  few  doubtless  remain  to  breed,  though  the  majority 
go  north  to  nest.  This  species,  like  all  members  of  the  genus,  are  expert  fly-catchers,  and 
frequent  swampy  thickets,  but  when  migrating,  are  more  generally  distributed. 

MYIODIOCTES  MITBATUS. 
Hooded  Warbler. 

Myiodioctes  mitratus  Aun.,  Syn.;  1839,  48. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  robust.  Size,  medium.  COLOR.  Adult  male.  Above  and  on  sides,  yellowish-green.  Head  and  neck 
all  around,  and  upper  hreast,  black.  Patch  on  forehead,  extending  around  to  ear  coverts,  and  under  parts,  bright  yellow. 
Patch  on  inner  webs  of  three  outer  tail  feathers,  white.  Female,  similar,  but  with  the  crown  like  the  back,  and  the  sides 
of  head  are  tinged  with  greenish. 

Observations.  Known  by  the  broad  bill  and  black  throat.  Breeds  from  New  York,  west  and  south;  winters  south  of 
our  limits.  DIMENSIONS.  Length,  5'25;  stretch,  8'flO;  wing,  2-75;  tail,  2'58;  bill,  "77;  tarsus,  -38. 

Nests  and  Eyys.  NESTS,  placed  in  bushes,  composed  of  grass,  moss,  and  fibrous  roots.  EGGS,  three  or  four  in  num- 
ber, oval  in  form,  white  in  color,  spotted  with  reddish-brown.  Dimensions  from  '46  x  '62  to  '50  x  '68. 

HABITS. 

The  favorite  resort  of  the  Hooded  Warblers  are  the  thickets  formed  by  the  great  laur- 
el, or  rhododendron,  and  wherever  this  grows  wild,  these  pretty  Warblers  are  i'ound;  and 
they  usually  place  their  nests  among  the  glossy  green  leaves  of  their  favorite  bhrubbery.  I 
have  always  found  the  Hooded  Warblers  very  retiring  in  habit,  even  giving  the  loud,  clear 
song  while  in  concealment. 

MYIODIOCTES  PUSILLUS. 

Wilson's  Black-cap. 
Myio dioctes pus'Mus  Bon.  Con.;  185<>,  315. 

SP.  Cii,  Form,  slender.  Size,  small.  Color.  Adult  mate.  Above,  yellowish-green,  becoming  brownish  on  wing  and 
tail.  Forehead,  sides  of  head,  and  under  parts,  bright  golden-yellow.  Square  patch  on  crown,  bluish-black.  Female,  sim- 
ilar but  the  black  of  crown  is  not  as  extended.  Youny,  similar  to  adult,  but  there  is  no  black  patch  on  crown. 

Observation*,  llecognized  by  the  flattened  bill  and  continuous  yellow  beneath.  Breeds  from  Canada,  northward,  win- 
tering south  of  our  limits.  DIMENSIONS.  Length,  4'60;  stretch,  7'00;  wing,  2'25;  tail,  2  2fi;  bill,  "35;  tarsus,  -70. 

HABITS. 

Wilson's  Black-cap  resembles  the  Yellow  Warbler  somewhat,  when  among  the  bush- 
es, but  is  much  more  active  and  may  readily  be  distinguished  upon  a  nearer  view.  They 
are  fond  of  thickets  which  border  streams,  and  are  common  during  some  seasons,  in  our 
eastern  section,  from  Pennsylvania,  northward,  while  I  found  them  rather  numerous  in 
that  state  in  autumn.  Adults  of  the  members  of  this  genus,  appear  to  be  as  bright  in  au- 
tumn as  in  spring. 

HIKTJNDO  LUNIPRONS. 

Cliff  Swallow. 

Hirundo  lunifrons  SAY,  Long's  Exp.  II;  1823,  47. 

SP.  GH.  Form,  robust.  Size,  medium.  COLOR.  Adult.  Above  and  spot  on  throat,  steel-blue,  streaked  on  back  with 
ashy.  Wings  and  tail,  brown.  Forehead,  creamy-buff.  Hump,  pale  chestnut.  Sides  of  head  and  throat,  deep  chestnut. 
Beneath,  brownish,  becoming  nearly  white  centrally.  Iris,  bill,  and  feet,  brown.  Youny.  Quite  similar  but  duller. 

Obserralions.  Known  by  the  chestnut  rump.  Breeds  throughout  our  section.  Winters  south  of  our  limits.  DUIE.V- 
SIGNS.  Length,  5'75;  stretch,  12-15;  wing,  4'30;  tail,  2'00;  bill,  '58;  tarsus,  -30. 

Nests  and  Eyys.  NESTS,  placed  under  cliffs  or  eaves  of  buildings,  globular  in  form,  and  composed  of  mud.  EGG?, 
four  to  six  in  number,  oval  in  form,  white  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  with  reddish-brown  and  lilac.  Dimensions  from 
•50  x  "75  to  '56  x  '85. 

HABITS. 

The  Eave  Sw.illows  are  among  the  most  common  of  our  Swallows,  but  are  somewhat 


APPENDIX.  513 

local  in  distribution,  ;is  they  brood  in  colonies;  and  in  the  settled  districts,  they  place  their 
Bmgnlar,  globular-shaped  nests  under  the  eaves  of  buildings.  They  arrive  later  than  tbe 

majority  of  the  Swallows  and  are  noticeably  the  slowest  of  flight.  The  note  is  a  ruther 
harsh  twitter  and  is  not  as  musical  as  that  of  the  Barn  Swallow,  but  is  enlivening  whuti 
heard  about  the  farm  buildings. 

AMPELK3  GARRULUS. 
Bohemian  Wax- wing. 

Ampelis  yarrulus  Linn.,  S.vst.  Nat..  1;  1766,  297. 

Si-.  CH.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  Color.  Adult.  Yellowish-brown  throughout,  becoming  chestnut-red  on  fore- 
licail  and  sides  of  head,  ashy  on  rum|>  and  upper  tail  coverts,  yellowish  on  abdomen,  and  darkest  on  wings  and  tail.  Sec- 
ondaries tipped  on  outer  wel>s  with  white,  and  centrally,  with  red  sealing-wax-like  expansions.  Primaries,  broadly  tip- 
ped on  outer  webs  with  yellow,  tail,  also  tipped  with  yellow.  Forehead,  line  through  eye,  cliin,  and  upper  throat,  black. 
l'nder  tail  coverts,  chestnut.  Youny.  Similar  but  duller,  and  the  sealing-wax  tippings  are  absent. 

Qlisi-r  rations.  This  species  varies  in  plumage  like  the  Cedar  Bird,  but  differs  from  other  of  our  Oscines  in  having  the 
tympaniform  membrane  represented  by  a  narrow  line  and  in  having  no  sterno-trachealis  proper;  in  its  place,  however,  is  a 
weak,  transparent  muscle  which  arises  between  the  divisions  of  the  broncho-trachealis  and  joins  the  tissue*  of  the  neck. 
Known  by  the  large  size  and  chestnut  lower  tail  coverts.  Breeds  in  the  far  North;  winters  in  the  North-we;t;  rare  as  far 
east  as  Massachusetts.  DIMENSIONS.  Length,  8-00;  stretch,  13'75;  wing,  4'50;  tail,  2'60;  bill,  '45,  tarsus,  '70 

HABITS. 

Although  the  Bohemian  Waxwings  were  obtained  in  considerable  numbers  in  New 
York,  during  the  winter  of  1879-80,  they  are  quite  rare  birds  so  far  east,  yet  they  have 
been  taken  in  Massachusetts.  They  occur  quite  regularly  in  Minnesota,  however,  where 
they  are  known  as  Hoopes. 

VIREO  PHILADELPHIA. 

Philadelphia  Vireo. 

Virto  Philadelphia  CASS.,  l»r.  A.  N. ;  1851,  153. 

SP.  Cu.  Form,  slender.  Size,  small.  Color.  Adult.  Above,  brownish-green,  l>c,coiiiing  ashy  on  crown  and  si.lesof 
head  and  brown  on  win^s;  superciliary  line  and  beneath,  whitish,  becoming  sulphury-yellow  on  breast  and  sides.  Youny, 
similar,  but  duller  above  and  more  yellow  beneath. 

Observations.  Known  by  the  small  size  and  absence  of  spurious  quill.  Bree- Is  from  Maine,  northward;  winters  south 
of  our  limits.  DIMENSIONS.  Length,  4'80;  wing,  2'65;  tail,  2-20;  bill  '54;  tarsus,  -65. 

HABITS. 

This  pretty,  little  Vireo  is  quite  common  in  Pennsylvania  during  migrations,  and  has 
been  taken  in  Massachusetts,  and  it  has  recently  been  ascertained  by  Mr.  Brewster,  to 
breed  in  Northern  Maine.  In  general  habits,  the  Philadelphia  Vireo  resembles  the  War- 
bling, but  *he  song  is  somewhat  like  that  of  the  Red-eye. 

VIREO  GILVUS. 
Warbling  Vireo. 
Vireo gilvus  Bon.,  Obs.  Wils.;  Ift25. 

Sr.  Cu.  Form,  slender.  Size,  medium.  COLOR.  Adult.  Brownish-green  above,  becoming  ashy  on  crown  and  dark- 
e-t  on  wind's  and  tail,  with  superciliary  line  and  beneath,  white  tinged  with  greenish  on  side.  Iris  and  bill,  brown,  and 
feet,  bluish.  Yjuny,  similar,  but  duller  above  and  greener  beneath. 

Observations.  See  above  for  comparison  with  nearest  ally.  Occurs  in  summer  from  Pennsylvania  to  Maine;  wintering 
south  of  our  limits.  DIMENSIONS.  Length,  5'55;  stretch,  »-<K>;  wing,  2'70:  tail,  2'20:  bill,  '47;  tarsus,  -74. 

Nats  anrl  Eijijf.  NK>TS,  placed  in  trees,  composed  of  mosse<,  strips  of  bark,  etc.  EGGS,  three  or  four  in  numlicr,  oval 
in  limn,  white  in  color,  finely  spotted  with  black.  Dimensions  from  -53x  '75  to  -56x  '83. 

HABITS. 

The  Warbling  Vireo  is,  next  to  the  Red-eye,  the  best  known  of  the  genus  in  our  sec- 
tion, for  it  frequents  the  streets  of  villages  and  public  parks  of  cities  in  preference  to  tin- 
more  unsettled  districts.  It  can  be  easily  recognized  by  the  song  which  is  a  continuous 
warble,  quite  diU'erent  from  that  of  the  other  Vireos.  Their  favorite  nesting  tree  is  the 
poplar,  and  their  domiciles  are  often  him-- at  a  considerable  height  from  the  ground.  This 
species  arrives  early  in  May  and  departs  in  September. 


514  APPENDIX. 

VIREO  FLAVIFRONS. 
Yellow -throated  Vireo. 

Vireo  Jlavifrom  VIELL.,  Ois.  Am.,  I;  1807,  85. 

SP.  Cn.  Fonn,  robust.  Size,  large.  COLOR,  Adult.  Above  and  on  sides  of  head,  yellowish-green,  becoming  ashy 
posteriorly  and  brown  on  wings  and  tail;  with  feathers  of  latter,  tertiaries,  tips  of  wing  coverts,  under  wing  coverts  and 
posterior  portion  of  body  below,  white.  Anterior  portions  beneath,  ring  around  eye,  and  line  from  it  to  bill,  yellow.  li-Ls 
nnd  bill,  brown;  feet,  bluish.  Young,  similar,  but  the  white  markings  above  are  more  extended. 

Observations.  Known  by  the  yellow  throat.  Breeds  from  Pennsylvania,  northward;  winters  south  of  our  limits. 
DIMENSIONS.  Length,  5'60;  stretch,  9'75;  wing,  311;  tail,  2'Oft;  bill,  '50;  tarsus,  -55. 

Nests  and  Egys.  NESTS,  placed  in  trees,  composed  of  moss,  grass,  strips  of  bavk,  etc.  EGGS,  four  in  number,  oval  in 
form,  creamy  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  with  dark  reddish-brown  and  lilac.  Dimensions  from  '56x-80  to  '02  x  83. 

HABITS. 

The  Yellow-throated  Vireos  are  more  often  found  in  the  woods  than  elsewhere,  but 
during  migrations,  will  occasionally  venture  into  the  orchards.  The  song  is  loud  and  clear 
but  not  as  prolonged  as  that  of  other  Vireos,  nor  is  it  uttered  as  frequently.  The  favorite 
nesting  tree  of  the  Yellow-throat  is  the  oak,  and  the  nest  is  not  usually  placed  very  high. 

COLLUBIO  BOREALIS. 

Great  Northern  Shrike. 

Collurio  borealii  BD.,  Birds  N.  A. ;  1858,  324. 

SP.  Cn.  For»,  robust.  Size,  large.  COLOR.  Adult.  Above,  pale  slaty-blue  slightly  tinged  witn  reddish.  Stripe 
through  eye,  wings  and  tail,  black,  with  patch  on  base  of  primaries,  tips  of  outer  tail  feathers,  and  under  parts,  white. 
Forehead,  sides  of  crown,  scapularies,  and  upper  tail  coverts,  hoary.  Young.  Similar,  but  strongly  overwa-shed  with  red- 
dish above  and  finely  banded  on  under  parts  with  dusky. 

Observations.  Known  by  the  white  forehead.  Occurs  in  summer  from  Canada,  northward;  wintering  from  Maine 
to  Pennsylvania.  DIMENSIONS.  Length,  9'80;  stretch,  14'50;  wing,  4'53;  tail,  4'H5;  bill,  '58;  tarsus,  '48. 

Nests  and  Eggs.  NESTS,  placed  in  trees,  composed  of  fine  grass,  rootlets,  etc.  EGGS,  four  to  six  in  number,  oval  in 
form,  ashy-white  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  with  yellowish-brown  and  bluish.  Dimensions  from  '75  x  -95  to  '85  x  1-05. 

HABITS. 

The  Great  Northern  Shrike  comes  to  us  most  abundantly  when  there  is  a  migration  of 
small  birds  from  the  North,  for  these  form  a  large  portion  of  the  food  of  this  rapacious  bird. 
In  spite  of  its  predatory  disposition,  this  Shrike  sings  well,  though  it  also  has  a  harsh  scream, 
but  in  other  respects,  this  species  resembles  the  Loggerhead,  described  on  page  83. 

PYRANGA  RUBRA. 

Scarlet  Tanager. 
Pyramja  rubra  VIELL.,  Ois.  Am.;  1807. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  slender.  Size,  medium.  COLOR.  Adult.  Bright  scarlet,  with  wings  arid  tail  black,  the  former  oc- 
casionally having  a  patch  of  scarlet.  Female.  Greenish  throughout;  brownish  on  wings  and  tail,  and  lighter  beneath. 
In  autumn,  and  Younr/.  Similar  to  summer  female  but  the  wings  and  tail  of  males  are  black. 

Observations.  Known  by  the  black  wings  and  tail.  See  observations  on  page  85  for  further  comparison.  Breeds  from 
the  Carolina*  to  Maine;  winters  south  of  our  limits.  DIMENSIONS.  Length,  6'7s?;  stretch,  11'75;  wing,  3'75;  tail,  2'80;  bill, 
'55;  tarsus,  '70. 

Nests  and  Egys.  NESTS,  placed  in  trees,  composed  of  twigs.  EGGS,  three  to  five  in  number,  oval  in  form,  bluish-green 
in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  with  purplish-brown  and  lilac.  Dimensions  from  '60  x  '85  to  '65  x  '95. 

HABITS. 

The  well-known  Scarlet  Tanager  is  not  uncommon  in  Eastern  Massachusetts,  and  is 
very  abundant  in  Pennsylvania,  where  the  color  is  deeper  than  further  north.  They  breed 
in  early  June,  often  placing  the  nest  in  the  top  of  some  sapling,  and  I  have  found  the  dom- 
iciles on  limbs  which  overhung  a  public  road.  The  song  of  this  fine  bird  resembles  thfifr 
of  the  Rose-breasted  Grosbeak  somewhat,  but  has  a  peculiar  quaver  which  is,  however, 
more  noticeable  in  Pennsylvania  than  with  us.  The  alarm  note  sounds  like  the  syllables, 
chip  churr,  and  is  readily  recognized  when  once  heard.  The  Scarlet  Tanager  frequents 
open  oak  woods,  and  migrates  early  in  September. 


APPENDIX.  516 

CYANOSPIZA  OYANEA. 

Indigo  Bird. 

Cyanospiza  ryanra  Bu.,  Birds  N.  A. ;  1>158,  505. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  slender.  Size,  small.  COLOR.  Adult  male,  (jrecnish-blua  tnrnughout,  darkest  anteriorly.  AVin-j;« 
iui'1  tail,  lirownLsh.  Female,  reddish-brown  lightest  beneath,  and  morn  or  less  tinged  with  blue.  In  autumn,  and  Youni/, 
similar  to  la-t  liut  dark  throughout  and  old  males  are  strongly  tinged  with  blue. 

Observations.  Known  by  the  nearly  uniform  blue  or  brownish  colors.  Occurs  in  summer  from  Pennsylvania,  north 
to  Canada,  wintering  south  of  our  limits.  DIMENSIONS.  Length,  5'75;  stretch,  8-50;  wing,  2'62;  tail,  2'10;  bill,  '75;  tar- 
sus, '65. 

Nests  and  Kgt/t.  NESTS,  placed  in  hushes,  composed  of  grass,  leaves,  etc.  Boos,  four  or  five  in  number,  oval  in  form, 
pale  bluish-gre^n  in  color,  very  rarely  dotted  with  reddish-brown.  Dimensions  from  '50x  70  to  '60s  '80. 

HABITS. 

The  song  of  the  Indigo  Bird  in  Massachusetts,  is  a  lisping  warble,  ending  so  abrupt- 
ly as  to  appear  half  finished,  but  in  Pennsylvania,  this  lay  is  so  much  clearer  and  longer, 
that  I  did  not,  at  first,  recognize  the  author.  These  birds  are  fond  of  thorny  thickets  that 
border  old  fields  grown  up  to  bushes,  and  the  males  may  be  seen  perched  on  the  top-most 
limb  of  some  tree,  giving  the  peculiar  song.  The  nests  are  placed  low,  often  only  a  few 
inches  from  the  ground,  and  the  eggs  are  deposited  early  in  June. 

-SJGIOTHUS  LINARIA. 

Red  Poll. 

JSgiothus  linaria  CAB.,  Mus.  llein.;  1851.  161. 

SP.  Cii.  Form,  slender.  Size,  small.  Color.  Adult  male.  Above,  and  onsides  of  headandsides,  yellowish-brown, 
often  hoary  on  rump.  White  beneath,  with  crown  bright  crimson  and  cheeks,  throat,  breast,  andrumpare  tinged  with  it. 
Two  bands  on  wings,  yellowish-white.  Femiite  and  Young,  similar  but  lack  the  crimson  beneath  and  on  rump. 

Observations.  Known  by  the  crimson  crown.  Breeds  in  the  far  North;  wintering  from  Canada  to  Pennsylvania. 
DIMENSIONS.  Length,  5  00;  stretch,  8'55;  wing,  3'10;  tail,  2'75;  bill,  -35;  tarsus,  '50. 

Nests  and  Eyys.  NESTS,  placed  in  trees,  composed  of  grass,  moss,  etc.  F-GGS,  four  or  five  in  number,  oval  in  form,  and 
pale  greenish  in  color,  spotted  near  large  end  with  yellowish-brown  and  dotted  and  lined  with  umber.  Dimensions  from 
•;VJx-67  to  -55x'7u. 

HABITS. 

The  little  Red  Polls  come  to  us  from  the  North  in  immense  numbers,  certain  winters, 
and  are  not  found  at  all  during  others.  While  with  us,  they  have  very  much  the  same 
habits  as  the  Gold  and  Pine  Finches,  and  frequently  associate  with  them.  The  call  note 
is,  however,  somewhat  barsher  than  that  of  the  latter  named  species,  and  the  song  which  is 
occasionally  given  in  spring,  is  a  continuous  warble. 

PINICOLA  ENUCLEATOB. 

Pine  Grosbeak. 

Pinicula  er,uclcalor  CAB.  Mus.  llein  ;  1851,  167. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  Color.  Adult  male.  General  color,  crimson-red  with  the  feathers  showing 
darker  centers;  lores,  sides  of  head  and  body,  and  under  tail  coverts,  ashy;  and  there  are  two  white  bands  on  wings.  Female 
and  Youny.  Ashy,  tinged  with  greenish-yellow  on  top  of  head,  rump,  and  breast. 

Observations.  Known  by  the  large  size  and  short,  thick  bill.  Breeds  in  the  far  North;  winter?  from  Canada  to  Penn- 
sylvania. DIMENSIONS.  Length,  H-50;  stretch,  ll'HS;  wins;,  4'50;  tail,  4'00;  bill,  "57;  tarsus,  -85. 

Nests  and  Eyys.  NE--TS,  placed  in  trees,  composed  twigs,  grass,  etc.  EGGS,  three  or  four  in  number,  oval  in  form, 
pale  bluish-green  in  color,  spotted,  dotted  and  lined  with  drown  and  umber.  Dimensions,  from  '70  x  '95  to  -75  x  TOO. 

IIABITS. 

The  Pine  Grosbeaks  are  quite  regular  in  their  visits  to  us,  the  extent  of  their  migra- 
tions being  governed  wholly  by  the  food  supply.  They  are  highly  gregarious  in  habit,  one 
seldom  being  seen  alone,  and  arc  very  tame;  insomuch  so,  that  I  have  frequently  caught 
them  with  a  noose  attached  to  a  pole.  When  kept  in  confinement,  they  become  very  fa-i 
miliar,  making  interesting  pets.  They  feed  on  seeds  of  weeds  and  of  pine  and  other  cones, 
:.*  well  as  upon  the  berries  of  the  cedar,  savin,  and  mountain  ash,  and  will  even  eat  froz- 
en apples. 


51G  APPENDIX. 

PLECTROPHANES  NIVALIS. 

Snow  Bunting. 

Plectrophanes  nivalis  Meyer,  Tasch.;  1810. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  robust.  Size,  large.  COLOR.  Adult.  Pure  white,  with  middle  of  back,  terminal  half  of  tertiaries 
and  primaries,  and  under  tail  feathers,  black.  In  winter,  and  Youny,  Similar,  but  with  the  black  more  extended,  and 
the  white  above  and  black  of  back  overwashed  with  reddish-brown  which  extends  in  a  collar  around  neck.  The  females 
are  smaller  and  have  less  white.  Iris,  brown,  bill  and  feet,  black. 

Observations.  Known  by  the  black  and  white  colors.  Breeds  in  the  far  North;  winters  from  Canada  to  Pennsylva- 
nia. DIMENSIONS.  Length,  6'75;  stretch,  10'7o;  wing,  4'15:  tail,  2P85:  bill,  "40;  tarsus,  'S5. 

Nests  and  Eygs.  NESTS,  placed  on  the  ground,  composed  of  grass,  moss,  etc.  EGGS,  four  or  five  in  number,  oval  in 
form,  ashy-white  in  color,  spotted  with  yellowish-brown  and  lined  and  dotted  with  umber. 

HABITS. 

The  Snow  Buntings  are  very  abundant  in  winter  on  barren  tracts  along  our  coast,  as 
far  south  as  New  Jersey,  wandering  inland  during  storms.  They  are  gregarious  but  are 
exceedingly  restless  birds,  seldom  remaining  in  one  spot  any  length  of  time.  The  call  note 
is  loud  and  sharp,  not  unlike  the  chirp  of  a  young  chicken.  They  remain  with  us  until 
April,  when  they  depart  on  their  northward  journey. 

PLECTJIOPHANES  LAPPONTCUS. 
Lapland  Longspur. 

Plectrophanes  Lapponicus  "SELBY."  Bon.,  List.;  1838. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  slender.  Size,  medium.  Color.  Adult  male.  Above,  yellowish-brown  streaked  with  dark-brown, 
with  collar  on  back  of  neck,  chestnut.  Head  and  neck  all  around,  and  semi-circular  patch  on  breast,  black.  Outer  tail 
feathers,  excepting  basal  portion  of  inner  web,  and  under  parts,  white,  streaked  on  sides  with  black.  Short  line  over  eye, 
yellow.  In  winter,  Female,  and  Young.  Similar  but  much  duller,  being  overwashed  above  with  whitish;  and  in  some  young 
the  throat  is  scarcely  black  at  all. 

Observations.  Known  by  the  black  throat  and  white  under  parts.  Breeds  in  the  far  North;  winters  in  the  Middle 
Districts.  DIMENSIONS.  Length,  6'50;  stretch,  1T25;  wing,  3'45;  tail,  2'45;  bill,  '45;  tarsus,  -75. 

HABITS. 

The  Lapland  Longspurs  are  found  most  commonly  in  early  autumn,  in  company  with 
the  Shore  Lark,  and  with  us,  are  seldom  met  with  far  from  the  shore,  but  they  do  not  re- 
main through  the  winter,  evidently  passing  down  our  coast  on  their  way  to  the  West, 
where  they  are  abundant  during  the  cold  season.  -In  general  habits,  they  resemble  the 
Snow  Buntings,  but  seldom  associate  with  them,  at  least,  while  in  Eastern  Massachusetts. 

SPIZELLA  MONTIOOLA. 
Tree  Sparrow. 

Kpizella  monticola  BD.,  Birds  N.  A.;  1858  472. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  robust.  Size,  medium.  Color.  Adult.  Ashy-hrowa  above,  becoming  darker  on  the  wings  and  tail. 
Crown,  maxillary  spot,  middle  back  which  is  streaked  with  whitish,  wing  coverts,  and  edge  of  tertiaries,  bright  rufous. 
Beneath,  ashy-white,  tinged,  especially  on  sides,  with  yellowish,  with  a  single  brown  spot  on  breast.  Young,  similar  but 
duller. 

Observations.  Known  by  the  rufous  erown  and  brown  spot  on  breast.  Breeds  from  Northern  New  England,  north- 
ward, wintering  from  Massachusetts  to  the  Carolinas.  DIMENSIONS.  Length,  6'50;  stretch,  U  50;  wing,  300;  tail;  2  60; 
bill,  '45;  tarsus,  -85. 

Nesti  and  Eggs.  NESTS,  placed  in  bushes,  composed  of  mud,  grass,  and  hair.  EGGS,  four  or  five  in  number,  oval  in 
firm,  greenish-ash  in  color,  spotted  with  reddish-brown.  Dimensions  from  '55  x  -70  to  '56  x  '74. 

HABITS. 

The  Tree  Sparrow  is  among  the  most  abundant  of  our  spring  and  autumn  migrants, 
and  during  some  winters,  is  very  common  in  Eastern  Massachusetts,  but  usually  the  great- 
er portion  go  south  of  us.  In  general  habits,  this  species  resembles  other  Sparrows. 

ZQNOTRACHIA  LEUCOPHRYS. 

White-crowned  Sparrow. 

Zonotrachia  leucophrys  Sw.  F.  B.  Am.,  II;  1831,  255. 

3i>.  CH.  Form,  size  and  general  coloration,  similar  to  those  of  the  White-throated  Sparrow,  described  on  page  98,  hut 
la'^ks  the  yellow  on  head  and  edge  of  wing,  while  the  throat  and  entire  plumage  is  more  ashy,  and  the  young  have  the 
crown  overwashed  with  reddish.  DIMENSIONS.  Length,  7  08;  stretch,  10'50;  wing,3'25;  tail,  2  86;  bill,  '46;  tarsus,  -82. 


APPENDIX.  517 

HABITS. 

The  White-crowned  Sparrows  are  not  common  cither  in  spring  or  fall  in  Massachu- 
setts, hni  arc  quite  abundant  in  Pennsylvania  and  westward  when  migrating.  In  general 
habits  they  resemble  the  White-throated  Sparrows,  but  breed  from  Labrador,  northward. 
The  song  is,  however,  quite  different,  being  short,  loud,  and  clear. 

GUIRACA  LUDOVICIANA. 

Rose-breasted  Grosbeak. 
Guiraca  ludoviciana  Sw.,  Phil.  Mag.,  I;  )H£7,  438. 

Si-.  Cn.  P.  >rm,  robust.  Size.  1  sir  no.  Color.  Adult  male.  Head  and  neck  all  around,  and  upper  parts,  black,  with 
mi, Idle  wini:  coverts  spot"  on  tertiaries,  patch  on  inner  webs  of  outer  tail  feathers,  greater  wing  coverts,  rump,  upper  tail 
coverts  siml  Iiciieatli,  white.  Triangular  patch  on  breast,  SJinetimes  extending  from  throat  to  middle  of  body,  under  wing 
coverts,  and  axillnries,  bright  rosy-red.  Female,  brown  above  streaked  with  yellowish,  with  central  stripe  on  head,  super- 
cilisiry  line,  spots  on  UTtinries  :;ml  secondaries,  tipsof'wing  coverts  and  beneath,  ashy,  the  last  being  strenked  with  brown. 
The  under  wing  coverts  are  salmon.  Youny.  Similsir  to  female  but  the  males  have  the  rose-colored  under  wing  coverts. 

Observations,     liivoiini/ed  by  the  large  size  and  highly  colored  under  wing  coverts.     Breeds  from  Pennsylvania  to 
Canada;  winters  south  of  our  limits.    DIMENSIONS.    Length,  6-00;  stretch,  12'75;  wing,  4'00;  tail,  3' 10;  bill,  '65,  tarsus,  75. 
Nesti  and  R/i/s     NESTS,  placed  in  trees  or  bushes,  composed  of  small  twigs  and  grass.     EGGS,  four  or  five  in  number, 
oval  in  form,  bluish-green  in  color,  spotted  and  blotched  with  brown  and  lilac.     Dimensions  from  '(W  x  '9-2  to  '75  x  1  110. 

HABITS. 

The  song  of  the  Rose-breasted  Grosbeak  is  very  fine  and,  when  once  heard,  can  be 
easily  recognized.  These  birds  are  remarkably  unsuspicious,  allowing  one  to  approach 
quite  near  them  without  exhibiting  any  fear.  This  is  especially  noticeable  in  the  females 
when  sitting,  and  I  once  turned  a  nest  completely  upside  down,  while  bending  down  a 
branch  on  which  it  was  placed,  and  righted  it  again,  without  the  old  bird  leaving  it.  These 
Grosbeaks  are  fond  of  deeply  wooded  glens  but  are  occasionally  found  in  orchards.  The 
nest  is  often  placed  in  a  thicket  near  water. 

GUIRACA  CCERULEA. 

Blue  Grosbeak. 

Guiraca  azrulea  Sw.,  Birds  Mex.;  1827. 

SP.  CH.  Korm,  slender.  Size,  small.  Color.  Adult  male.  Brilliant  blue  throughout,  darkest  on  b:ick.  Space  a- 
round  bill,  black,  and  two  bands  on  winits,  reddish-brown.  Femtilc, yellowish-brown  becoming  lighter  beneath  and  faint- 
ly tinged  with  bluish  on  cro«  n  aiid  the  young  are  similar. 

Observation*.  Known  by  th«  large  size  and  uniform  blue  or  brown  color.  Breeds  from  Pennsylvania  southward;  win- 
tering south  of  our  limits.  DIMENSIONS.  Length,  7'25;  stretch,  1T50;  wing,  3'50;  tail,  2'80;  bill,  '58;  tarsus,  -95. 

Nests  and  Eyys.  NESTS,  placed  in  trees,  composed  of  strips  of  bark,  grass,  otc.  EGGS,  three  or  four  in  numlx-i-,  oval  in 
form,  and  pale  bluish-green  in  color.  Dimensions  from  '60x  P90  to  '65  x  '98. 

HABITS. 

The  Blue  Grosbeak  breeds  in  the  South  and  is  only  accidental  in  New  England,  a 
specimen  having  been  obtained  some  years  ago  in  Maine,  and  one  during  the  pass  sum- 
mer, (1880)  by  Mr.  Gordon  Plunimer,  near  his  residence  in  Brookline.  I  have  never  seen 
a  living  specimen  of  this  fine  bird. 

HELOSPIZA  LINCOLN!. 

Lincoln's  (Sparrow. 

Helas/,iza  Lincolni  BD.,  Birds.  N.  A.;  1858,  177 

Sr.  C'n  Korm.  slender.  Size,  small.  COLOR.  Adult.  Above  and  on  sides,  yellowish-ash  becoming  buff  in  a  band 
aoro<»  breast  and  on  under  wing  and  tail  coverts  and  rufous  on  two  bands  on  crown;  streaked  with  dark- brown.  Koinsiiii- 
der  of  umler  pi>rts.  white.  Yimny.  Similar  but  with  the  colors  below  darker. 

Clarrrationf.  Keeognizi-d  by  the  huffhsind  across  breast.  Occurs  in  summer  from  IfMMtthnMfH,  north  and  west. 
Winters  south  of  our  limits.  DIMENSIONS.  Length,  5'59;  stretch,  8'75;  wing.  2  65;  tail,  2'(l();  bill,  -15;  tarsus,  7">. 

II A  HITS 

Lincoln's  Sparrows  aro  not  common,  as  a  rule,  in  New  England,  but  occur  regularly  in 
certian  localities;  thus,  they  are  not  uncommon  near  the  Fresh  Pond  marshes,  Cambridge , 


518  APPENDIX. 

but  I  have  never  met  with  a  specimen  in  Newton.  They  were,  however,  nearly  as  abun- 
dant as  the  Swamp  Sparrows,  in  the  autumn,  in  Pennsylvania,  and  had  much  the  same 
habits,  frequenting  the  rank  herbage  along  streams. 

LOXIA  AMERICANA. 

Jled  Crossbill. 
littxi.i  Americana  Bon.,  List.;  1838. 

SP.  On.  Form,  robust.  Size,  medium.  COLOR.  Adult  male.  Dull  red.  Wings  and  tail  brownish.  Female,  ashy- 
brown,  tinged  with  greenish.  Young,  similar  to  last. 

Observations.  Known  by  the  crossed  mandible,  and  absence  of  white  on  wings.  Breeds  frcm  Massachusetts,  north- 
ward; wintering  from  Canada  to  Pennsylvania.  DIMENSIONS.  Length,  6-00;  stretch,  10's!5;  wing,  335:  tail,  '2'20;  bill, 
'70;  tarsus,  'fri. 

HABITS. 

The  Red  Crossbills  breed  in  Maine,  in  February  and  also  again  in  August,  for  Mr. 
Will  Perham  informs  me  that  a  number  nested  in  a  grove  in  Tyngsboro,  Massachusetts, 
during  this  latter  named  month,  a  few  years  ago,  and  he  has  a  nest  with  eggs  in  his  pos- 
session, which  he  obtained  at  the  time.  In  general  habits,  the  Crossbills  resemble  the 
Pino  Grosbeak,  being  very  unsuspicious,  and  during  spring,  they  sing  very  sweetly. 

LOXIA  LETJCOPTERA. 

White-winged  Crossbill. 

Loxia  leucoptera  GM.,  Syst.  Nat.,  I;  1788,  540. 

SP.  CH.  Form,  robust.  Size,  medium.  COLOR.  Adult  male.  Purplish-red,  becoming  dusky  on  back.  Wings  and 
tail,  black,  the  former  with  two  bands  and  a  few  spots  of  white.  Female.  Ashy-brown,  tinged  with  greenish-yellow  and 
streaked  with  dusky.  Youny.  Similar  to  female. 

Observations.  Known  by  the  white  on  wings.  Breeds  from  Canada,  northward;  winters  from  this  point  to  Penn«yl- 
vania.  DIMENSIONS.  Length,  6'40;  stretch,  10'25;  wing,  3'40;  tail,  2'40;  bill,  •(&;  tarsus,  -55. 

HABITS. 

I  found  the  White-winged  Cross-bills  on  the  Magdalen  Islands  in  July,  at  which  time 
the  males  were  singing  a  singular,  disconnected  song.  In  general  habits, -however,  this 
species  resembles  the  Red  Crossbill,  but  is  more  northern  in  distribution,  consequently 
does  not  visit  us  as  often;  yet  I  once  killed  a  specimen  in  Newtonville  in  June, 

COTURNICULUS  HENSLOVI. 

Henslow's  Bunting. 
Coturniculus  Benslovi  Hon.,  List.;  1838. 

SP.  Cn.  Form,  slender.  Size,  small.  COLOR.  Adult.  Above,  yellowish-brown  tinged  with  greenish  with  the  feath- 
ers showing  darker  centers  and  edged  on  scapularies  and  tail  with  chestnut-red.  Crown,  with  two  spotted  brown  hands 
which  continue  to  hack.  Buffj-ycllow  beneath.  Two  narrow  maxillary  lines,  a  spot  on  sides  of  head,  streaks  on  breast 
and  sides,  dark-brown.  Edge  of  wing,  yellow.  Nestlinys.  Generally  similar  but  paler,  with  no  chestnut  above  nor  are 
there  any  streaks  on  breast. 

Observations.  See  page  137  for  comparison  with  nearest  ally.  Breeds  from  Massachusetts,  westward;  winters  south 
of  our  limits.  DIMENSIONS.  Length,  5'25;  stretch,  7' 12;  wing,  2~17;  tail,  2' 15;  bill,  '48;  tarsus,  -70. 

HABITS. 

Ilenslow's  Bunting  is  far  from  being  common  anywhere  in  our  section,  as  it  is  exceed- 
ingly local  in  distribution;  and  it  is  fond  of  grassy  meadows,  breeding  in  them.  The  song 
is  peculiar,  consisting  of  two  syllables,  sounding  like  see-wick,  the  first  being  dwelt  upon, 
and  the  second  given  quickly,  and  both  are  uttered  in  a  shrill,  grasshopper-like  tone.  This 
little  Sparrow  is  retiring  in  habit  and,  if  started  from  the  tall  grass  to  which  it  retreats 
when  alarmed,  will  rise  quickly,  fly  with  a  very  eccentric  movement,  a  short  distance,  and 
again  seek  concealment. 

EUSPIZA  AMERICANA. 
Black-throated  Bunting. 
F.itfpiza  Americana  Bon.  List.;  1838. 
SP.  Cn.     Form,  slender.     Size,  medium.     Tail  feathers,  acuminate.     Above,  yellowish-ash  tinged  with  greenish  and 


APPENDIX.  519 

streaked  with  dusky,  becoming  chestnut  on  upper  part  of  wings  then  brown  on  remainder  and  tail.  White  beneath,  witli 
superciliary  and  maxillary  lines,  middle  of  breast,  under  wing  coverts,  and  edge  of  w  ing,  yellow,  with  a  triangular  spot 
on  throat  and  n  small  one  on  breast,  black.  Female,  similar,  but  duller  and  the  black  of  throut  is  not  us  extended. 

Observations.  Known  by  the  yellow  and  black  beneath.  Occurs  in  summer  in  the  middle  districts;  winters  south  of 
our  limits.  DIMENSIONS.  Length,  ti'7-J;  stretch,  10'25;  wing,  3'35;  tail,  2'60;  bill,  '55;  tarsun,  -90. 

Wests  and  Kyys.  NE«TS,  placed  in  bashes,  composed  of  line  grass,  rootlets,  etc.  EGOS,  three  or  four  in  number,  oval 
in  form,  rather  pale  bluish-green  in  color.  Dimensions  from  'GOx'75  to  '65x'85. 

HABITS. 

The  Black-throated  Bunting  probably  breeds  very  rarely  in  Massachusetts,  but  this 
is  much  east  of  its  usual  range,  as  it  occurs  in  the  middle  districts  during  summer,  where 
its  habits  are  well  known.  The  song  is  peculiar  and  easily  recognized. 

ACCIDENTAL,  OR  IRREGULAR,  VISITORS  AND  STRAGGLERS. 
The  following  species  have  been  taken  within  our  limits  but  are  not  of  regular  occur- 
rence, excepting,  in  some  instances,  in  limited  localities  along  our  western  border. 

Turdus  nocvius.  Varied  Thrush.  About  the  form  and  size  of  Robin,  but  lias  dark  band  on  breast  and  ycl- 
lowi.-h  markings  on  wings.  Pacific  Coast  to  Utah;  accidental  as  far  east  as  Mass. 

S  a  x  i  c  o  1  a  cenanthe.  Stone  Chat.  Size  of  Bluebird.  Ashy  above;  beneath  and  tail,  white  with  the  tip  and 
wings,  black.  Europe;  accidental  on  our  Northern  Coast. 

Dendrceca  Auduboni.  Audubon's  Warbler.  Like  the  Yellow-rump,  but  with  throat  yellow.  West;  ac- 
cidental in  Eastern  Mass. 

llelminthophaga  Cincinnatiensis.  Cincinnati  Warbler.  Greenish  above ;  yellow  beneath,  patch 
before  eye  and  on  ear  and  line  on  sides  of  crown ,  black.  Length,  4'75;  wing,  2' 50:  tail,  1'85.  A  single  specimen  obtained 
by  its  describer,  F.  W  Langdon,  at  Mailisonville,  Ohio,  May,  1,  1880. 

Vireo  Belli.  Bell's  Vireo.  Similar  to  Warbling,  but  smaller.  Length,  4  25;  wing, 2-25.  West;  Ills,  in  sum- 
mer. (RlDCWAT.) 

Linota  Brewstori.  Brewster's  Linnet.  Form  and  size  of  Red  Poll,  but  lacks  the  crimson  crown.  Only  a 
single  specimen  has  l>eea  obtained,  by  Mr.  Brewstcr  at  Concord,  Mass.,  a  few  years  ago. 

Junco  Oregonus.  Oregon  Snowbird.  Size  and  form  of  the  Black,  but  with  back  and  sides  reddish.  Occurs 
wc«t;  accidental  in  Mass. 

Spizclla  Breweri.  Brewer's  Sparrow.  Size  and  form  of  Chipping,  but  lacks  the  rufons  on  crown.  Occurs 
west;  accidental  in  Mass. 

Plectrophanes  p  ictus.  Painted  Longapur.  Form,  size,  and  general  c;>lor  of  the  Lapland,  but  buffy  be 
low.  Ills,  in  winter. 

Plectrophanes  Maccowni.  Me.  Cowin's  Longspur.  Like  the  above,  but  white  below  with  black  cres- 
cent on  breast.  Ills,  in  winter. 

Coturniculus  Leconti.  Leconte's  Bunting.  Tail,  much  graduated  and  feathers  acuminate.  Above, 
brown  streaked  with  white,  buff,  and  rufous.  Line  over  eye,  throat,  breast,  and  sides,  buff,  streaked  with  black;  abdo- 
men, white.  Length,  5'30;  wing,  2'10;  tail,  2-30.  Occurs  west;  rare  in  Coosada,  Cen.  Ala.,  in  winter.  (N.  C.  BROWN.) 

Calamospiza  bicolor.  Lark  Bunting.  Black,  with  white  band  on  wing.  Length,  6'50;  wing,  3'50. 
Occurs  west;  accidental  in  I'astern  Mass. 

Ilesperiphona  vespertina.  Evening  Grosbeak.  Bill,  very  stout;  ashy-green;  yellow  on  rump  and  un- 
der wing  coverts;  crown,  wings,  and  upper  tail  coverts,  black.  Length,  7'30;  wing,  4'30.  West;  rare  to  N.  Y.  in  winter. 

Scolecophagus  cyanocephalus.  Blue-headed  Blackbird.  Size  and  color  of  Kusty  Grackle,  but  with 
bill  stouter  and  the  head  strongly  glossed  with  bluish.  West,  accidental  in  Ills  (RiDCWAr.) 

Pica  caudata.  Magpie.  Bkick,  glossed  with  greenish  and  bluish,  with  posterior  portion  of  body  and  mark- 
ings on  wings,  white.  Length,  1'J'OO;  wing,  8'50:  tail.  ll'OO.  West;  rare  in  Mich,  and  adjacent  State-. 

Mivulus  tyrannus.  Fork-tailed  Flycatcher.  Tail,  extremely  long  and  deeply  forked.  Above,  greenish, 
with  topofhead,  black;  and  beneath,  white.  Length,  1 1 00;  wing,  4'9">;  tail.  10  00.  South-west;  accidental  in  N  J. 

Tyrannus  verticalis.  Arkansas  Flycatcher.  Similar  in  size  and  color  to  Kingbird,  yellow  beneath.  W<--t; 
aeridnntal  as  far  east  a.-  N.  Y. 

Sayornis  sayus.  Say's  Flycatcher.  Brown;  pale  cinnamon  mi  anterior  lower  parts.  Length,  T'OO;  wing, 
3-50;  tail,  2'80.  Occurs  west;  accidental  in  Wit.  (Fox.) 

I,  a  in  p  o  r  n  i  s  m  a  n  g  o  .  Mango  Hummer.  Male,  green i-h  alxive.  and  Mack  In-iieath;  1,-maIu,  similar  but  wliite 
beneath.  Length,  1'50;  wing,  2'G-l;  tail,  170.  Key  West.  ( A u i>u IION . ) 


520  APPENDIX. 

Crotophaga  ani.  Ani.  Feet,  Cuckoo-like.  Bill,  much  compressed.  Black  throughout.  Length,  12'00; 
wing,  G'10;  tail,  775.  Bahamas;  accidental  in  Fla.,  and  near  Phil.,  Penn. 

Falco  laharius.  Lanier  Falcon.  Similar  to  Duck  Hawk  but  very  much  paler.  Occrrs  west;  rare  in  South- 
ern Ills. 

Falco  fflsalon.  Merlin.  Similar  tj  Pigeon  Hawk,  but  larger,  paler,  and  with  at  least  six  white  bands  on 
tail.  North-west;  accidental  in  Mich. 

Asturina  nitida.  Prairie  Hawk.  Dark-slaty  above;  beneath  and  upper  tail  coverts,  white,  banded  on  first 
with  darker.  Length,  18'00;  wing,  lO'OO.  South-west;  accidental  in  Ills.  (RinGWAY.) 

Pediocaetes  phasianellus.  Sharp-tailed  Grouse.  Size  and  general  color  of  Prairie  Hen,  but  with 
no  neck  tuffs,  and  central  tail  feathers  elongated.  North-west  to  Northern  Ills. 

Scolopax  rusticola.  European  Woodcock.  Form,  similar  to  American,  but  about  a  third  larger  and  the 
outer  primaries  are  not  attenuated.  Europe;  accidental  on  our  coast. 

Totanus  glottis.  Greenshanks.  General  colors  white;  binds  on  tail,  spots  on  breast,  and  anterior  upper 
parts,  brown.  Length,  ITCH);  wing,  7 '00.  Europe;  accidental  in  Florida.  (AuDUBON.) 

Ibis    rubra.     Sarlet  Ibis.    Size  of  Ibis  alba.     Scarlet.     S.  A.;  accidental  in  L>u.     (AuDU«)\.) 

Crex  pratensis.  Corn  Crake.  Dark-brown;  primaries,  upper  and  under  wing  coverts,  rufous.  Length,  10 
inches.  Europe;  accidental  on  our  coast. 

Bernicla  leucopsis.  Barnacle  Goose.  Size  and  general  color  of  White  Front,  but  white  beneath.  Eu- 
rope; accidental  on  our  coast. 

Querquedula  crecca.  English  Teal.  Size  and  color  of  Green-wing,  but  has  no  white  in  front  of  wing. 
Europe;  accidental  on  our  coast. 

Querquedula.  cyanoptera.  Red-breasted  Teal.  Size  and  color  of  Blue-wing,  but  chestnut  beneath.  Oc- 
curs west;  accidental  in  Lou.  and  Fla. 

Dendrocygna  fulva.  Tree  Duck.  Legs,  long.  Cinnamon,  with  back  black.  Length,  SO'OO;  wing,  9' 10; 
tail,  2'20.  South-west;  accidental  in  Lou. 

Erismatura  doininica.  Black-masked  Duck.  Above,  reddish,  with  speculum  white;  head,  black  in 
front.  Accidental  on  Lake  Champlain  and  in  Wis. 

Sterna  Trudeaui.  Trudeau's  Tern.  Size  and  general  color  of  Forster's,  but  with  top  of  head  pure  white. 
S,  A.;  accidental  on  our  coast. 

Sterna  anaastheta.  Bridled  Tern.  About  the  size  and  color  of  Sooty,  but  with  head  and  hind  neck,  white. 
Bahamas;  accidental  on  Florida  Keys. 

Hydro  chelidon  leucoptera.  White-wingaJ  Tern.  Size  and  color  of  niyra,  but  with  wings  partly 
white.  Europe;  aceidental  in  Wis. 

Larus  canus.  Mew  Gull.  Not  unlike  Ring-bill,  but  darker  and  lacks  band  on  bill.  Europe;  accidental  in 
Labrador. 

Larus  Franklini.  Franklin's  Gull.  Like  the  Laughing,  but  not  as  dark  above  and  with  primaries  broad- 
ly tipped  with  white.  North-west;  rare  in  Ills,  and  Lou.  in  winter. 

Rhodostethia  rosea.  Wedge-tailed  Gull.  Pearly  on  mantle,  white  elsewhere,  tinged  with  rosy  beneath, 
and  with  black  ring  around  neck.  Length,  H'OO;  wing,  10'50.  Arctic  Ocean ;  very  rare,  only  13  specimens  known. 

Stercorarius  catarractes.  Skua.  General  color,  brown,  with  white  on  wings.  Length,  22'00;  wing, 
15'00.  Europe;  accidental  on  our  coast. 

Puffinus  borealis.  Cory's  Shearwater.  About  thirty  specimens  of  a  Shearwater  were  obtained  by  Clms. 
B.  Cory,  its  describer,  at  Chatham,  in  the  autumn  of  1880,  which  are  much  larger  than  major;  sooty  above,  white  below. 

-flistrelata  gularis.  Peal's  Petrel.  Plumbeous,  with  throat,  upper  breast,  and  under  tail  coverts,  white; 
wing,  9-80.  One  specimen  taken  in  the  Antarctic  Ocean,  years  ago,  by  T.  R.  Peal,  but  redescribed  by  Mr.  Brewster  from 
a  specimen,  now  in  his  collection,  singularly,  caught  in  a  ploughed  field  in  Livingstone  Co.,  N.  Y..,  April,  1880. 

Fregetta  Lawrenci.  Lawrence's  Petrel.  Tail,  even:  body  plumbeous;  wings  and  tail,  black,  base  of  lat- 
ter, excepting  on  central  feathers,  abdomen,  and  under  wing  coverts,  white.  Length,  8'00;  wing,  6'00.  "Seven  speci- 
mens *  *  *  were  captured  *  *  *  in  the  harbor  of  St.  Marks,  Florida."  (LAWRENCE,  1851.)  None  now  known  to  exist. 

Dendroeca  Townsendi.  Townsend's  Warbler.  Bright  yellowish-green  above;  superciliary  stripe,  spot 
before  eye,  and  anterior  under  parts,  yellow;  remainder,  two  bars  on  wing,  and  outer  tail  feathers,  white;  streaks  on  breast, 
sides,  and  under  tail  coverts,  black.  West;  a  single  specimen  obtained  in  Chester  Co.,  Penn.,  May  12,  1808.  (TURN-BULL.) 

G  u  i  r  a  c  a  m  e  1  a  n  o  c  e  p  h  a  1  a  .  Black-headed  Grosbeak.  Size  of  Rose-breasted;  head,  back,  wings,  and  tail, 
stripe  on  crown,  rump,  and  beneath,  brownish-orange.  Occurs  west;  accidental  in  Mich.  (Fox.) 

M  i  1  v  u  1  us  forficatus.  Swallow-tailed  Flycatcher.  Like  the  Fork-tailed,  but  with  crown  ashy  and  space  un- 
der wings  and  part  of  tail,  rosy-red.  South-west;  accidental  in  Lou.  (  AUDUUON.)  The  last  three  species  were  inadvert- 
ently omitted  from  their  proper  places. 


APPENDIX.  521 

EXTINCT  SPECIES. 

The  following  species  have  been  described  by  authors,  as  inhabiting  our  section,  but 
have  not  been  taken  recently  anywhere. 

R  e  g  u  1  u  s  Cuvieri.  Cuvier's  Kinglet.  Similar  to  the  Golden-crown,  but  has  two  black  bands  on  crown.  A 
siiiirlc  specimen  was  obtained  by  Audubon,  in  June,  1812,  in  Penn.,  which  has  been  lost. 

D  e  n  d  r  05  c  a  in  o  n  t  a  n  a.  Blue  Mountain  Warbler.  Greenish  above  and  yellow  heneath,  streaked  on  breast 
and  sides  with  dusky.  Tail  and  wings,  black.  One  specimen  obtained  by  Wilson  in  the  Blue  Mountains,  Vir.,  years  ago. 

Hyiodiootea  in  i  n  u  t  u  s  .  Small-headed  Flycatcher.  Greenish  above,  nnd  pale  yellow  beneath,  with  wings 
(winded,  and  outer  tail  leathers  patched,  with  white.  Found  by  Audubon  and  others,  in  the  Middle  States.  There  arc  no 
specimen*  <>t  cither  this  or  the  alx>ve  now  in  existence. 

K  u  s  p  i  z  a  T  o  w  n  s  e  n  d  i  .  Townsend's  Bunting.  Similar  to  the  Black-throated,  but  with  throat  white.  One 
specimen  obtained,  May  11,  1KJ3,  near  New  Garden,  Penn.  None  have  been  seen  since. 

Tringa  Cooperi.  Cooper's  Sandpiper.  Bill,  straight.  Ashy  above,  and  white  beneath.  Upper  tail  cov- 
erts, white  with  V-shaped  marks  of  black.  Length,  9'50;  wing,  S-75;  bill,  ra3.  A  single  specimen  obtained  by  Wm. 
CVmper,  at  Raynor  South,  L.  I.,  May  24.  1833. 

Alca  i  in  ii  c  11  ii  i  s  .  Great  Auk.  Form  of  Razor-bill.  Above,  black,  with  large  spot  in  front  of  eye,  and  be- 
neath, white.  Length,  30*00;  wing,  5'50.  Formerly  abundant  on  our  coast,  but  last  seen  thirty-eight  years  ago. 

DOUBTFUL  SPECIES. 

Myiodioctes    Bonaparti.     Bonaparte's  Flycatcher.     Probably  the  young  of  M.  Canadensis. 

Dendrceca    carbonata    Carb-mated  Warbler.   Probably  a  form  of  plumage  of  the«Cape  May. 

yKgiothus   oanescens.    Mealy  Rad  Poll —  is  what  [  consider  only  a  large,  p^le  fi>rin  of  linaria. 

1 1  a  I  i  a  e  t  u  s  Washington!.  Washington  Eagle,  of  Audubon.  Probably  a  large  specimen  of  an  immature 
\Vhite-head. 

Lagopus   Americanus.    This  is,  doubtless,  a  plumage  of  one  of  our  Ptarmigans. 

(Edemia  bimaculata.  Huron  Scoter.  A  Duck  described  by  Frank  Forester,  as  occurring  in  number*  on 
Lake  Huron,  during  fall  and  winter,  which  has  a  bill  like  that  of  the  Surf  Duck,  but  is  black.  The  plumage  is  also  black 
with  spot  in  front  of  eye,  and  patch  on  wing,  white.  It  is  a  matter  of  question,  as  to  what  this  species  is,  for  no  one  ap- 
pears to  have  taken  it  since. 

Larus   chalc.opterus.     Gray-winged  Gull,     t'ndouhtedly  the  young  of  the  White- wing. 

Larus    cuculatus.    Hooded  Gull —  is  the  young  of  Franklin's  Gull. 

Pagophila  brachytarsi.  Short-legged  Gull.  This  is,  without  doubt,  an  Ivory  Gull  with  shorter  tarsi 
than  usual. 

Larus  Hutchinsi.  Hutchins'  Gull.  White,  no  pearly  mantle,  but  mottled  with  pale  yellowish-brown  on 
neck,  back,  and  under  tail  coverts,  and  more  faintly  on  tail ;  tinged  beneath  with  a  darker  shade  of  the  same,  while  the 
bill  is  pinkish,  tipped  with  dusky.  Length,  26'fX);  wing,  17'60.  Since  writing  my  article  on  the  Glaucous  Gull,  a 
Gull,  shot  in  Bos-ton,  April  1,  1H81,  answering  to  the  above  description,  has  come  into  my  possession,  and  I  should  unhesi- 
tatingly pronounce  it,  as  remarked  by  Mr.  Howard  Saunders  in  his  incomparable  Work  on  the  Lariiut,  "An  immature  L. 
g/mtcus  in  the  stage  where  the  mottled  brown  of  the  immature  stage  has  passed  away  and  the  pearly  gray  mantle  has  not 
begun  to  show",  were  it  not  for  the  fact  that  it  is  moulting,  and  the  new  feathers  indicate  that  hod  the  bird  lived  a  short 
time  lunger,  it  would  have  been  pale  yellowish-brown  banded  and  mottled  with  darker,  excepting  on  wings  and  tail  which 
not  being  moulted  in  the  spring,  would  have  remained  pure  white.  This  presents  a  change  of  plumage  quite  unique  a- 
inong  inemljers  of  this  Family,  where  none  are  described  as  passing  from  a  pale  winter  dress  to  a  darker  one  in  summer,  and 
if  it  does  not  re-open  the  question  of  the  validity  of  Hutchinsi,  certainly  shows  a  new  phase  of  plumage  for  y/avcus.  My 
bird  is  a  female,  and  a  careful  examinaton  of  the  ovaries  shows  that  it  has  never  deposited  an  egg,  for  1  counted  upward  of 
one  hundred  ovules  and  could  detect  no  ruptured  capsules 

I'uffinus  fuliginosus.  Sooty  Shearwater.  Size  of  Greater,  but  sooty-brown  throughout,  lighter  beneath. 
Although  considered  by  nearly  all  writers,  as  a  species,  it  may  prove  to  be  the  young  of  the  Greater  Shearwater. 

U  r  i  a  r  i  n  g  v  i  a  .  Kinged  Guillemot.  Size  and  color  of  the  Murre,  but  has  a  ring  around  eye,  and  line  behind  it, 
white.  I  found  these  birds  mated  un  Bird  llock,  among  thousands  of  Murres,  there  being,  however,  only  about  one  pair 
of  the  Ringed  to  every  hundred  of  the  others,  and  consider  that  they  have  a  good  claim  to  specific  rank,  though  they  are 
not  so  regarded  by  ornithologists  generally. 

U  r  i  a  a  r  r  a  .  Thick-bille  1  Guillemot.  Similar  to  the  Murre,  but  with  bill  stouter  and  colors  darker.  I  do  not 
consider  this  a  species,  as  1  am  confident  that  I  have  seen  all  gradations  between  it  and  troile. 


INDEX  OF  PLATES. 


I -I.  ATK   T. 

Myiodioctes  p  u  s  i  I  1  u  s  ,  Black-capped  War- 
bler. Adults;  upper  fig.,  male;  lower,  female.  Shrub, 
Common  Alder.  Frontspieoe. 

PLATK   II. 

Phonipara  zena.  Black-headed  Finch.  Ad- 
ults; upper  tiir.,  male;  lower,  female.  Plant,  Wild  Lan  tana. 
Faces  page  328. 

I'l.ATK   III. 

P  a  s  s  e  r  c  u  1  u  s    p  r  i  n  c  e  p  s.  Pallid  Sparrow.    A- 
dult  in  spring.     View,  Northern  sea  coast. Plants,    Common 
( 'in. Hie  foil  and  Field  Sorrel.     Faces  page  102. 
I'l.ATK    IV 

P  i  p  i  1  o  1  e  u  c  o  p  i  a  .  White-eyed  Towhee.  Adult, 
male.  Shrub,  Dwarf  Oak.  Faces  page  144.* 

PLATE    V. 

A  m  m  o  d  r  o  m  u  s  m  e  1  a  n  o  1  e  u  c  u  s  .  Biackand 
White  Shore  Finch.  Adult,  male.  Plant,  Rush.  Faces 
page  -1  M. 

PLATE  VI. 

Figs.  1,  2,  3,  4,  Inferior  Larynx  of  a  Crow.  See  page 
109  for  further  explanations.  5,  Sternum  of  a  Robin; 
Sc.  Scapula,  C,  Coracoid,  F,  Furcula;  T,  Terminal 
expansion  of  Furcula;  Cp,  Costal  process;  S,  Body 
of  Sternum;  K,  Keel;  1,  Marginal  indentation.  6,  Front 
\  lew  of  same  Sternum,  M,  Manubrium.  7.  Foot  of  an 
Insessorial  Bird,  T.  Tibia;  'is,  Tarsus.  8,  Head,  9,  Up- 
per Mandible,  of  Olive-backed  Thrush.  lO.Hend,  11,  Up-, 
per  Mandible  of  Golden-crowned  Thrush.  12,  13,  Sternum- 
of  Moeking  Ilinl.  11.  Head,  15,  C,  Foot,  B;  Sternum,  and 
A.  1.  ppcr  Mandible  of  Golden-crowned  Wren.  Hi,  Head, 
17,  Upper  Mandible  of  Mocking  Bird.  18,  19,  Sternum  of 
Bluebird.  20,  Sternum,  21,  Upper  Mandible,  22,  Head,  23^ 
Tarsus  of  Thrasher.  Faces  p.ige  20. 

.      PLATE  VII. 

I  !<_'•  1.  Sternum  of  Orange-crowned  Warbler.  2,  Head. 
3,  Upper  Mandible;  I.  Sternum  and  Foot  of  Blue- Yellow- 
backed  Warbler.  5.  Upper  Mvindible;  6,  He'id;  7,  Sternum: 
10,  Foot  of  Maryland  Yellow-Throat;  8.  Head;  9,  Upper 
Mandible;  11,  Foot;  24,  Sternum  of  Redstart;  12,  Head;. 
13,  Upper  Mandible;  II,  Foot;  27,  Sternum,  of  Rough- 
winged  Swallow,  15,  Foot;  10,  l'p|>or  Mandible;  17,  Head 
25  and  20,  Sternum;  of  Black  and  AVhite  Creeper.  18, 
Sternum;  29,  Head,  3D,  Upper  Mandible  of  Logger-head 
Mil  ike  19,  Sternum  of  Scarlet  Tanayer  20,  Sternum  of 
Warbling  Vireo.  21,  Upper  mandible,  22,  Head;  23,  Tip 
.  I  'Secondary;  28.  Sternum  of  Cedar  Bird.  31,  Head:  47, 
Sternum,  ol  White-throated  Sparrow.  32,  Upper  mandi- 
ble. 33,  Head  of  Summer  Red  Bird.  31,  Head;  35,  L  p- 
iier  Mandible;  43,  Sternum  of  Indigo  Bird.  3tt,  Head;  37, 
'pper  Mandible  of  Field  Sparrow.  38,  Upper  Mandible; 
39.  Head;  of  Snowbird.  40,  Upper  Mandible;  41.  Head; 
..lCol.lliTi.il.  42  Sternum  of  Black-headed  Finch.  41. 
Sternum  of  Yellow-winged  Sparrow.  46,  Sternum  of  Tree 
Sparrow.  48,  Sternum  of  Pallid  Sparrow.  Faces  page 
76. 

I'l.ATK   VIII. 

Dendroeea  Dominica.  Yellow  -  throated 
Warbler.  Adults.  Vine.,  A  Southern  Suiilax.  I 

page  lio. 

I'l.ATK    IX. 

1,  Tail,  9,  Upper  Mandible.  S,  Head  of  Bluebird.     I. 

m  lion.     !':i.;.-  llu,  mi.l'T  ]i.-.i'iin_'  r. 


All  the  Figures,  unless  otherwise  stated,  are  the  size  of  Nature. 


]> 


Foot.  5,  Tail,  6,  Head,  7,  Upper  Mandible, 8,  Sternum  of 
Blue-gray  Gnatcatcher.  9,  Tail  of  Ituby-crowned  Wren. 
10,  Sternum,  11,  Upper  Mandible,  IS,  Head  of  Chickadee. 
1 3,  He-id,  14,  Upper  mandible,  15,  Tail,  18,  Foot  of  Grent 
Cariolina  Wren.  16,  Upper  mandible,  17,  Head,  25,  Foot, 
26,  Sternum  of  Worm-eating  Warbler.  19,  Tongue,  (twice 
life-size,)  20,  Sternum,  21,  Upper  Mandible,  22,  Head  of 
Crested  Titmouse.  23,  Sternum,  24,  Tongue  (twice  life- 
size,)  df  AVhite-bellied  Nuthatch.  27,  Head,  2*,  Upper 
Mandible  Blackburnian  Warbler.  29,  Sternum  of  Yel- 
low-rumptd  Warbler.  30,  Upper  Mandible,  31,  Head, 
37,  Foot  of  Long-billed  Marsh  Wren.  32,  Sternum  of 
llou^c  Wren  (A,  side,  B,  front  view.)  33,  Foot,  34,  Wing, 
35,  Head.  36,  Upper  Mandible,  38,  Sternum  of  Titlark.  Fa- 
ces page  40. 

PLATE  X. 

I.  I  lead;  5,  Sternum;  of  Bay-winged  Sparrow.  2, 
Head;  7,  Sternum;  of  Lark  Finch.  3,  Head:  11,  Sternum; 
of  Fox-colored  Sparrow.  4,  Head;  6,  Sternum;  of  Song 
Sparrow.  9,  Head;  22,  Sternum;  of  Cardinal  Grosbeak. 
8,  Sternum;  ot  Swamp  Sparrow.  14,  Head;  10.  Sternum; 
of  Purple  Finch.  12,  Sternum;  of  White-eyed  Towhee. 
13,  Sternum:  of  Biackand  White  Shore  Finch.  15,  Head; 
16,  Upper  Mandible;  21,  Sternum;  of  Bobolink.  17, 
Head;  27,  Sternum;  of  Cow  Bunting.  18,  Head;  of  Yel- 
low-winged Sparrow-  19,  Head;  20,  Sternum;  of  Itcd- 
winged  Blackbird.  23,  Head;  28,  Sternum;  of  Yellow- 
headed  Blackbird.  24,  Sternum;  25,  Up|>er  Mandible;  2(1, 
Head;  of  Meadow  Lark  Faces  page  124. 

PLATE  XI. 

Vireo  Philadelphicus.  Philadelphia  Vir- 
eo. Adult.  Vine,  Yellow  Jessamine.  Faces  page  472. 


PLATE    XII. 


Sternum  of  Canada  Jay.     Faces  page  160. 


PLATE  XIII. 

Certhiola  B  a  h  a  m  e  n  s  i  s  Yellow-rumpcd 
Creeper.  Adult.  Plant,  Scarlet  Sage  from  Key  West. 
Faces  page  84. 

PLATK  XIV 

I,  Larynx  of  King  Bird,  (enlarged.)  O,  Oesophagus; 
St,  Stsrno-trachealis.  (elevated);  Ba,  Bronclio-tnichealis 
anticus;  B  B,  Bronchialis;  B.  Bronchial  Tube.  2,  Head  of 

Canada  Jay.  3.  C..r:u-oid,  4,  I  'p|H.-r  Mandihle,  G,  Head  of 
(J real  Crested  Flycatcher.  7,  Sternum  of  Acadian  Fly- 
catcher, 8.  Head;  10,  Upper  Mandihle  of  (.Jray  Kingbird. 
9  Head,  11,  12,  Sternum  of  Belted  Kingfisher.  13,  I],  per 
Mandible.  II  Head  of  Yeilow-l>elliod  Flycotcher.  15,10, 
Sternum.  29  I'pprr  Mandible,  30  Head  of  Night  Hawk. 
17  I  It-ad,  1H  Sternum,  i-'.'i  I'pper  Mandible  of  l'.ii.li;c  I'ewee. 
Ill  Sternum.  20  Head,  v>l  Upper  Mandible  ,,(  \\",»  d  I'ewee. 
•J-J  Pectinated  mid. Id-  toe  nail,  24.  Head,  251'pjKT  mandible, 
2(i.  '-7,  Sternum,  -JS,  Scapula  of  Whippoorwill.  Faces  pane 
170. 

PLATE   XV. 

A  egi  ft  1  i  t  i*  m  o  n  t  a  n  u  s  ,  Mountain  1'lowT. 
Adult.  A  e  g  i  a  I  i  t  i  s  i  o  <•  i  I C  r  o  u  s  .  Killdeer  1'loV- 
cr.  Young.  Fa.  i  -  |.a^e  !!<>0. 

-.i.li.H  iu;»l.:"  i.lnlt  ••;in.i  t.'ln:il.-  Ill  . 


524 


INDEX. 


PLATE  XVI. 

1,  Salivary  Glands   (6  ,one   enlarged)    and   Tongue.  2, 

es,  5,  Intes- 
same  (en- 

. ,         ,      ,  ,      ,  ,        ,  Upper 

Mandible,  15,  16,  Sternum  of  Chimney  Swift.  17,  18,  Ster- 
num. 19  Egg,  20  Larynx,  21.  Tongue,  (enlarged)  of  Ruby- 
tbroatedllumming  Bird.  22,  Foot,  23,  Upper  Mandidle,  24, 
Head  of  Mangrove  Cuckoo.  25,  26,  Sternum,  27,  Egg  of 
Black-billed  Cuckoo.  Faces  page  208. 


1,  Salivary  Glands   (6  ,one   enlarged)    and   Tong 
Stomach,  3  Flayed  body,  4,  Back  of  Wing  muscles,  5, 
tines,  7,  Front,  8,  Side  view  of  Tongue,  9,    10,  same 
larged.)     11,  Esg,  12,   Tail   Feather,  13,  Head,    14, 


PLATE  XVH. 

Dondrooca 
bler.  Adult  female. 
page  408. 


Kirtlandi. 
Plant,  Dwarf 


Kirtland's 
Wild  Rose. 


War- 
Faces 


PLATE  XVIII. 

1,  2,  Sternum,  3,  Tongue,  4,  same  (enlarged)  5,  Top  of 
Head,  6,  Head  of  Yellow-b  ;llied  AVoodpecker.  7,  Tail 
feather,  8,  9,  Sternum,  H,  Head,  18,  Tongue,  19,  same  (en- 
larged) 20,  Stomach  of  Red-bollied  AVoodpcckor.  10,  Head 
11,  Id,  Sternum,  14,  Section  of  Stomach,  15,  Stomach,  16, 
Tongue,  17.  same  (enlarged)  of  Red-headed  AVoodpecker.  21, 
Stomach,  22,  Proventriculus  gland,  (enlarged,)  23,  Pro- 
ventriculus,  opened,  24,  Il< ad,  25,  Salivary  gland,  26,  27 
Sternum  of  Golden-winged  Woodpecker.  Faces  page  224 

PLATE  XIX, 

1,  2,  Sternum,  3  ,  Head,  4,  Upper  Mandible  of  Pileated 
Woodpecker.  5,  Upper  Mandible,  6,  8,  Sternum,  7,  Head 
of  Ivory-billed  AVoodpecker.  9,  10,  Sternum  of  Hairy 
Woodpecker.  11,  Foot,  12,  Head  of  Black-backed  three- 
toed  Woodpecker.  13,  Head  of  Cockaded  Woodpecker. 
Faces  page  236. 

PLATE  XX. 

Ilelospiza  Lincoln!.  Lincoln's  Sparrow'.. 
Adult.  Plant,  Spotted  Touch-me-not.  Faces  page  392. 

PLATE  XXI. 

1,  Sternum,  2,  Inside  of  Upper  Mandible,  3,  Head,  4, 
Foot  of  Carolina  Parokeet.  5,  Sternum,  6,  Head,  7,  Foot, 
9,  Side  view  of  Bill  of  Barn  Owl.  8,  Side  view  of  Bill,  10, 
Foot,  11,  Head  of  Barred  Owl.  Faces  page  248. 

PLATR  XXII. 

Upper  fig.  .Helminthophaga  leueobron 
c  h  i  a  1  i  s  .  AVhite-throated  AVarbler.  Lower  fig. ,  H  e  1  - 
minthophaga  Lawrenci,  Lawrence's  AArar- 
bler.  Adult,  males.  Plant,  Spray  of  White  Birch.  Fa- 
ces page  508. 


PLATE   XXIII. 

1,  Sternum,  8,  Head,  9,  Furcula,  13,  Side  view  of  Bill 
of  Great  Horned  Owl.  2,  Furrula  of  Carolina  I'arokeet. 

3,  Furcula;  6,   7,   Sternum,   14,   Coracoid   <-f   Barred  Owl. 

4,  Furcula,    15,   Coracoid  of  Burn  Owl.      10,    11,  Sternum, 
12,  Furcula  of    Lung-eared   Owl.     16,   Furcuia  of  Snowy 
Owl.     Faces  page  260. 

PLATE  XXIV. 

1,  Head  of  Snowy  Owl,  2,  Sternum,  3,  Furcula,  10, 
Head  of  Mottled  Owl.  4,  Furcula,  5,  Sternum,  «,  Side 
view  of  Mandibles,  11.  Head  of  Acadian  Owl.  7,  Furcula, 
8,  9,  Sternum  of  Hawk  Owl,  Faces  page  276. 

PLATE   XXV. 

1,  Head,  2,  3,  Sternum  of   Short-eared  Owl.     4,  Foot, 

5,  Head  of  Burrowing  Owl.      6.   7,   Sternum,  8,    Head  of 
Marsh  Hawk.     9,  Head   of  Swallow-tailed    Kite.     10,  Head 
of  Mississippi  Kite.     11,  Head  of  Black  Kite.     Faces  pa^e 
292. 

PLATE  XXVI. 

1,  Head  of  Hawk  Owl.  2,  Head  of  Long-eared  Owl.  3, 
Head  of  Rough-legged  Hawk.  4,  Head,  5,  6,  Sternum  of 
Broad-winged  Hawk  7,  Sternum,  8,  Head  of  Sharp- 
shinned  Hawk.  9,  Head  of  Sparrow  Hawk.  10,  Head  of 
Goshawk,  Faces  page  312. 

PLATE  XXVII. 

Dondrocca  discolor.  Prairie  Warbler. 
Adult.  Plant,  Canada  Thistle.  Faces  page  440. 

PLATE  XXVIIt 

Dendroaca    maculosa.      Black 
Warbler.     Adult,  male.      Twig  of   Hickorv. 
344. 


and   Yellow 
Faces  page 


PLATE   XXIX. 

Dendrooca    tigrina. 
Adult,  male.     Faces  page  376' 

PLATE  XXX. 

E  in  p  i  d  o  n  a  x      A  c  a  d  i  o  u  s  .       Acadian 
catcher.      Adult.      Twig  of   White   Maple.      Faces 
188.» 


Cape  May   Warbler. 


Fly- 
page 


PLATE  XXXI. 

Dendro3ca 
bier.    Adult,  male. 


c  as  t  an  e  a  . 

Faces  page  488. 


Bay-breasted    War- 


PLATE   XXXII. 

1.  Head,  3,  4,  Sternum  of   Sandhill  Crane. 
5,  Head  of  Tropic  Bird.     Faces  page  424 


2,   Foot, 


"Correction.    On  page  188,  under  heading  for  Plate  X,  read  Plate  XXX;  and  after  "Adult  in  spring,"  omit  "with  the  nest  and  eggs." 


INDEX  OF  SCIENTIFIC  NAMES. 


Awipiter  a« 

Bernicln  438 

Jistothorus  stcllaris  43 

Cm,  JUT!  304 

brenta  440 

Jlamatores  169 

fusous  3<i3 

I'nnadun-is  438 

Jnc-eygida;  215 

Aooipitridn  3d2 

leucupsis  520 

Coccygua  21G 

Actitiirus  388 

I5ona.'ia35l 

Ainericanus  218 

Bartrnmius  388 
Jl-'ialitis  359 

unibelliis  351 
Botaurus  419 

erythropthalmus  216 
minor  220 

melixlus  303 

minor  419 

Coorebidaj  84 

nipiitamis  359 

Brachyotus  262 

Colaptea  231 

sciiii|i;iliii;\nis  363 

palustris  262 

auratus231 

fMUerasMO 

Bubi  260 

hybridus  231 

\Vilsonius361 

Vir^ininniis  260 

'Mexicanus  231 

^DgilltllUS  CIIIII'MVIIS  j'Jl 

Bubonidte  856 

Collurio  82 

linnriu  51.) 

Uucepliala  452 

borealis  514 

.I'.^trrlata  gularis  520 

albinla  453 

Ludovicianus  82 

Agelsetus  134 

clangulu  452 

excuJ>itoroit/e.i  82 

plincniceus  134 

I-landica  453 

Columba  333 

Alca  4!  17 

Buteo  3(18 

leucocephala  333 

impennis  521 

borealls  308 

Col  u  ml  'ao  333 

torda  497 

Harlani  310 

Culumhidic  333 

Alrrdini  183 

lineatu.s  311 

Colymbidaj  493 

Aleidaa4U7 

Pennsylvanicus  315 

Colymbus  493 

A!ect.irides422 

iSwainsoni  313 

Arcticus  494 

Aiuiiiodriuuiis  1  19 

Buteonida3  308 

septentriniiiili^lOl 

caudaeutus  122 

Calnmospiza  biculor  519 

torquatu^  493 

maritiimis  !•_'! 

Calidris  386 

Contopus  176 

melanoli'iH'iis  11!) 

arenaria  386 

borealis  176                . 

Am  pel  iila:  77 

Campephilus  837 

virens  178 

Ampeli-.  77 

principal  is  237 

Conurus  248 

ccdroruui  77 

Caprimulgi  197 

Carolinensis  248 

garrulus  513 

Caprimulgidae  198 

Corvidse  153 

ADM  i  n> 

Cardinalis  108 

COITUS  153 

boschas  440 

Virginianus  108 

Americnnus  l.r;5 

uliscura  441 

Carpodacus  110 

carnivoru.s  153 

Anatid;e  436 

C'ali/'ornicus  110 

ossifmgus  lr:9 

Anous  4N1 

Cqssini  110 

Coturniculus  127 

stnl  idus4Hl 

purpurcus  110 

ilenslovi  518 

Anser  437 

CathartidiB  327 

Leconti  519 

albifrons  438 

Catharista  331 

pa.-serinus  127 

hyperboreus  437 

atrata  S31 

Crex  pratensis  520 

Anthus  li 

Cathartes  328 

Crotnphaga  ani  520 

Ludovicianus  44 

eura  328 

Cupidona  349 

Antrustoinus  202 

Centurus  2'J(i 

cupido  350 

Carnlincnsis  205 

Carolinus226 

Cuculi  215 

vociferus  202 

Certliia  fatniliaris  505 

Cyanocitta  164 

Aquihi  319 

Oerthiola84 

Floridana  164 

chrysnetus  31!) 
Aquilidao3l8 

flaveola  84 
Ceryle  194 

Cyanospiza  86 
cins  86 

Arainidao  425 

alcyon  194 

cyanca  515 

Aiamus425 

Cerylidac  193 

Cyanurus  161 

soiloparrus  425 

Chsetura  208 

cristatus  Ki2 

Archibuteo  310 

pelasgia  208 

Cygnus  436 

IngopuH  317 

Chjeturidas  208 

Ameriranu-^  436 

Arden  405 

Clianiicpelin  340 

buccinator  437 

caerulea  414 

pas-«rina  310 

Cypseli  208 

camlidisMtmi  410 

i'Jharadridas  357 

Datila  443 

citretta  409 

Charadrius  358 

aciita  443 

herodins  405 

fulvus  358 

Dendrocygna  fulva  520 

Ludoviciana  413 

Chaulelasmus  1  1  1 

Oendroeca  48 

iii'cidcntalis  406 

streperus  444 

estiva  58 

Peali411 

Chondestes  104 

Auduboni  519 

rufa  412 

graminata  104 

Blnckburniii!  507 

virescens  415 

Cbordeiles  198 

carbonata  521 

Wurdcinanni  407 

popetue  198 

castnnen  5(i7 

Ardeidaj  405 

Chrysomitri-  h9 

eocrulea  .r>(i7 

Ardi'tta  420 

pinus  91 

ciironata  51 

exUix490 

tri<tis  89 

di-O'lur  ,J!> 

Astur  :«>6 

Circi: 

dniiiinica  60 

atricapillus  3(ili 

cyanm*  282 

Kinliin.li  5(is 

A-liii-ina  nil  ida  .Wil 

l.uru-  42 

maciilosa  .111 

Atbcnite978 

piilu.-tri-  42 

niiintana  .'jjl 

Dendrncca  1'cnnsylvanicn  508 
pica  48 

caorulcscenn  54 

striata  49 

tigrina  55 

Tpwnsondi  520 

virens  506 
Dolichonyx  12!) 

ury/ivorus  129 
Ectopistes  335 

migratoria  335 
Klanus  293 

leucurus  293 
Empidonnx  183 

Acndicus  188 

flaviventris  191 

minimus  183 

Irailli  1P6 

Ercmophila  nlpcstris  505 
Krisimitura  459 

Dominica  520 

rubida  459 
Eusniza  Amori'-ana  518 

Townsendi  521 
Falco  295 

se^alon  52<1 

candicans  ail 

columliarius  297 

communis  299 

lanarius  520 

Fp:irverius295 
r'alnmi  2H1 
Kalconida)  294 
Fulica  434 

Americana  434 
Fuligiila  449 

affinis4EO 

collaris  450 

ferina  •!•'! 

marila  449 

viillisncria  451 
Fregetta  Lnwrenci  520 
GallinaB  344 
GallinHgo  375 

Wilsoni  375 
Gallinula  432 

galeata  432 

marl  inii-a  433 
Geothlypi.s  66 

Philadelphia  510 

trichas66 
(jeotrygon  341 

mart  mini  3-11 
(Jraculidae  468 
Gn.culiiH  469 

carbo  470 

diloplms  469 
(Jruidu-  I-J-J 
Grus  422 

Americana  424 

Cana<lcnsis  422 
(Juiraca  ijocrulca  517 

Ludoviciana  517 

melamici'pl'ala  520 
Efomatupodkue  :i(i"i 

llil'llial'ipli-  .'if,.', 
palliatus  :;ii:, 

Elaliaetidee 

llaliai-lii-  320 

|riH',K!rplmIus  32I 


INDEX  OF  COMMON  NAMES. 


Acadian 

Flycatcher  188 

Owl  274  [02 

Acuminate-billed  Warblers 
American 

Avocet  308 

Bittern  4  lit 

Cuckoos  210 

Parokeets  248 

Haven  153 

Swifts  208 

Vultures  327 

Widgeon  444 

Woodcock  373 
Anhingas  470 
Ani  520 
Appendix  503 
Arctic 

Owls  266        » 

Tern  478 

Arkansas  Flycatcher  519 
Audubon's  Wai  bier  519 
Avocets  368 
Auk, 

Great  521 

Little  499 

Razor-billed  497 
Auks,  497 

Little  499 

Puffins,  etc.  497 
Bachman's  Warbler  510 
Baird's  Sandpiper  380 
Baltimore  Oriole  142 
Banded  three-toed 

Woodpecker  247 
Bank  Swallow  75 
Barnacle  Goose  520 
Barn 

Owl  254 

Swallow  73 
Barred  Owl  256 
Bartram's  Sandpiper  388 
Barrow's  Golden-eye  453 
Bay-breasted  Warbler  507 
Bay  Ducks  449 
Hay-winged  Sparrow  103 
Bell's  Vireo  519 
Belted  Kingfisher  194 
Bewick's  Wren  505 
Bird, 

Blue  23 

Butcher  82 

Cat  19 

Cedar  77 

Indigo  515 

King  172 

Man-of-war  472 

Mocking  16 

Oven  12 

Rice  12!l 

Snake  470 

Summer  Red  85 
Bird  Owls  269 
Birds, 

Diving  493 

Frigate  471 

Humming  212 

{long-winged  171 

Perching  1 

Shore  :;;><; 


Birds,  Singing  1 

Snow  92  ' 

Songless  169 

Tropic  473 
Bittern, 

American  419 

Least  420 
Bitterns,  419 

Little  420 
Black  and  White 

Creeper  67 

Shore  Finch  119 

Woodpeckers  i'39       [56 
Black  and  Yellow  Warbler 
Black-backed  Three-toed 

Woodpecker  245 
Black-bellied  Plover  357 
Black-hilled  Cuckoo  210 
Blackbird, 

Blue-headed  519 

Cow  131 

Crow  148 

Red-winged  134 

Rusty  146 

Yellow-headed  137 
Blackbirds, 

Boat-tailed  147 

Parasitical  131 
Blackhurnian  Warbler  507 
Black-capped 

Titmice  3(1 

Titmouse  30 

Fulmar  489 
Black 

Cormorant  409 

Duck  441 

Guillemot  500 

Sea  Ducks  457 

Skimmers  482 

Terns  481 

Woodpeckers:  234 
Black-head, 

Greater  449 

Little  450 
Black-headed 

Buzzard  331 

Finch  87 

Grosbeak  520 
Black-masked  Duck  520 
Black-necked  Stilt  368 
Black-polled  Warbler  49 
Black-shouldered  Kite  293 
Black-throated 

Blue  Warbler  54 

Bunting  518 

Green  Warbler  506 

Loon  494 
Blue 

Bird  23 

Gray  Gnatcatcher  28 

Grosbeak  517 

Hawks  306 

Jay  162 

Jays  161 

Mountain  Warblor  521 

Sparrows  86 

Warbler  507  [G5 

Yellow-backed  AVarbler 
Blue-headed 

Blackbird  519 


Blue-headed  Dove  343 

Vireo  81 
Blue-Winged 

Teal  446 

Yellow  Warbler  508 
Boat-tailed 

Blackbirds  147 

Grackle  151 
Bobolink  129 
Bohemian  Waxwing  513 
Bonaparte's 

Flycatcher  521 

Gull  486 

Sandpiper  382 
Booby  Gannet  465 
Brant  Goose  440 
Brewer's  Sparrow  519 
Brewster's  Linnet  519 
Bridge  Pewee  181 
Bridled  Tern  520 
Broad-winged  Hawk  315 
Brush  Grouse  351 
Brown 

Creeper  505 

Pelican  467 

Thrush  21 

Brown-headed  Nuthatch  33 
Buff-breasted  Sandpiper  390 
Buffon's  Skua  488 
Buffle-hend  453 
Buffy  Sandpipers  390 
Bunting, 

Black-throated  518 

Henslow's  518 

Lark  519 

Leconte's  519 

Snow  516 

Townsend's  £21 
Buntings, 

Ground  112 

Rice  129 

Burrowing  Owl  279 
Bush  Jays  164 
Butcher 'Birds  82 
Buzzard  Hawks  308 
Buzzard, 

Black-beaded  331 

Turkey  328 
Canada 

Flycatcher  511 

Goose  438 

Jiiy  167 

Canv.is-backed  Duck  451 
Cape  May  Warbler  55 
Caracara  Eagle  326 
Caracaras  326 
Carbonated  Warbler  521 
Cardinal  Grosbeak  108 
Carolina 

Dove  338 

Parokeet  248 

Titmouse  504 
Caspian  Tern  475 
Cat  Bird  19 
Cedar  Bird  77 
Chat, 

Stone  519 

Yellow-breasted  511 
Chatterers  77 
Chestnut-sided  Warbler  508 


Chickadee  30 
Chimney  Swift  208 
ChiT.ping  .Sparrow  ftr> 
Cincinnati  Wnrbler  519 
Chuck-will's  Wi'l..w  L05 
Clapper  Rail  4<j7 
Cliff  Swallow  512 
Cwkaded  Woiulprckcr  '.Ml 
Common 

American  Goldfinch  Hi) 

Crow  155 

Cormorant  470 

Puffin  498 

Tern  470 

Connecticut  Warbler  510 
Cooper's 

Hawk  304 

Sandpiper  521 
Coot  434 
Cormorant, 

Black  469 

Common  470 
Cormorants  468 
Corn  Crake  520 
Cory's  Shearwater  52<) 
Courlan  425 
Crane, 

Sandhill  422 

White  Whooping  424 
Cranes,  etc.  422 
Creeper, 

Black  and  White  07 

Brown  505 

Yellow-rumped  84 
Creepers, 

Yellow-rumped  84 

Honey  84 

Creeping  Warblers  67 
Crested 

Flycatchers  170 

Grebes  495 

Kingfishers  191 

Titmice  32 

Titmouse  32 
Crestless  Quail  354 
Crossbill 

Red  518 

White-winged  518 
Crow  Blackbird  148 
Crow, 

Common  155 

Fish  159 
Crows  153 
Crows  and  Jays  153 
Cuckoo, 

Black-billed  216 

Mango  220 

Yellow-billed  218 
Cuckoos,  215 

American  216 

White-breasted  215 
Curlew, 

Esquimaux  400 

Hudson  ian  399 

Long-billed  398 
Curlews  397 
Curlew  Sandpiper  385 
Curved-billed 

Hawks  -JKt 

Thrushes  Ul 


INDEX 


529 


Currier's  Kinglet  521 
Darter-  170 
Disked  Owl-  .Vi3 
Diving  Birds  493 
Dove, 

Blue-headed  313 

(  .miuiii  :t::s 

Ground  : 
Key  West  311 
White-beaded  333 
Zenaida339 

Doves,  333 

Ground  3-11 

Little  340 

Quail  313 

Mourning  337 

Short-tailed  339 

Turtle  337 

Downy  Woodpecker  212 
Duck. 

Black  111 

Blaoked-manked  520 

Canvas-hack  451 

Kider  450 

Cii.lw.ill  -Ml 

( ioldeii-cyed  452 

Harlequin -151 

Labrador  455 

Mallard  440 

Pin-tail  4-13 

King-necked  450 

Ruddy  459 

Shoveller  448 

Surf  458 

Tree  520 

Velvet  459 

Ducks  Geese,  etc.  435 
Ducks, 

Bay  449 

Black  Sea  455 

Kresli  Water  440 

Cray  444 

Sea  455 

Short-billed  Sea  434 

Spoon-hilled  1 17 

Sprig-tailed  443 

Si  ill- tailed  459 

Tooth-billed  400 

Tree  452 

Dusky  Shearwater  492 
Basic, 

Carneara  326 

(i  olden  319 

Washington  521 

White-headed  3S1 
Eagles,  319 
"  Fish  320 

True  318 

Sea  320 

Vulture  300 
Eared  Owls  262 
Egret, 

Peal's  411 

llrddish  412 
Eider  Duck  450 
English 

Teal  520 

Widgeon  445 
Esquimaux  Curlew  <100 
European  Woodcock  520 
Evening  Grosbeak  519 

Everglade  Kite  284 
Fnlcon, 

JcrSOl 

Lanicr  520 

Peregrine  299 
K» Icons  'Jill 

True  2!).", 

Feather-!, •L'ge.l  Hawk-  :;i(i 
Field  Spiirrow  U7 


Finch,  [119 

Black  and  White  Shore 

Black-headed  87 

Cray  Shore  121 

Lark  104 

Pine  \V  .....  1  125 

Purple  110 

Sharp-tailed  122 
Pinches,  Sparrows,  etc.  86 
Finches, 

Little  87 

Crass  125 

Purple  110 

Shore  119 
Fish 

Crow  159 

Eagles  220 

Iliiwk  324 
Flamingos  435 
Flamingo,  Scarlet  435 
Florida 

Gallinule  432 

Heron  407 

Jay  164 
Flycatcher, 

Acadian  188 

Arkansas  519 

Bonaparte's  521 

Foik-  tailed  519 

Great-crested  170 

Least  183 

Olive-sided  176 

Say's  519 

Small-headed  521 

Swallow-tailed  520 

Traill'.s  186 

Yellow-bellied  191 
Flycatchers, 

Crested  170 

Little  183 

Tyrant  169 
Fork-tailed 

Flycatcher  519 

Frigate  Birds  472 

Gull  4H7 

Humming  Birds  212 

Kites'290 
Foster's  Tern  477 
Four-toed  Plovers  357 
Fox-<-olored  Sparrow  100 
Franklin's  Gull  520 
Fresh  Water  Ducks  440 
Frigate  Birds,  472 

Fork-tailed  472 
Fulmar.  Black-capped  489 
Fulmar  Petrel  489 
Fulmars  489 
Ca.lwall  Duck  444 
Calliniile. 

Florida  432 

Purple  433 
Gallinulcs  432 
Gannet,  463 

Booby  465 
Gannets  462 
Geese,  etc,  434 


Long-billed  437 

Short-billed  i:;-i 
Glaucous  Cull  482 

C  lossy  Ibis  402 
Coat-suckers  197 

God  wit, 

llud<ni,ian  390 
Marbled  396 
God  wits  .Tin 

Golden  Eiigle  31!! 
Gulden-rye,  Harrow's  453 
Golden-eyed  Duck  452 
Golden  Plover  358 


lolden-winged 

Wi'.rbler  5d<> 

Woodpecker  231 
lolden-crowned 

Kinglet  25 

Thrush  12 

Wren  25 
roldfinob, 

Common  American  89 
ioose, 

Barnacle  520 

Brant  440 

Canada  438 

Snow  437 

White-fronted  430 
Goshawk  306 
Grackle, 

Boat-tailed  151 

Purple  148 

Rusty  146 
Grass 

Finches  125 

Sparrows  NX) 
Gray  Ducks  444 

Jays  167 

Kingbird  174 

Owls  256 

Shore  Finch  121 
Cray-winged  Gull  521 
Great 

Auk  521 

Black-backed  Gull  483 

Blue  Heron  405 

Carolina  Wren  37 

Crested  F  lycatcher  170 

Gray  Owl  258 

Horned  Owl  200 

Loon  493 

Northern  Shrike  514 

White  Heron  408 
Greater  Black-head  449 

Shearwater  492 

Yellow-legs  394 
Grebe, 

Horned  496 

Pied-billed  496 

Red-necked  495 
Grebes,  495 

Crested  495 

Thick-billed  4<J6 
Green-backed  Hummers  212 
Gre?nleta  7H 
Greenshanks  520 
Green-winged  Teal  447 
Grosbeak, 

Blue  517 

Blue-headed  520 

Cardinal  108 

Evening  519 

Pine  515 

Rose-brensted  517 
Grosbeaks,  Cardinal  108 

Ground 

Buntings  112 
Dove  340 
Dora  Ml 

Warblers  66 

Owls  278 

(•rouse,  etc.  344-340 
Grouse, 

Brush  351 

Prairie 

Kulled251 

Sharp-tailed  520 

Spruce  347 

Wood  347 
Guillemot, 

Btiick  500 

Ringed  521 

Thick-billed  Ml 


Guillemots  500 
Gull. 

Bonaparte's  486 

Franklin's  520 

Fork-tailed  487 

Glaucous  4>-2 

Gray-wiiiired  521 

Great  Black-backed  483 

Herring  484 

Hooded521 

Hutch  ins  521 

Ivory  487 

Kitt'iwake  486 

Laughing  485 

Mew  520 

Ring-billed  485 

Short-legged  521 

Wedge-tailed  520 

White-winged  483 
Gulls,  482 

Fork-tailed  487 

White  487 
Gulls  and  Terns  474 
Upland's  Hawk  310 
I  liirle.] u in  Duck  454 
Harriers  282 
Hairy  Woodpecker  239 
Iliiwk,  Brad-winged  315 

Cooper's  304 

Fish  324 

Harland's  310 

Marsh  282 

Prairie  520 

Pigeon  297 

Red-shouldered  311 

Red-tailed  3(18 

Rough-legged  317 

Sparrow  2!l."i 

Swains. iifs  313 
Hawk  Owl  277 
Hawks, 

Blue  306 

Buzzard  308 

Curved-billed  284 

Feather  legged  316 

Fish  324 

Naked-legged  3T.8 

Night  I9n 

Sharp-shinned  303 

Short-winged  302 
Hawks,  etc.  2M1 
Henslow's  Bunting  518 
Hermit  Thrush  8 
lleron, 

Florida  407 

Great  Bluc4(>5 

(ireat  White  408 

Little  Blue  111 

Little  Green  415 

Louisana  413 

Night  410 

Siiuwy  410 

White  409  [418 

Yellow-crowned  Night 
Herons,  405 
Herons,  etc.  400 
Herons,  True  4(15 
llcn-ingGull484 
Highland  Sandpipers  388 

1  'reepersfcH 
Hooded 

M.TL'ilP.MT     KiJ 

Golf 081 

Warbler  512 
Hooting  Ow, 
Homed 

Grebe  496 
Lu  k  505 

Owhaoo 

House  Wren  li'.i 


530 


INJ)KX. 


Hudson  inn 

Curlew  399 

(iodwit  396 

Titmouse  504 
Hummer,  Mango  519 
Hummers,  Green-bucked  212 
Humming  Bird, 

Ruby-throated  212 
Humming  Birds,  212 

Pork-tailed  212 
Huron  Scoter  521 
Hutchin's  Gull  521 
Ibis, 

Glossy  402 

Scarlet  520 

White  401 

Wood  404 

Ibises  and  Spoonbills  401 
Ibises,  401 

Wood  404 
Indigo  Bird  515 
Ivory-hilled  Woodpecker  237 
Ivory  Gull  487 
•lay, 

Blue  161 

Canada  167 

Florida  164 
Jays, 

Bush  164 

Gray  167 
Jer  Falcon :  01 
Kentucky  Warbler  511 
Key  West  Dove  341 
King  Bird,  172 

Gray  174 
King  Birds  172 
K  ing  Eider  457 
Kingh'sher, 

Crested  193 

Belted  194 
Kingfishers,  193 

Belted  194 
Kinglet, 

Curvier's  521 

Golden-crowned  25 

Ruby-crowned  27 
Kinglets  25 
King  Rail  428 
Killdcer  Plover  360 
Kirtland's  Warbler  508 
Kite, 

Black-shouldered  293 

Everglade  2H4 

Mississippi  292 

Swallow-tailed  290 
Kites,"281 

Fork-tailed  290 

Prairie  291 

White-tailed  293 
Kittiwake  Gull  486 
Labrador  Duck  455 
Lanier  Falcon  520 
Upland  Longspur  516    [503 
Large-billed   Water  Thrush 
Lark 

Bunting  519 

Kinch  104 
Lark, 

Horned  505 

Meadow  139 
Lnuuhing  Gull  485 
Lawrence's 

Petrel  520 

Warbler  509 
loach's  Petrel  490 
Least  Bittern  420 

Flycatcher  183 

Sandpiper  380 

Tern  479 


Leconte's  Bunting  515 
Lesser  Yellow-legs  393 
Lincoln's  Sparrow  517 
Linnet,  Brewster's  519 
Little 

Auk  499 

Bitterns  420 

Black-hcmd  450 

Black  Rail  432 

Blue  Heron  414 

Doves  340 

Finches  87 

Flycatchers  183 

Green  Heron  415 

Warblers  65 
Logger-head  Shrike  82 
Long-billed 

Curlew  39R 

Geese  437 

Marsh  Wren  42 

Rails  426 
Long-eared 

Owl  265 

Owls  264 
Long-legged 

Owls  279 

Sandpipers  378 
Longspur, 

Lapland  516 

MeCowin's  519 

Painted  519 
Long-tailed 

Duck  455 

Owls  277 

Parrots  248 

Tropic  Birds  473 
Long-winged  Birds  474 
Loon, 

Black-throated  494 

Great  493 

Red-throated  494 
Loons  493 
Louisana  Heron  413 
Mallard  Duck  440 
Mango  Hummer  519 
Mangrove  Cuckoo  220 
Man-of-war  Bird  472 
Marbled  Godwit  396 
Maryland  Yellow-throat  66 
Marsh 

Hawk  282 

Snipes  376 

Tern  474 

Wrens  42 

MeCowin's  Longspur  519 
Meadow  Lark  139 
Mealy  Red  Poll  521 
Merganser.  460 

Hooded  462 

Red  breasted  461 
Merlin  520 
Mew  Gull  520 
Mocking  Bird  16 
Mottled  Owl  270 
Mountain  Plover  359 
Mourning 

Warbler  510 

Doves  337 

Migratory  Thrush  2 
Mississippi  Kite  292 
Murre  GOO 

Naked-breasteii  Vultures  328 
Naked-Iegired  Hawks  308 
Nashville  Warbler  63 
Night  Heron  416 
Night-jars  198 
Noddy* 481 
Noddy  Tern  481 
Nonpareil  86 


Northern  Phalnropc  371 
Nuthatch, 

Brown-headed  3 

Red-bellied  504 

White-bellied  35 
Nuthatches  33 

Proper  33 
Olive-barked  Thrush  6 
Olive-sided  Flycatcher  176 
Orange-crowned  Warbler  62 
Orchard  Oriole  144 
Oregon  Snowbird  519 
Oriole, 

Baltimore  142 

Orchard  144 
Orioles  142 

Orioles  and  Starlings  129 
Osprey  324 
Oven  Bird  12 
Owl, 

Acadian  274 

Barn  254 

Barred  256 

Burrowing  279 

Great  Gray  258 

Great  Horned  2fiO 

Hawk  277 

Long-eared  265 

Mottled  270 

Richardson's  276 

Short-eared  262 

Snowy  267 
Owls,  253 

Arctic  266 

Barn  234 

Bird  2o9 

Disked  253 

Eared  2f!2 

Gray  256 

Ground  278 

Hooting  256 

Horned  260 

Long-legged  279 

Long-tailed  277 

Small  274 

Small  Eared  269 

White  267 
Oyster  Catcher  365 
Painted  Longspur  519 
Pallid  Sparrow  101 
Parakeet,  Carolina  248 
Parokeets,  American  248 
Parrots,  248 

Long- tailed  248 
Parasitical  Blackbirds  131 
Partridge  355 
Peale's 

Egret  411 

Petrel  520 
Pectoral  Sandpiper  381 
Pelican, 

Brown  467 

\V Lite  466 
Pelicans,  etc.  462 
Perching  Birds  1 
Peregrine  Falcon  299 
Petrel, 

Lawrence's  520 

Leach's  490 

Peale's  520 

Stormy  491 

Wilson's  491 
Petrels,  489 

Stormy  490 
Pewee, 

Bridge  181 

Wood  178 
Pewees  176 
Phalarope,  Northern  371 


Phalarope,  Red  372 

Wilson's  270 
Phalaropes  370 
Miiladelpfaia  Vireo  513 
'hffibe  181 
•hashes  180 
'ied-billcd  Grebe  496 
'igeon  Hawk  297 
Pigeon,  Wild  335 
Pigeons  335 
Piireons,  etc.  332 
Piieated  Woodpecker  234 
Pine 

Goldfinch  91 

Grosbeak  515 

Wood  Finch  125 

Warbler  48 
Pintail  Duck  443 
Piping  Plover  363 
Plover, 

Black-bellied  357 

Golden  358 

Killdeer  360 

Mountain  359 

Piping  363 

Ring-neck  363 

Wilson's  361 
Plovers,  357 

Four-toed  357 

liinged  359 

Three-toed  358 
Pomarine  Skua  488 
Prairie 

Grouse  349-350 

Hawk  520 

Kites  291 

Sparrows  104 

Warbler  59 

Prothonotary  Warbler  506 
Ptarmigan, 

Rock  349 

White  348 
Ptarmigans  348 
Puffin,  Common  498 
Puffins  4!)8 
Purple 

Finch  1 10 

Gallinule433 

Crackle  148 

Martin  71 

Sandpiper  383 
Qjuail  355 

Quails,  Crestless  354 
Quails,  etc.  354 
Rail. 

Carolina  430 

Clapper  427 

Little  Black  433 

King  428 

Virginia  428 

Yellow  431 
Rails,  etc.  426 
Rails, 

Long-billed  426 

Short-billed  430 
Razor-billed  Auk  497 
Red-Backed  Sandpiper  385 
Red-bellied 

Nuthatch  504 

"\V.>,,clpecker226 
Red-breasted 

Merganser  461 

Sandpiper  385 

Snipe  376 

Teal  520 
Red 

Crossbill  5H 

Phalarope  372 

Poll  515 


INDEX 


531 


Red  Poll,  Meaiv  521 

Reddish  Kuret  H-J 

Red-eved 

Towhee  112 
Yireo  73 
Ked-llead  l.'.l 

Red-headed  Woodpecker 289 
Bed-necked  Grebe  495 

Red-shouldered  Hawk  311 
Redstart  G'.» 
Red-tailed  Hnwk  308 
Red-throated  Loon  lill 
K  /d-winged  Blackbird  134 
Rice 

Bird  129 

Buntings  129 
Richardsi  in's 

Skua  488 

Owl  276 

Ring-billed  Cull  485 
Ringed 

'Guillemot  521 

]' lovers  35!) 
Rinir-neck  Plover 303 
King-necked  Duck  450 
Robin  2 
Bock 

Inhabitcrs  23 

Ptarmigan  34'J 
Roseate 

Spoonbill  403 

Tern  478 

Roue-breasted  (irosbcak  517 
Rough-legged  Hawk  317 
Rough-winged  Swallow  76 
Royal  Tern  475 
Ruby-oi'owm  d 

Kinglets? 

Wren  97 
Ruby-throated 

Humming  Bird  212 
Ruddy  Duck  459 
Kull'387 

Ruffed  Grouse  351 
Kuf, us  Sparrow  106 
Rusty 

Blackbirds  110 

Grackle  1  Hi 
Sanderling  386 
Sandhill  Oranc422 
Sandpiper, 

I!iiird's380 

Bartram's  388 

Bonaparte's  3*2 

Buff-breasted  390 

Curlew  385 

Least  380 

1 'etoral  381 

Purple  383 

Red-baeked  384 

Red-breasted  3H5 

Semipalmatfd  379 

Spotted  391 

Stilt  398 
Sandpipers,  379 

Buffy  390 

EigfatandMB 

Long-legged  3*8 

Three-toed  380 

Tilting  391 

Savannah  Sparrow  100 
Say's  Flycatcher  519       [237 
Scarlet-crested  Woodpeckers 
Scarlet 

Flamingo  435 

1  his  520 

Tanager  514  , 

Scoter.  457 

Huron  521 
Sea  Ducks  451 


Sea  Eagles  320 
tanipoiiaateu  Sandpiper  :'".'.> 

Sharp-shinned  Hawk  3i>3 

Sharp-tailed 

Finch  1-J-J 

Grouse  520 
Sliearwater, 

Cory's  520 

Husky  492 

Greater  403 

Sooty  521 
Shearwaters  492 
Shore 

Birds  356 

Finches  119 
Short-billed 

Creese  438 

Marsh  Wren  43 

Rails  430 

Sea  Ducks  454 
Short-eared  Owls  262 
Short-legged  Gull  521 
Sliorl-tailed 

Dora  330 

Tern  481 
Short-winged  Hawks  302 
Shoveller  Duck  418 
Shrike 

Great  Northern  514 

Loggerhead  82 
Shrikes  8:? 
Silvery  Warbler  28 
Singing  Birds  1 
Skimmer,  Black  482 
Skua  520 

Puffon'i48« 

Pumarinc  4f^8 

Richardson's  48S 
Skuas  488 

Small-eared  Owls  i.'69 
Smaller 

Owls  274 

Thrushes  12 
Small-headed  Flycatcher  521 
Snake  Bird  47o 
Snipe, 

Red-breasted  376 

Wilson's  375 
Snipes  375 
Snipes,  etc.  373 
Snowbird, 

Black  73 

Oregon  519 
Snowbirds  92 
Snow 

Buntins  516 

Goose  437 
Snowy 

Heron  410 

Owl2«7 
Solitary 

Tattler  393 

Vireo  81 

Songless  Birds  169 
Song  Sparrow  115 
Sooty 

Shearwater  521 

Tern  480 
Sparrow. 

Bay-winged  103 

Brewer's  519 

Chipping  95 

Field  97' 

Fox-colored  106 

Lincoln's  517 

I'ailid  101 

Savannah  lr,0 

Song  115 

Swamp  117 

TreeT.  Hi 


Sparrow, 

White-crowned  51(5 

Yellow-winged  l-'7 
Sparrow  Hawk  «.i»5 
Sparrows, 

Bay-winged  103 

Blue  86 

( ',  rass  100 

Prairie  104 

Rufous  106 

Song  115 

Swamp  117 

True  94 

Yellow-shouldered  127 

Zone-throated  98 
5poonbilled  Duck  447 
Spoonbill,  Roseate  4i  3 
Spotted  W(X>dpeckcrs  231 
S|->rig-tailed  Duck  443 
Square-tailed  Vultures  331 
Stiff-tailed  Ducks  459 
Stilt,  Black-necked  368 
Stilts  367 
Stone  Chat  519 
Stormy  Petrel  490 
Summer  Redbird  85 
Surf  Duck  458 
Swainson's 

Hawk  313 

Warbler  47 
Swallow, 

Bank  75 

Barn  73 

Cliff512 

Rough-winged  76 

White-bellied  72 
Swallows  70 

Swallows  and  Martins  70 
Swallow-tailed 

Flycatcher  520 

Kite  290 

Swamp  Sparrow  117 
Swan, 

Trumpeter  437 

Whistling  436 
Swcns  436 

Swans,  Ducks,  etc.  436 
Swift,  Chimney  2C8 
Swifts,  208 

American  208 
Tannger,  Scarlet  514 
Tanagers,  85 

Tooth-billed  85 
Tattlers  392 
Tawny  Thrash  10 
Teal. 

Blue-winged  446 

English  5iO 

Green-winged  447 

Red-breasted  520 
Teals  446 

Tennessee  Warbler  510 
Tern, 

Arctic  478 

Bridled  520 

Caspian  475 

( 'oimnon  476 

Foster's  477 

I  ml  479 

Marsh  474 

Noddy  4KI 

Roseate  478 

Royal  475 

Sandwich  476 

Short-tailed  481 

Sooty  480 

Trudeau's  520 

White-winged  E20 
Terns,  471 

Black  4M 


Thick-billed 

Grebes  496 

Guillemot  521 
Thiasher  21 
Thrush, 

Golden-crowned  12 

Hermit  8 

Large-billed  Water  503 

Migratory  2 

Olive-breasted  6 

Tawny  10 

Water  14 

Wilson's  10 

Wood  503 

Varied  519 
Thrushes, 

Brown  21 

Curve-hilled  21 

Smaller  12 
Thrushes  Proper  3 
Three-toed 

Plovers  328 

Sandpipers  386 

Woodpeckers  246 
Tilting  Sandpipers  391 
Titlark  44 
Titmice,  30 

Black-headed  30 

Crested  32 
Titmouse, 

Biaek-capped  30 

Carolina  504 

Crested  32 

Hudsonian  504 
Tooth-billed 

Ducks  460 

Tanagers  85 
Tow  bee. 

Red-eyed  112 

White-eyed  113 
Townsend's 

Bunting  521 

WarMer  520 
Traill's  Flycatcher  186 
Tree 

Duck  520 

Ducks  452 

Sparrow  516 
Tropic  Bird, 

Long-tailed  473 

Yellow-hilled  473 
Tropic  Birds  473 
Trudcau's  Tern  520 
True 

Cranes  422 

Eagles  318 

Falcons  295 

Hawks  302 

Herons  405 

Upamiws  94 

Woodpeckers  223 
Trumpeter  Swan  -137 
Turkey  Buzzard  328 
Turkey,  Wild  345 
Turnstone  366 
Turtle  Doves  337 
Tyrant  Flycatchers  109 
Varied  Thrush  519 
Velvet  Duck  459 
Vireo, 

Bell's  519 

Blue-headed  81 

Philadelphia  513 

Red-eyed  78 
u-y  81 

Warbling  513 

White-eyed  80 

.w-throat.-d  511 
VirerM  7H 
Virginia  Rail  428 


532 


1NDKX 


Vultures, 

American  327 
Naked-breasted  328 
Square-tailed  331 

Wagtail  14 

Wagtails  44 

Warhler, 

Audubons  519 
Bay-breasted  507 
Black  and  Yellow  56 
Blackburnian  507 
Black-polled  49 
Black-throated  Blue  54 
Black-throated  Green 
Blue  507  [5C6 

Blue  Mountain  521 
Blue-winged  Yellow  40S 
Blue  Yellow-back  65 
Canada  Flycatching  511 
Cape  May  55 
Carbonated  521 
Chestnut-sided  508 
Cincinnati  519 
Connecticut  510 
Golden- winged  509 
Hooded  512 
Kentucky  511 
Kinlanu''s  50H 
Lawrence's  509 
Mourning  510 
Nashville  63 
Orange-crowned  62 
Pine  48 
Prairie  59 
Prothonatory  506 
Silvery  28 
Swainson's  47 
Tennessee  510 
Townst  nd's  520 
White-throated  509 
Worm-eating  45 
Yellow  85 


Warbler, 

Yellow  Red-Polled  52 

Yellow-rumped  51 

Yellow-throated  60 
Warblers  28 

Acuminate-hilled  62 

Ground  66 

Little  65 

Wood  45 

Warbling  Vireo  513 
Washington  Eagle  521 
Water  Thrush  14 
Wax  wing,  Bohemian  513 
Waxwings  47 
Wedge-tailed  Gull  520 
Whippoorwill  202 
Whistling  Swan  436 
White-bellied 

Nuthatch  35 

Swallow  72 
White-b'reasted  Cuckoos  215 
White-crowaed  Sparrow  516 
White-eyed 

Towhee  113 

\7ireo  78 
White-fronted  Goose  438 
White 

Gulls  487 

Heron  409 

Ibis  401 

Owls  267 

Pelican  466 

Ptarmigan  348 

Whooping  Crane  424 
White-headed 

Dove  333 

Eagle  321 

White-tailed  Kites 293 
White-throated  Warbler  509 
White-winged 

Crossbill  518 

Gull  483 


White-winged  Tern  520 
Widgeon,  American  111 

English  445 
Widgeons  444 
Wild 

Pigeons  335 

Turkey  345 
Willet  394 
Wilson's 

Black-cap  512 

Petrel  491 

Phalarope  370 

Plover  361 

Snipe  375 

Thrush  10 
Winter  Wren  40 
Woodcock, 

American  373 

European  520 
Wood 

Grouse  347 

Ibis  404 

Inhabited  48 

Pewee  178 

Thrush  503 

Warblers  45 
Woodpecker, 

Banded  Three-toed  247 

Black-backed  245 

Cockaded  244 

Downy  242 

Golden-winged  231 

Hairy  239 

Ivory-billed  237 

Pileated  234 

Red-bellied  226 

Red-headed  229 

Yellow-bellied  223 
Wo  >dpecker*,  'J22 

Black  234 

Black  and  White  239 

Scarlet-crested  237 


Wood-peckers, 

Spotted  a:u 

Three-toed  545 

True  223 

Worm-eating  Warbler  45 
Wren, 

Bewick's  504 

Golden-crowned  25 

Great  Carolina  37 

House  39 

Long-billed  Marsh  42 

Ruby-crowned  25 

Short-billed  Marsh  43 

Winter  40 
Wrens,  37 

Marsh  42 
Yellow-bellied 

Flycatcher  191 

Woodpecker  223 
Yellow-billed 

Cuckoo  218 

Tropic  Bird  273 
Yellow-breasted  Chat  511 
Yellow-crowned  Night 

Heron  418 

Yellow-hened  Blackbird  137 
Yellowlegs, 

Greater  394 
v      Ijesser  393 
Yellow 

Rail  431 

Red-polled  Warbler  52 

Warbler  58 

Yellow-rumped  Creeper  K4 
Yellow-shouldered 

Sparrows  127 
Yellow-throated 

Warbler  60 

Virtu  614 

Yellow-winged  Sparrow   127 
Zenaida  Dove  339 
Zone-throated  Sparrows  98 


7**] 


.A 


The  birds 
-North 


of  eastern 


JUL   8 


Biology  I 
Library 


M192558 


THE  UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA 


